On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Kyle Kelly, Director of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Farm Bureau and a longtime Kentucky FFA Foundation board member. As the 2026 legislative session kicks off in Frankfort, Cam provides an essential preview of the agricultural policies that will impact farmers and FFA members across the state.

Links:

Owen County FFA

Kentucky Farm Bureau

Farmland Transition Initiative

Selling Farmer Tax Credit

Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry

Join hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink as they welcome Miss Kentucky Ariana Rodriguez to the podcast. Ariana shares her incredible journey from foster care to the Miss Kentucky stage, highlighting her advocacy work with The Lucky Ones Foundation. Discover how she uses her platform to support youth in foster care and promote Kentucky agriculture.

Links:

Kentucky Proud

The Lucky Ones

The Lucky Ones Podcast

The Lucky Ones Instagram

Join hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink as they wrap up an incredible year of growth for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. In this episode, they share inspiring student stories, discuss professional and personal growth and unveil exciting plans for 2026. From impactful student experiences to the foundation's strategic goals, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on the past and a hopeful look towards the future. Tune in to hear how the foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of Kentucky's young leaders.

Links:

Supervised Agriculture Experience

Coach Kiah

Brandon Reed

Bethany Mattingly

Jeff Hayes

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, Jeff Hayes — former agriculture teacher and current Kentucky FFA Program Development Specialist — shares his journey from inspiring future educators to the importance of hands-on learning and FFA involvement.

Links:

⁠Rockcastle County FFA

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we talk with Brandon Reed about his deep roots in Kentucky FFA, from his time as a member and state president to his current role as Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy. We discuss how FFA shaped his leadership skills and influenced his decision to pursue a career in public service.

Links:

LaRue County FFA

Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy

Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Reporter Sierra Morris and State Treasurer Tyren Harris. Sierra and Tyren each tell us about their respective FFA journeys and stress the importance of authenticity and vulnerability when connecting with members and sponsors across all ages.

Links:

State Officers

Carter G. Woodson Academy

Western Hills

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Sentinel Madison Wright and Green River State Vice President Mikayla Fields, both students at the University of Kentucky.

Madison and Mikayla discuss how FFA influenced their college choices and careers, what surprised them most about state office and what they've learned about being a good teammate.

Links:

Owen County FFA

Rooted in Ag podcast

Ohio County FFA

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Terry Ashby, a retired executive in the poultry industry and a current member of the Kentucky FFA Board of Trustees.

Terry shares his story, beginning with his upbringing on a farm in Christian County, Kentucky to his early involvement in FFA and 4-H and his lifelong career with Perdue.

Links:

Christian County FFA

Perdue

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