Over the years, Neil has coached several successful FFA teams.
For nearly 100 years, the National FFA Organization has continued to promote and grow the next leaders of American agriculture. Through specific FFA Career and Leadership Development Events, future, present, and past FFA members have been given an opportunity to grow and enhance their areas of knowledge within agriculture.
In 1971, the National FFA Alumni was established. With this new partner organization, FFA gained a network of past members and supporters to provide for chapters at the local, state and national levels. These alumni have continued to be a backbone of support in terms of involvement in promoting student success, providing mentorship, financial assistance, and leadership beyond the classroom to help every student succeed.
Meet Julie Neil: Sumner FFA Alumni and Food Safety Inspector
Neil’s current work as a food safety officer continues to inspire her role as a mentor and coach.
Julie Neil’s career journey is a powerful example of how agricultural education can open doors to diverse and meaningful opportunities. From her start in FFA at Sumner High School in Washington, Neil has been a local legend in the organization. “I have been fortunate to experience two major career paths in my life,” she explained. “First, I was an agricultural educator and FFA advisor for 10 years immediately after college. My second career, which I’ve now been in for 17 years, is as a food safety inspector with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.”
While the two careers may seem very different, Neil sees a deep connection between them. “Both require delivering a high level of communication and education to their audiences, whether it’s students or professionals in food production,” she said. “And in both, it’s always necessary to continue training and pursue new innovations and technology.”
Neil’s FFA experience in high school set the stage for both paths. “Through my involvement with FFA as a student, I developed a passion for leadership, public speaking and helping others learn about agriculture,” she recalled. Neil also participated in international exchanges to Japan and later Australia, experiences she says “broadened my horizons tremendously to the world of leadership and agriculture around the globe.”
Neil’s FFA experience in high school set the stage for her career paths.
Neil also participated in international exchanges to Japan and Australia.
Food Safety Extraordinaire
For the past 15 years, she has dedicated countless hours to the Sumner FFA Chapter, whether it is assisting with career development events, livestock shows, judging competitions or fundraisers. “Whatever is needed, I try to help,” Neil said humbly. “It’s my way of giving back to the program that gave so much to me.”
Over the years, Neil has coached several successful FFA teams.
Neil’s current work as a food safety officer continues to inspire her role as a mentor and coach. “Agriculture and food safety are always evolving,” she said. “Many of the skills I use daily have been excellent launching points to help students prepare for the food science and technology career development event.”
Neil and the Washington FFA Food Science CDE team stand in proper food safety gear, touring Park 100 Foods in Indianapolis.
Over the years, she has coached several successful FFA teams, something she considers one of her greatest honors. “These FFA members always give me great hope for the future,” Neil reflected. “Not just in my industry, but in life in general, as true leaders for society.
“FFA gave me direction, confidence and a purpose; I’ll always be grateful for that, and I’ll continue doing everything I can to give those same opportunities to others.”
Neil (left) stands next to the National FFA Center, marking the start of her internship with National FFA.
There’s no doubt that Neil’s commitment to FFA is more than appreciated. Want to learn more about becoming an FFA Alumni and Supporter? Visit the Forever Blue Network or find an FFA chapter near you to see how you can stay involved!
