On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we chat with Caroline Groth, former Kentucky FFA president and current national FFA Eastern Region Vice President. Caroline discusses her role as a national officer, which includes chapter visits, industry tours, legislative visits and attending state conventions. Caroline emphasizes authenticity in leadership and the importance of reflection and gratitude.

Links:

National FFA State Officers

Locust Trace

Cargill

JR Shinkle

That Sounds Fun

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers

Kirby Green

The Longest Ride

Clark’s heels

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, David Wayne, Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency, shares his career trajectory from growing up in Taylor County to his current federal appointment. David explains the role of the Farm Service Agency and highlights the interconnectedness of USDA agencies like Rural Development (RD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).

Links:

Farm Service Agency

University of Kentucky Natural Resource Conservation Management 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Kentucky Department of Agriculture

USDA Rural Development

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

Risk Management Agency

USDA Service Centers

Taylor County FFA

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA State Reporter Luke Mullins and State President Trenton Page discuss their impactful year as state officers, highlighting personal growth, leadership lessons and the unique challenges and rewards of their roles. They also share an exclusive preview of the upcoming Kentucky FFA State Convention.

Links:

Trimble County FFA

Henderson Community College

Great American Crop Insurance

Trenton Page and Jacob Rudy

Kentucky FFA State Convention

Dallin Cooper

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Kiah Twisselman Burchett — a California cattle rancher turned international motivational speaker. Known as "Coach Kiah," she empowers others to love themselves deeper, care better for themselves and find joy. She shares her journey from a rural cattle ranch to becoming a speaker and social media influencer. Kiah will be the keynote speaker for the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center this summer.

Links:

Matthew Estes and Madison Wright

Rooted in Ag

Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center

Kentucky Beef Council

Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association

Kentucky Soybean Board

Kentucky Department of Agriculture

@coach_kiah on Instagram

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, leadership and conflict resolution speaker Dallin Cooper shares his journey from a sheep ranch in Wyoming to becoming a keynote speaker.

Links:

Aiden Manley and Colton Rudd

Seeds of Success

Get on the Bull by Dallin Cooper

Dallin Cooper on Instagram

Dallin Cooper on LinkedIn

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Julie Fritsch, the creative behind Kentucky FFA's brand and storytelling. Julie's journey as a farmer and FFA mom have led her to the vital role she plays in helping Kentucky FFA thrive.

Links:

Fayette County 4-H

National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE)

Julie Fritsch Creative

Bourbon County Farm Bureau

University of Kentucky Agricultural Education

UK Invests

They All Fall The Same by Wes Brown

Andrew and Joe Fritsch show

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann chat with Austin Hazelwood, a past Kentucky FFA state president and now a Sensory and Innovation Scientist at Maker's Mark. Hear about Austin's journey from a dairy farm in Mercer County to the distilling industry and how he continues to support Kentucky FFA.

Links:

Maker's Mark

Josh Mitcham

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we welcome Aaron Harned, a business coach with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. Aaron shares his journey from being a Kentucky FFA state officer to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. Tune in to hear his insights on business planning, the importance of community and the impact of Kentucky FFA members.

Links:

Kentucky Small Business Development Center

Kentucky SBDC - Paducah on Facebook

Western Kentucky University Agriculture

Western Kentucky University Business Administration

FFA Shark Tank grants

SAE grants

Contact Aaron

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we talk with Matthew Estes and Madison Wright, two FFA members and hosts of the Rooted in Ag podcast. They share their FFA journeys, how they started their podcast and their insights on communicating agriculture to fellow FFA members.

Links:

Rooted in Ag podcast

Barren County FFA

Owen County FFA

SAE grants

University of Kentucky Agriculture Economics

University of Kentucky Community Leadership Development

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're joined by Addison Coffey of Pitman Creek Wholesale to discuss career opportunities for Kentucky FFA members through Kentucky FFA Works. Addison details the available positions and what Pitman Creek Wholesale looks for in potential employees. Beyond the job specifics, we discuss the company's culture, its growth and Addison's personal motivations as a leader.

Links:

Pitman Creek Wholesale

University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics

Kentucky FFA Works