The team (pictured above) included East Tennessee State Vice President Emily Whitehead (William Blount), Middle Tennessee State Vice President Skylar Baird (Wilson Central), West Tennessee State Vice President Sarah Ault (Munford), Secretary Shelbi Wallace (McEwen), Treasurer Eli Julian (Cookeville), Reporter Paige Pardue (Hendersonville) and Sentinel Lexi Rush (Portland).
The Tennessee FFA Goodwill Tour is an annual event that exemplifies the organization’s commitment to fostering relationships, promoting agricultural education and celebrating its members’ achievements. The 2025 tour, which was held Feb. 15-22, was a remarkable journey that spanned the entire state, encompassed 25 visits and included engaging with various stakeholders in the agriculture community.
Embarking on the Journey
The 2025 Tennessee FFA Goodwill Tour began in Middle Tennessee. The state officer team, led by President T. Wayne Williams from Woodbury, embarked on their mission to connect with FFA chapters, industry leaders and legislators.
The team included East Tennessee State Vice President Emily Whitehead (William Blount), Middle Tennessee State Vice President Skylar Baird (Wilson Central), West Tennessee State Vice President Sarah Ault (Munford), Secretary Shelbi Wallace (McEwen), Treasurer Eli Julian (Cookeville), Reporter Paige Pardue (Hendersonville) and Sentinel Lexi Rush (Portland).
Connecting With Industry Leaders
Officers engaged with prominent industry organizations throughout the tour, including the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, the National Cotton Council, the Corn Board and many more. These interactions provided invaluable insights on current trends and future directions of Tennessee’s agriculture sector.
“Engaging with industry leaders broadened our perspective on the integral role agriculture plays in our state’s economy and the innovative strides being made,” says Wallace.
Legislative Engagements
A significant highlight of the tour was the FFA Legislative Breakfast held Feb. 20 at the Music City Hall of Fame. This event facilitated meaningful dialogues between FFA members and Tennessee legislators, emphasizing the importance of agricultural education and the need for continued support for farming communities.
Media Outreach
The tour also included media engagements, including noteworthy interviews with RFD-TV. Officers discussed the significance of FFA programs and shared personal experiences that highlighted the organization’s impact on their leadership development.
Celebrating Hometowns
A heartfelt segment of the tour was a visit to the home county of Rush and Pardue. Rush guided her team through local farms and agribusinesses, showcasing the community’s dedication to sustainable farming practices. Pardue, on the other hand, introduced her team to educational initiatives aimed at integrating agricultural literacy into school curriculum, reflecting the community’s commitment to nurturing future agricultural leaders.
Wrapping Up
The tour concluded back in Middle Tennessee, where officers reflected on the diverse agriculture practices they observed and the shared passion for farming that unites their state.
“This tour reinforced our commitment to advocating for agriculture,” Julian says. “It also inspired us to continue building bridges between FFA members and the broader community.”
The 2025 Tennessee FFA Goodwill Tour not only strengthened the bonds within the agriculture community, but also highlighted the pivotal role of FFA in shaping the future of farming in the state. By traversing the state and engaging with various stakeholders, the tour underscored the organization’s dedication to leadership, education and the promotion of agricultural excellence.
