Finding Her Voice: Kinzie Brassell’s Journey in Agriculture

2024-25 Louisiana FFA State Secretary Kinzie Brassell, who is currently a student at Louisiana State University.

Kinzie Brassell’s journey in agricultural education is rooted in one simple idea: growth happens when you step into the unknown.

A 19-year-old freshman at Louisiana State University, Brassell is studying agricultural business while also working part time at the university’s Livestock Show Office. Originally from Lacassine, La., she spent five years in the National FFA Organization, where her passion for leadership and agricultural policy first began to take shape.

“My journey in FFA began at a very young age,” Brassell says. “I told my ag teacher I would be in FFA, and when I finally could…I jumped in headfirst.”

That early commitment carried her through a journey filled with growth and challenge. From competing in Creed speaking during a hurricane disrupted season, to eventually serving as the 2024–25 Louisiana FFA state secretary, Brassell constantly pushed herself beyond what felt comfortable. Still, one experience stands out: her decision to compete in the floriculture career development event during her senior year.

“What I did was so out of left field,” she says. “I had always loved livestock, but I wanted to challenge myself in something completely different.”

With only a few weeks to prepare, Brassell dove into plant science, learning unfamiliar material and pushing through moments of doubt. It wasn’t easy, but she stayed committed.

“I said yes because it would be a learning experience,” she says. “It wasn’t about winning; it was about proving to myself that I could do something uncomfortable.”

Even without a title or award at the end, the experience stayed with her. “My success was internal,” Brassell says. “I learned I can find comfort in the uncomfortable.”

That mindset connects closely to her understanding of the FFA motto, especially “Doing to Learn.” For her, it’s really about being willing to be a beginner and accepting that growth takes time.

“We are never asked to be perfect,” she says. “We are called to step outside of our comfort zone.”

Through experiences like these, she developed skills that go far beyond competition, such as communication, adaptability, leadership and confidence.

Brassell visits the office of Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill.

“FFA members graduate with tangible skills,” Brassell says. “We’ve been project managers, educators and leaders. That gives us a real advantage in the world beyond high school.”

Her time in FFA also helped shape her long term goals. One moment that stuck with her was a visit to the Louisiana State Capitol, where she saw agricultural advocacy in action.

“I realized I wanted to be the voice for people in agriculture,” she says. “That’s when I knew I wanted to work in policy.”

Now, Brassell hopes to one day help write the United States Farm Bill in Washington, D.C.—advocating for the same industry that helped shape her.

Success isn’t measured by accolades, but rather growth.

Even after her time as a state officer, she continues to stay involved. Recently, she served as a student workshop facilitator at the National FFA Convention.

“Service doesn’t end when you unzip your jacket,” Brassell says. “It’s about asking, ‘What can I do for you?’”

For Brassell, FFA has never just been an organization; it’s been a place where she learned, grew and figured out who she wants to become.