National Officer Q&A: What Ignited Your Passion for Agriculture?
Everyone’s passion for agriculture starts somewhere. What ignited yours, and how did FFA foster it?
My passion for agriculture first began with a rope halter on a little market whether in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, my eighth-grade year. My experience taught me the humbling lessons of hard work and sacrifice, which I am still thankful for — and possibly still learning to this day. That passion continued to grow in the blue jacket and ultimately led to my appreciation for this special community of agriculturalists.
— Trey Myers, National FFA President
Being raised with the values of dedication, purpose and integrity, I have always been drawn to agriculture, food and natural resources. However, it wasn’t until FFA that I realized agriculture, food and natural resources is more than an industry; it’s a lifestyle. Through Career Development Events such as meats evaluation, Leadership Development Events such as agricultural issues and my Supervised Agricultural Experience with a turkey operation, I experienced the value, community and responsibility behind feeding the world, strengthening my passion and connection to agriculture.
— Lilly Nyland, National FFA Secretary
Free pizza led me to my first-ever FFA meeting, where I realized all my ag class had to offer. My SAE was working on a family friend’s broiler operation, where I managed 11 chicken houses. Through FFA, I was able to meet other students who also shared my same passion and learn more about the agriculture industry. Traveling on the road and seeing hometown agriculture has been one of the best parts of my year as a national officer.
— Joey Nowotny, Eastern Region Vice President
My passion for agriculture started long before I could put it into words. It grew through family traditions at my grandparents’ Century Farm, apple cider days, outdoor work projects and harvesting animals. I loved every chance I had there, and when I was old enough, my grandpa helped me start raising pigs of my own. FFA gave that passion direction, inspiring me to keep learning, growing and leading in the industry I love.
— Jael Cruikshank, Western Region Vice President
My passion for agriculture was ignited long before I was born. I’m named after three generations who came before me — my great-grandfather, Troy, who started our family’s beef operation in 1959; my grandfather, Wayne, who grew up on a farm in Illinois; and my dad, Martin, who still runs our family operation today. FFA fostered that passion by giving me a place to grow, through relationships, leadership opportunities and experiences that helped me see not just where I came from, but how I could serve the future of agriculture.
— T. Wayne Williams, Southern Region Vice President
Growing up on my family’s ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska, agriculture was our way of life. I remember riding with my dad in the tractor and having my own bottle calves. With FFA roots being deep in agriculture, I knew I would find a home in this organization. When I attended my first national FFA convention & Expo in 2021, I discovered the depth of American agriculture as I made connections from across the country.
— Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President
