On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Claire West, Customer Education Manager at Farm Credit Mid-America. A former high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Nelson County, Claire shares her journey from finding her place in agriculture as a student in Marshall County to pioneering an innovative, agriculture experience for her students. Join the conversation as she discusses the importance of agricultural education and her transition to educating the next generation of leaders in a new capacity.

Links:

Farm Credit Mid America

Nelson County FFA

Marshall County FFA

Balance Sheet Basics

Growing Forward Program

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On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome Melissa Miller, the Executive Director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. Together, they discuss the unique and vital partnership between Kentucky 4-H and Kentucky FFA, two organizations often viewed as competitors but that work in close collaboration to benefit the state's youth.

Links:

Kentucky 4-H Foundation

Friend of KY Agriculture Plate

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Spencer Guinn and Hunter Anne Mattingly of the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development for a critical conversation about the future of Kentucky agriculture.

The discussion focuses on farmland transition and succession planning, highlighting how families can navigate the transfer of land, leadership and legacy from one generation to the next.

Links:

Kentucky Agri Legacy Solutions Program

Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development

Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmland Transition Initiative

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U.S. Department of Agriculture

Kentucky Agricultural Development Board

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing the state officer presented at Kentucky FFA State Convention earlier this month. Kentucky FFA State Treasurer Tyren Harris and State Secretary Jacee McKeel take the stage for a creative, Broadway-inspired performance to highlight the incredible, real-life stories of FFA members and chapters from across the state. From student-led agricultural innovations and community service projects to personal resilience and overcoming adversity, Tyren and Jacee showcase how Kentucky's young leaders are stepping into the spotlight with impact, growth and purpose.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're honored to share the inspiring retiring address of the 2025–2026 Kentucky FFA State Vice President, Matthew Estes, delivered live at the 2026 Kentucky FFA State Convention. Introduced by his brothers and close friends, Matthew reflects on his transformative journey from a hesitant seventh grader to a dedicated leader.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Aiden Manley, the 2025–2026 Kentucky FFA State President. In his retiring address at state convention, Aiden shared a deeply personal journey of overcoming unexpected hardships — from a sudden childhood move to an isolated Eastern Kentucky holler, to family financial crises and a terrifying medical emergency with his sister.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Josh Mitcham, Director of the Carol Martin Gatton FFA Leadership Training Center. Josh explains why this historic camp— bursting at the seams with close to 400 students a week — remains the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Links:

Carol Martin Gatton FFA Leadership Training Center

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back two familiar faces: State FFA Secretary Jacee McKeel and State Treasurer Tyren Harris.

With less than three weeks left in their term of service, Jacee and Tyren pull back the curtain on their incredible year and give listeners a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the upcoming Kentucky State FFA Convention. From the hard work that goes into memorizing hours of scripts to adding "bigger and better" surprises for members, the duo shares what it truly means to be facilitators of an unforgettable member experience.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Annagrace Sholar and Sara Thakur from Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Tune in to hear about the massive impact of the Kentucky FFA Foundation grants, student-led entrepreneurship and the inspiring journey of cultivating the next generation of community leaders.

Links:

Teachers Turn the Key

Better Days Through Better Ways

Grants

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back a familiar face to the Kentucky FFA community, Coty Back.

Ahead of his upcoming keynote address at the Kentucky FFA State Convention, Coty shares his insights on what truly separates a good leader from a great one. From the power of daily disciplines to the invaluable nature of "human capital" and mentorship, Cody unpacks how high school students and young professionals alike can intentionally level up their leadership skills.

Links:

Coty Back LinkedIn

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