Travis Jett: Living the FFA Motto
In the heart of Oklahoma, Travis Jett, an alum from Laverne FFA and a past national FFA officer, embodies the spirit and motto of the FFA, with a dedication that serves as a powerful inspiration to members everywhere.
His journey, rooted in a lifelong connection to agriculture and a deep-seated desire to lead, showcases how FFA can mold individuals into thoughtful, capable and service-oriented citizens. From his early days showing cattle to his impactful role as a national officer, Jett’s career is a testament to the transformative power of FFA.
How Jett Joined FFA
Jett’s own words reveal the profound impact FFA had on his development.
“I grew up on a ranch and had been showing cattle before I was in eighth grade,” he said. “FFA was an obvious choice for me, but it wasn’t very long before I realized there were many more opportunities.”
This early realization propelled him into a multifaceted FFA experience, encompassing public speaking, land judging and leadership development. He highlights the mentorship he received, noting, “My dad had been an FFA member, and my first agriculture education instructor, Mr. Ashpaugh, immediately encouraged me to become involved in leadership development activities.” This support system, coupled with the inspiring example of leaders like Josh Brecheen — a Congressman from Oklahoma who is a member of the Congressional FFA Caucus —fueled his commitment.
His Message to Others
The core of Jett’s message to current FFA members revolves around the value of experiences and relationships.
“Today, you are developing some of the most important relationships in your life,” he said. “What you will remember most about your FFA career is the friendships you made.”
His advice to “try new things and meet new people” is a direct call to embrace the full spectrum of opportunities FFA offers, even beyond traditional agricultural pursuits. Jett’s understanding of living to serve is equally impactful.
“Living to serve should be at the heart of everything we do,” he said.
For Jett, this means making a positive difference in all aspects of life, from school and community to family, finding deep satisfaction in contributing to something larger than oneself. His life and words are a powerful reminder to FFA members that through service and engagement, they can achieve exponential positive effects and discover their own potential.
