Eager attendees filled the convention center to watch respected dignitary Dr. Temple Grandin deliver a memorable speech based on her life's work and research.
Grandin has developed designs such as the Double Rail Restrainer and wrote the original Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines. These contributions improved the agricultural industry and brought new meaning to animal safety.
Grandin received the Passion for Agriculture Award for her innate ability to advocate for diversity in agriculture.
"I would like to thank the people who built things for me. About 20% of them would have been autistic, dyslexic, or ADHD. We need different kinds of minds," Grandin said.
She conducted a workshop titled "Great Minds Are Not All the Same," where members learned about different types of thinkers and how everyone can work together.
Emily Koch, Caldwell FFA member, attended the workshop and was inspired by her message. She explained that Grandin spoke about her difficult high school experience and how she overcame obstacles to become the trusted industry resource she is now.
"It was a really great experience," Koch said. "I have always wanted to go to a Temple Grandin workshop and she answered all my questions."
The academic success of Grandin represents the remarkable progress that can be made within the agricultural industry only if you do not limit yourself.
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A special thank you to the Texas FFA Foundation for aiding in the invitation of Temple Grandin to the 2023 Texas FFA Convention.
Reporter: Sophia Clark, Llano FFA / Contribution By: Emilie Clopton, Llano
Photographer: Mark Borden, Palmer FFA