For Rebecca Risley of Lebanon, Conn., agriculture has always been more than just a way of life — it’s been a connection to family, growth and purpose.
Growing up on a small farm, she spent her early years surrounded by animals, raising cows, helping with hay rides and growing pumpkins. When her father passed away when she was 12, Risley thought she’d never return to the agriculture world. But a few years later, she found her way back through FFA — and it’s been one of the most meaningful decisions of her life.
“After my dad died, I lost a part of me,” Risley says. “Being in FFA, working with animals and learning about agriculture makes me feel close to him.”
Today, Risley is an active and accomplished FFA member whose work ethic and dedication speak volumes. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience includes cleaning and maintaining the farm, showing sheep with the Lebanon Regional FFA Chapter, working at Titan Feeds in Scotland, Conn., and assisting with calf research at the University of New Hampshire.
Within her chapter, Risley has served in a variety of leadership positions, ranging from junior secretary to sentinel, historian, co-district president, treasurer and district president. Each role has helped her grow as a leader and advocate for agricultural education.
Her impact extends beyond her chapter. Risley volunteers at her church’s youth group, serving meals at community breakfasts and fundraisers. She has also given public speaking workshops as district president and represented her state at the National FFA Convention in 2022 for the farm business management career development event. She served as barn manager for two years, and has earned several state level honors, including the State FFA Degree and the 2025 sheep production proficiency, with hopes of achieving her American FFA Degree next year.
Risley’s agricultural interests are deeply rooted in livestock, especially sheep, though her hands-on experience includes pigs, cows, goats, donkeys, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs and even chinchillas. She has participated in lambing, calving, kidding and farrowing — experiences that have shaped her understanding of animal care and production.
Risley holds a piglet after helping deliver it.
Now a college student majoring in wildlife conservation biology with a minor in animal science, Risley hopes to focus her research on endangered species, while continuing to raise her own flock of sheep. Her help with calf research has taught her so much, including how to draw blood, perform lab work, understand research protocols and animal behavior.
Through every chapter meeting, livestock show and community project, Risley has discovered that her true calling lies in helping both animals and people. Whether she’s assisting with research, managing the barn or lending a hand in her community, her work reflects a deep commitment to service and care. FFA not only reconnected Risley with her roots in agriculture, but also helped her realize that her place in the world is where compassion, leadership and livestock come together.
