In a vibrant celebration of agriculture and leadership, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organizations across the United States have been actively engaging students in various events that showcase their dedication and talents. From conventions to competitions, FFA members are stepping into roles that not only highlight their skills but also inspire future generations.
Recently, Staci Simonich, the dean of the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences, spoke passionately at the Oregon FFA State Convention, echoing the call for students to embrace their roles in the agricultural community. "Stay true to your values," she advised during her keynote address on March 21, 2025. The convention, which started on March 20 and ran through March 23 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, attracted around 15,500 members from approximately 120 chapters statewide. Simonich aimed to instill a sense of leadership and innovation, stating, "Agriculture isn’t just producing food, fiber, and fuel. It’s about leadership, it’s about innovation, and of course, it’s about resilience.
During the March 21 evening session, a highlight was the presentation of FFA degrees to 319 students for their hard work and commitment. Among the awards, Henry Bennett from Sandy, Oregon impressed the audience with his prepared public speaking competition entry on the “Beagle Brigade,” a team that uses specialized dogs to protect U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases. His engaging speech captivated the crowd, emphasizing the importance of these working animals.
The FFA weeks encourage students like Kyra Light, president of the Days Creek chapter, who plan on attending Oregon State University to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Light shared her enthusiasm, saying, “There’s no other career I would rather have,” showing the pathways that FFA creates for ambitious students.
In Ohio, the Fort Frye FFA chapter celebrated National FFA Week from February 24 to 28, 2025, by blending traditions with a focus on community and fun. Activities included dress-up days, competitions, and a teacher appreciation lunch that highlighted the staff's commitment to students and their development in agricultural education. During this vibrant week, special guests such as Ohio FFA State Treasurer Layna Gordon visited to inspire members through workshops, foster engagement and leadership.
Fort Frye members dedicated nights to events like the Greenhand Ceremony, recognizing outstanding young members and their visionary contributions to agriculture. The ceremony featured various speakers, including Ohio FFA State Vice President At Large Josie Jennings. It served not just as an acknowledgment of the accomplishments but also as a motivational platform to propel students toward future endeavors. The Star Discovery Award recipients Miley Snyder and Levi Wagner stood out among the numerous individuals recognized for their achievements in agricultural sciences.
The culmination of FFA Week saw the chapter hold a Cornhole Tournament, which not only showcased competitive spirit but also raised funds for the LA Wildfire Relief Fund, demonstrating the chapter’s commitment to community support. Proceeds of the event further exemplified how FFA combines friendly competition while promoting social causes, as expressed by the chapter, emphasizing, “The Cornhole Tournament raised money for the LA Wildfire Relief Fund.”
Meanwhile, Sleepy Eye FFA members did not hold back in promoting agricultural science through their participation in the Roland Peterson Agriculture Education Science Fair, held on March 13, 2025, at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. This competition is an essential step toward the national recognition of students' research projects focused on the application of scientific principles to agriculture.
Among those who emerged victorious at this year's fair, Kaylie Fulmer captured top honors in Division 1 for Plant Systems, while Alannah Urbano and Cassie Muehlbauer claimed their spot in Division 2 with their impressive research in Animal Systems. Their success reflects the quality of education and the dedication of FFA programs across the USA.
Alex Confer, who has shown continuous participation throughout her years in FFA, notably reached Division 5 top rankings with her Plant Systems project. The hard work of these students demonstrates the value of hands-on learning that FFA fosters, validating Dean Simonich’s assertion that hands-on experience extends life skills beyond the classroom. “Students can compete in the National Agriscience Fair as an individual or with a team,” organized fairs are structured to stimulate young minds while advancing knowledge in agricultural technologies.
As these events illustrate, the ethos of FFA shines brightly through the passion and leadership of its student members. From Oregon to Ohio, FFA showcases the potential of youth in agriculture and innovation, steering them firmly toward future leadership roles—truly lighting the way for upcoming generations in the agricultural landscape.*
