RIGBY - "It's a really big privilege to go to nationals," says Melissa Cook, Rigby Chapter Secretary.

"Hundreds and hundreds of hours we've put into this," says Cherokee Carrillo, Rigby Chapter President.

"But I'm nervous. That's one thing you can't be without nervous," says Joseph Hale, State Champion in Forestry.

Twelve students from Rigby High will compete against the best of the best and these Future Farmers of America know exactly what it takes to get to the national competition.

"Nationals, you have to qualify at a state level," says Cook.

"We took first," says Carrillo.

"Even if you're State Champion, one thing that I've learned, you don't get anything without a lot of hard work," says Hale.

Next week these kids will be put to the test as they compete in Indianapolis placing in three events. From landscaping...

"From propagation, to learning about plant science, to the business side to the marketing strategies," says Carrillo.

to horse judging...

"You have to know a lot about the horses that you'll be judging and there is different specific classes that you have to know specific things about," says Cook.

to forestry...

"Everything you learn, you get another question to answer. So what I'm hoping happens is, when we get there we know everything," says Hale.

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

"From here they'll get scholarships, they get jobs, they'll fill a resume, we're just hoping to be a big part of that," says Robert Hale, Rigby Chapter Advisor.

"Any body can do anything if they work hard at this, but this isn't about sows and plows and all that farming stuff. This is about building potential leadership and future leaders of tomorrow," says Carrillo.

"When they get there, there are good people they are going up against. They've worked hard, prepared hard, so it will be interesting to see how we do in that environment. We'll let you know when we get home how we do," says Robert Hale.

Best of luck.