INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, July 29, 2026/National FFA Organization) – The National FFA Organization, the nation’s premier school-based student leadership organization with over one million members, recently hosted the 2026 New Century Farmer Conference in Indianapolis, July 18-22. The conference brought together 45 elite FFA alumni from 23 states to advance their leadership and career skills while learning about working in the industry of agriculture.

“One of the most valuable aspects of New Century Farmer is bringing together young producers from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn from industry experts and one another,” said Emma Slavens, National FFA Program Manager, Alumni and Supporters. “The conversations, mentorship and hands-on experiences inspire participants to think differently about the future of their businesses while building a network they’ll rely on throughout their careers.”

New Century Farmer Conference attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry experts on topics that are relevant to young producers, explore diverse farm business operations, engage directly with leaders in agriculture, communications and business, network with other extraordinary young entrepreneurs and develop a vision statement for the future of their operation.

As part of the conference, participants visited four Central Indiana businesses – Simply From Scratch, Corteva Agriscience, CNH Industrial and Reynolds John Deere dealership. Simply From Scratch, a family-owned farm-to-table business in Noblesville, hosted discussions with Firestone Ag and Tractor Supply Company. Corteva Agriscience held a speed dating and crop protection tour, and CNH Industrial held a tour and discussions. Reynolds John Deere, a premier equipment dealer proudly serving farmers, homeowners, landscapers, and commercial contractors, hosted attendees for a tour. In addition, Farm Credit held a discussion with participants on the financial aspects of getting into or starting a business.  Breakout sessions were also facilitated by National FFA throughout the conference.

The following FFA alumni were selected to attend the conference:

Alabama
Jackson Hornady 

Arizona
Carrie Meade
Hayden Morgan
Brandon Torres

California
Angelina Benavides

Connecticut
Sophia Latour

Georgia
Charlie Moffitt

Idaho
Clayton Seymour

Indiana
Camille Thopy

Kansas
Maggie Chandler
Coy Horton
Lillian Hulse
Marisa Wasinger

Kentucky
Nathan Clark
Phebe Jones

Maryland
Ellie Baker
Caroline Clark

Michigan
Savannah Mauk

Mississippi
Gain Burt
Garrett Oglesby
James Wagner

Missouri
Kassidy Campbell
Noah Groose

Nebraska
Ian Schiller
Jadyn Tidyman

North Carolina
Dalton Jordan
Cheyenne Sizemore
Autumn Wester

North Dakota
Ireland Watterud

Oklahoma
Jansen Shirley

Rhode Island
Bryan Jones

South Carolina
Kayci Wilkerson

Texas
Jorja Hamilton
Dalynes Marrero
Shayla Severance

Washington
Vanessa Webb

West Virginia
Jaiden Fordyce

Wisconsin
Crystal Anhalt
Josie Bailey
Brandon Boyd
Amalia Draxler
Tyson Gehrke
Aubree Logghe
Sam Mell
Janelle Wolfe

The New Century Farmer Conference occurs annually, and the 2027 conference will be held in Kansas City, Mo., from July 17-21. Applications will open on December 15, 2026.

The Level 1 Corporate Partners of the FFA New Century Farmer Conference are Case IH, Corteva Agriscience and John Deere.

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.