On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Secretary Jacee McKeel and Lake Cumberland Region State Vice President Clinton Corner , both freshmen at Murray State University.

Jacee and Clinton share their different FFA beginnings, key leadership qualities and their advice for members on engagement and connection.

Links:

Murray State University

Pulaski County FFA

Calloway County FFA

Kentucky FFA State Officers

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann speak with Bethany Mattingly, Division Director of Agriculture Education and Outreach with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Bethany shares her journey from building a successful urban high school FFA program to her current role leading statewide initiatives. She highlights her dedication to expanding access to agriculture education and fostering future leaders. Bethany emphasizes that great agricultural programs and initiatives are built on vision and the willingness to say "yes" to opportunities that benefit students and the community.

Links:

Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Seneca High School FFA

Niki Ellis Episode

FFA BINGO Card

Ag Education Resources

Ag Education Week Resources

KDA Ag Education and Outreach on Facebook

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we introduce you to two Kentucky FFA state officers — Anna Chaliff and Josh Brammell. Anna and Josh share their unique connection to FFA. Both officers reflect on their transformative experiences and discuss the importance of servant leadership and leading by example.

Links:

Rockcastle County FFA

Western Kentucky University

East Carter FFA

Morehead State University

SAE Grant

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're joined by Scott Cronin, an agriculture teacher and a National Wild Turkey Federation Educator of the Year. Scott shares how he connects his passion for hunting, conservation and the natural world with his agriculture classroom and Kentucky FFA students. Scott tells us how he's using deer harvest as a community service project to donate ground venison to Kentucky food banks through the Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry program.

Links:

Muhlenberg County FFA

National Wild Turkey Federation

Better Days Through Better Ways Grant

Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry

KY FFA Works

Jim Strader Outdoors Podcast

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we welcome back Kentucky FFA Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff to discuss the upcoming Kentucky FFA Centennial. The 100-year anniversary will be celebrated from the 2029 convention through 2030. Matt shares his experience compiling the state's history, including the complex story of the NFA merger. Kentucky FFA is challenging local FFA chapters to actively preserve and catalog their own history. Learn how chapters can get started by conducting oral history interviews , digitizing old scrapbooks and photos and engaging their communities with ideas like the "Oldest Jacket Contest" to capture valuable stories for the next 100 years.

Links:

Oral History Interviews

Kentucky FFA Flickr

Chapter History Project Guidelines

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State President Aiden Manley and Lincoln Trail State Vice President Dawson Hall. Aiden and Dawson share what they love about FFA, their college experience thus far and advice for younger FFA members.

Links:

John Hardin FFA

University of Kentucky Agricultural Education and Advocacy

SAE Grant

Launch Grant

Menifee County FFA

The Seeds of Success

BidFTA

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer Colson Pierce.

Links:

2025 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer

Southwestern FFA

Riley Pierce

The Millennial Farmer

@farmwithzoe

Teach Ag Kentucky

Somerset Community College

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State Star in Agricultural Placement Wade Moore. Through his SAE at Henry County Animal Clinic, Wade has gained real-world experience in animal care, from assisting in surgeries to helping on farm calls.

Links:

2025 State Star in Ag Placement

Henry County FFA

Kentucky Ag Development Fund

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State Star in Agribusiness Laney Pease. Laney is the owner of Sweet Pease Bouquets — a floral business she began as part of her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grant.

Links:

Fleming County FFA

State Star Agribusiness

SAE

Sweet Pease Bouquets

Shark Tank Grant

Kentucky Welding Institute

Western Kentucky University

Annie Armstrong Offering

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann speak with Dwight Sears, a new board member for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Dwight shares his deep-rooted connection to FFA, the stories of his family businesses and valuable advice for young people entering the workforce.

Links:

Silent Guard

Davis HVAC

Pulaski County FFA