On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann give us a preview of this year's Blue & Gold Gala and what guests can expect from silent auction items to the well-thought details.

Links:

Ag Innovation Grant

FFA Jacket Scholarship

Kyle Kelly

Nick Carter

Millionaire’s Row Churchill Downs

Ashborne Farms

Kentucky Venues

Bourbon and Beyond

Louder Than Life

Kentucky Derby

Gatormade Trailers

MasterChef Brandi Alexander

Austin Hazelwood

Kentucky FFA YouTube

In a special episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA state staff members discuss a transformational $11 million gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation — the largest in the history of the FFA organization. Listen as the staff dive into the gift's impact, which includes renaming the beloved FFA camp to the Carol Martin Gatton Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center.

Links:

Matt Chaliff

Kristan Wright

Josh Mitcham

Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center

Muhlenberg County FFA

McLean County FFA

Bill Gatton Foundation

Gatton College of Business and Economics

The Gatton Academy

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events

Washington Leadership Conference

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak to Kentucky FFA alum Bethanie Cantrell, Compensation and Stock Analyst for Texas Roadhouse. Bethanie discusses her journey from being a Kentucky FFA member to her current role at Texas Roadhouse. She highlights the similarities between the two organizations, calling FFA the "foundation of anybody's career."

Links:

Texas Roadhouse

Murray State University

Bubba’s 33

Jaggers

Kent Taylor, Texas Roadhouse Founder

From now until September 30, 10% of Texas Roadhouse gift card purchases will be donated back to the Kentucky FFA Foundation, but only when you order through the special link. To order and benefit the Kentucky FFA Foundation, visit www.texasroadhouse.com/gift-cards and select “Gift Cards for a Good Cause” featuring the Kentucky FFA Foundation logo.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kenny Brammell — East Carter FFA advisor and 2025 Career & Technical Teacher of the Year — and his grandson, Blaine Brammell — a 2024 Kentucky FFA state officer — discuss their experiences in agriculture education and leadership.

Links:

⁠2024 Ag Teachers Change Lives Award Recipient⁠

⁠East Carter FFA⁠

⁠Big Sandy River Region State Vice President⁠

⁠University of Kentucky Forestry

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell. Jonathan reflects on his first year in office, sharing key highlights like boosting agricultural economic development, championing the "Food is Medicine" initiative and introducing agriculture education into elementary schools. He also dives into the importance of fostering leadership in FFA, building connections for Kentucky agriculture on a national stage and creating a culture of innovation and gratitude within his team.

Links:

⁠Kentucky Department of Agriculture⁠

⁠Garrard County FFA⁠

⁠Food is Medicine⁠

⁠Give FFA Day⁠

⁠Sign up for our newsletter!⁠

⁠Caroline Groth⁠

⁠Ag Tag program⁠

⁠CASA of Lexington

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Taylor Nash — former Kentucky FFA state officer and current Director of Young Farmer Programs at Kentucky Farm Bureau — shares his inspiring journey from FFA to a leadership role supporting young farmers, emphasizing the value of grassroots advocacy and community engagement.

Links:

⁠Kentucky Farm Bureau⁠

⁠Collegiate Farm Bureau⁠

⁠Kentucky Farmland Transition Initiative⁠

⁠The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter⁠

⁠Yuka

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann introduce Cassidy Hutchison, the new Program Manager for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Cassidy discusses her background with FFA, her previous role at Pratt Industries and her excitement to work with the Kentucky FFA Foundation. She’ll be leading Kentucky Teach Ag, Kentucky FFA Works and grant writing efforts.

Links:

Murray State University

Pratt Industries

KY FFA Works

Teach Ag Kentucky Facebook

Teach Ag Kentucky Instagram

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing Trenton Page's retiring address at Kentucky FFA President at the 2025 Kentucky FFA State Convention.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing Avery Cole's retiring address at Kentucky FFA Vice President at the 2025 Kentucky FFA State Convention.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing a highlight from the 2025 Kentucky FFA State Convention — Coach Mark Pope sharing encouraging words with our members.