Yolo Section members at the Yolo County Fair

One state association. Six regions. Thirty-one sections. 366 chapters. This is California FFA.

California joined the National FFA Organization in 1928, and since then, the state regional map has been untouched—until now. In June, at the beginning of the 2025-26 fiscal year, California FFA realigned Yolo Section—one of the leading producers of tree nuts in the state—from the bustling Central Valley in the Central Region to the serene dairies, vineyards, and lumber of the North Coast Region. This transformation seemingly came out of nowhere, so why now? Riata Chappell, North Coast Region’s Yolo Section Vice President, and Kylee Dewberry, Yolo Section’s Sectional Vice President, share their perspectives on the realignment.

California FFA regional map before the realignment. Yolo Section is in the North West corner of the Central Region.

The Central Region is one of the largest regions in California FFA, hosting 77 chapters after this change. North Coast Region, on the other hand, is one of the smallest, hosting 43 post-realignment. This disparity shows in the involvement of sections in regional events. Dewberry says, “Yolo Section is a relatively small but mighty section—it was hard to make our voices heard in the Central Region because of the massive chapters and sections in it.” Chappell agreed. “Central is an amazing region, but it is extremely competitive, which makes it hard for small communities like Yolo to be heard and seen.”

Some members in Yolo were confused when the change was first made public. Not Chappell. “Oh, that’s awesome! Wait, what is the North Coast Region?” After doing research and speaking with others, she understood the benefits this change would bring. When others who opposed the transition were asked to name three downsides, they found it difficult. “They couldn’t name one,” Chappell said.

Today, Yolo members are still adjusting to the change, but Dewberry’s team has made every effort to make the process as seamless as possible.

“We have reached out to more students than ever to compete and get involved because our odds of placing high have increased drastically,” she said. Pre-existing members in the North Coast Region—who are excited about the inclusion of new members—have also played their part in ensuring a smooth transition.

Chappell tells the story of how “Yolo Section has found a new home in the North Coast Region. Before the change was official, we already had North Coast reaching out to Yolo chapters to visit pre-existing North Coast chapters to learn about the region.” This visit was initiated by North Coast Regional Secretary Violet Holtz, who reached out to Davis FFA to have them visit her home chapter of Half Moon Bay FFA last year.

At the end of the day, both Chappell and Dewberry have one main message to tell FFA members across the country who may face drastic changes in their personal lives or within FFA. “Change is a necessary part of growth,” Dewberry said. “To grow in this organization and in life, we must all learn how to adapt when it’s necessary, especially when it’s beneficial to ourselves and those we serve.”