INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 23, 2026/National FFA Organization) – Five National FFA sponsors were honored during an onstage ceremony this morning with the Distinguished Service Citation during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Throughout the years, Bayer has supported FFA members and advisors nationwide by advancing agricultural education. Their commitment extends locally and nationally – through hands-on chapter engagement and providing members with real-world exposure to careers in agriculture. With a historical investment of nearly $30 million, Bayer’s sustained support has left a legacy on agriculture and the future of agriculture. Thank you, Bayer, for your continued support and dedication to FFA, our members, our alumni and supporters.

For over 75 years, BNSF Railway Foundation has contributed nearly $3 million to support the National FFA Mission and the BNSF Collegiate Scholarship Program. Their dedication to being a positive force in the communities they serve is reflected in their longstanding commitment to FFA and its members. Thank you, BNSF, for 75 years of partnership and investment in the future of agriculture.

Since 2011, the California Cotton Alliance has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to agricultural education and to developing future leaders through its longstanding partnership with California FFA. By connecting students with industry professionals, supporting educational programming and promoting awareness of the industry, the Alliance has helped bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world agricultural experiences. Thank you, California Cotton Alliance, for your continued support of our FFA members.

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina continue to demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advancing agriculture, agricultural education and leadership development at both the state and national level. Through their longstanding partnership, they provide resources that empower FFA members to succeed in agriculture and beyond. Thank you, Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina, for your unwavering support of FFA.

Valley Wide Cooperative sets a standard for corporate citizenship. A member-owned cooperative, they view agricultural education as a vital national infrastructure. Through consistent matching campaigns, including partnerships on “Give FFA Day”, and reinvestment programs, they continue to inject predictable capital into state FFA operations. Thank you, Valley Wide Cooperative, for your continued support and belief in FFA and our FFA members.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 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 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 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.