WASHINGTON, D.C. (Monday, July 27, 2026/National FFA Organization) – National FFA hosted a panel discussion in our nation’s capital on Wednesday, July 22, focused on the importance of agricultural education and career and technical education in preparing the next generation.

As part of this event, four FFA members shared their experience and how their involvement encouraged them to choose their pathways  – from agricultural communication to plant sciences and agricultural education. Industry representatives also discussed the importance of FFA in providing more people to support the talent pipeline.

The discussion was moderated by National FFA President Trey Myers. Panel participants included: Emma Alexander, 2025-26 State President, Virginia FFA; Jordan Berg, 2026-27 State Reporter for Wisconsin FFA; Trey Elizando, senior manager, Global Policy & Strategy, Cargill; Kaitlyn Maruszewski, 2025-26 Indiana FFA state president; Kellie Michaud, agricultural education instructor, Smyrna High School, Delaware; and Rachel Noble, 2025-26 State Vice President, North Carolina FFA Association. View and download pictures from the event here.

This event was supported by CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Todd Young, Senator Tedd Budd, Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Tammy Baldwin.

The week before last, other FFA members and industry representatives were also on Capitol Hill, sharing with Senate staffers the importance of ag education and career technical education as part of the FFA State Officer Summit.

FFA is the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the country, with more than one million members in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, the organization was rebranded to FFA because it now gives students skills to prepare for 350+ careers in business, science, engineering, education, communications, policy and more. To learn more about National FFA, visit https://www.ffa.org/

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.