On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon, Ruth Ann and Cassidy sit down with Dr. Thomas Kingery to discuss the world of agriculture education.

The Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators (KAAE) recently named Western Kentucky University (WKU) the Outstanding Post-Secondary Agriculture Education Program in the state. Dr. Kingery, who has led the program for 16 years, shares his journey from a first-generation college student to a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience.

Links:

Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators

WKU Ag Ed

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Patrick T. Grady, a veteran entertainer, humorist and the keynote speaker at this summer’s Carol Martin Gatton Leadership Training Center. Patrick shares his journey from a Florida 4-H and FFA member to a career as a professional speaker, detailing how his roots in agricultural education shaped his life.

Links:

Patrick T. Grady

University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Carol Martin Gatton Leadership Training Center

This episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders features the four agriculture teachers from Taylor County High School and Taylor County Middle School, whose program was recently named the Outstanding Ag Ed Program in Kentucky by the Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators. Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with the team to discuss the unique family culture of their program and the deep bond they share.

Links:

2023 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer - Jeffrey Sprowles

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by author and leadership coach Darleen "Coach Dar" Santore and Kentucky FFA Foundation board member Dwight Sears. The discussion centers on the transformative power of the "Pay It Forward" movement and the global ripple effect of simple acts of kindness.

Links:

Coach Dar on Instagram

Dwight Sears

Pay It Forward Day

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Mr. Dexter Knight, a recipient of the 2026 Agriculture Teachers Change Lives award. Dexter shares his insights on the essential qualities of a great teacher—emphasizing disposition and a love for the community—while discussing the evolving importance of work-life balance for the next generation of educators.

Links:

Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators

First Southern National Bank

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back a familiar face — Kentucky FFA State Vice President Matthew Estes. Matthew reflects on his final months in the blue jacket as he prepares for the upcoming state convention.

Links:

Kentucky FFA State Officers

Barren County FFA

ILSSO

John Colliver

Washington Leadership Conference

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're celebrating the Teach Ag program and the vital role of agriculture educators. Shelby Roberts, an Agriculture Education instructor at Morehead State University and Kentucky FFA Foundation board member, and Cassidy Hutchison, Kentucky FFA Foundation Program Manager join Sheldon and Ruth Ann to discuss the importance of agriculture education.

Links:

Teach Ag Kentucky

Rooted in the Classroom

Appalachian Future Educators

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink are joined by Kentucky FFA State President Aiden Manley to reflect on the annual industry tour. Over four days, Kentucky FFA state officers completed 18 visits with world-class leaders in Kentucky agriculture, gaining eye-opening and humbling insights into both professional success and personal character.

Links:

Aiden Manley

Adam Hinton

Hinton Mills

Kentucky Pork Producers

Hallway Feeds

Texas Roadhouse

Lincoln National Bank

Gatton Gift

The Sweet Shoppe

Ale8

Farm Credit

Kentucky Venues

David Beck

Maker’s Mark

Austin Hazelwood

Peterson Farms

Kentucky Corn and Small Grains

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to discuss the impact of the All In for Ag initiative and the state’s agricultural education programs. Commissioner Shell reflects on the vital partnership between his administration and Kentucky FFA, highlighting the importance of inspiring the next generation of agricultural problem solvers and celebrating the dedicated educators who make these programs possible.

Links:

Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Kristan Wright

Matt Chaliff

Bethany Mattingly

Ag Ed Week

Ag Tag Program

Gatton Gift

Raising Hope

kyagr.com

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Mr. Matthew Price, agriculture teacher at Lynn Camp High School, and his student, Chance Blevins discuss the profound impact of community support and the Kentucky FFA Foundation on chapters across Kentucky.

Mark your calendars for Give FFA Day on February 26th to help provide more students with the resources they need to lead and grow.

Links:

Lynn Camp FFA