
Ella Feldman as a high school senior and the Randolph FFA Chapter’s president.
Ella Feldman, a senior at South Dakota State University studying agricultural education, embodies the FFA motto of “Living to Serve” by dedicating her life to agriculture and FFA.
Feldman began her FFA journey during her freshman year of high school. She earned all her degrees, and served as chapter president, vice president and region treasurer. Even though her college journey is coming to an end, she has remained active within FFA by getting her American FFA Degree and now becoming a proud alum.
Feldman’s connection to agriculture runs deep. She grew up on her family’s farm surrounded by horses, and both of her grandfathers were active FFA members. That legacy inspired Feldman and her two brothers to join FFA. Growing up in that environment was formative, teaching her the value of hard work and community spirit — both of which are at the heart of agriculture.
When they are little, everyone always gets asked what they want to be when they grow up. For Feldman, that answer came to her in high school when she joined FFA.
“I first wanted to become an agriculture teacher when I helped run the children’s barns at the Dakota County Fair,” she says. “I loved seeing people’s curiosity about agriculture and answering all the questions they had.”
Feldman has been student teaching agriculture classes for the Northfield High School during the 2025-26 school year, and she is also an assistant advisor for the Northfield FFA Chapter.
When asked what inspires her to keep serving and giving back through FFA, Feldman said, “It’s not what, but who. My FFA advisor from Randolph High School, Mr. Terry, inspires me because he was very intentional in giving his students as many opportunities as possible, and I want to do the same.”
In addition, Feldman experienced the FFA motto of “Living to Serve” when James W. Tracy, a local farmer, passed away. This had a profound effect on her as she witnessed his selflessness. Tracy donated his farm to Randolph FFA; the chapter cleaned it up and sold it to the Minnesota FFA Association. The proceeds have been turned into the James W. Tracy Scholarship program. These scholarships have been, and will continue to be, awarded to hundreds of Minnesota FFA members.
“I have seen many of my peers and students be able to go to college because of the scholarship fund that was created through James W. Tracy’s generosity,” Feldman says. “His gift has created a lasting impact on all of Minnesota, not just my chapter.”
Feldman is now dedicating her future to agriculture through teaching. She wants to use her knowledge and passion to inspire the next generation. Her love for agriculture goes hand in hand with her desire to make a difference. From an FFA member to now a mentor, Feldman is living out the FFA motto of “Living to Serve.”

Feldman receives her “Dedication to Teach Agriculture” certificate.