Mary Kane
FFA is far more than an organization or a blue corduroy jacket; it represents opportunity, leadership, and personal growth. Kansas FFA Executive Secretary Mary Kane shares what FFA truly means to her and why it has remained such an influential part of her life. Through her experiences, Kane illustrates how FFA shapes individuals by providing meaningful opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and into lifelong success.
Mary Kane grew up on an agricultural farm in eastern Kansas, where she developed a strong foundation through 4-H and later became an FFA member at Paola High School. Initially, she joined FFA because her friends were involved and she believed she could gain something from the experience. Looking back, Kane reflects positively on that decision. “I will never regret joining FFA. FFA allows many experiences for people and allows students to take classroom knowledge and apply it to their Supervised Agricultural Experience,” she says. These experiences helped her develop skills that continue to influence her professional career today, with communication standing out as one of the most important. Kane explains that FFA provides countless opportunities for members to speak, lead, and express themselves confidently.
In addition to building practical skills, Kane emphasizes the supportive environment that FFA creates. “One of my favorite things about FFA is that students have many wonderful experiences whether they experience success or failure, and someone is always there to help you along the way,” she explains. This sense of encouragement allows students to grow without fear of failure, knowing they are supported by peers and mentors.
FFA also challenges members to step outside of their comfort zones through competitions, leadership events, and meeting new people. Kane notes, “FFA really challenged me to become a stronger communicator and be a better advocate for myself. It reminded me that everybody has talent; they just need to do it their way.” These experiences help students recognize their strengths and develop confidence in their own abilities.
To Kane, the blue jacket itself holds deep meaning. “FFA is more than a blue jacket. The blue jacket is prideful and individualized, but it captures what FFA is really about,” she says. It symbolizes agriculture, personal growth, successes, failures, and the motivation to improve. Ultimately, Kane encourages future members to embrace all that FFA offers. Her advice is simple yet powerful: take advantage of every opportunity, explore your interests, and never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
