Beyond the Jacket

From chasing a dream to creating a thriving cattle operation, their story is proof that passion, grit, and faith can build something bigger than you ever imagined. They’ve turned hard work into a legacy and are showing the next generation that agriculture still has room for dreamers willing to do the work. This episode is real, inspiring, and full of the kind of conversation that reminds you why a...

Rooted in generations of agriculture but bringing her own voice to the table, Zoe is proof that you can honor tradition and shake things up at the same time. From life on the farm to showing up online and telling ag’s story in a real, relatable way, she’s doing it all, and doing it well. This episode is fun, it’s honest, and it’ll leave you fired up about where agriculture is headed. 🌱 #FFA #Wome...

"FFA became my outlet in high school, a place where I could truly be myself.” Addisyn Schiller’s story is one of resilience, growth, and purpose. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes the hardest seasons shape us into who we’re meant to become. 🎧 Tune in to hear her story. #FFA #FFALife #FFAStories #YouthInAg #Farm4Profit #AgPodcast #BeyondTheJacket #AgLeadership #FutureOfAg #AgCareers #Resili...

What happens when passion meets purpose? You get Sophia Young. 💫 A former Florida FFA member turned collegiate standout at Montana State University, Sophia is proving that the journey doesn’t stop when you hang up your blue jacket—it only gets bigger. From her roots in veterinary science to her dedication to agricultural education, she’s making an impact in and out of the classroom. Oh… and did w...

New episode out now 🦆 Joining us is Liam Peters, an FFA member from the Fountain Lake FFA Chapter who is dedicated to service and all things ducks. With his unique SAE alongside Ducks Unlimited, you won’t want to miss this; there’s a lot to quack about in this conversation. #NewEpisode #FFA #FountainLakeFFA #Agriculture #YouthInAg #DucksUnlimited #SAE #Leadership #Service #AgPodcast #QuackTalk #W...

Filmed live at Commodity Classic at the AgXplore booth, this Beyond the Jacket episode highlights Rossville FFA members stepping outside the classroom and into the industry. Hear how their experiences in FFA are translating into real-world success, building career-ready skills, and shaping their future in agriculture. From leadership to hands-on learning, these students are proving what it means t...

New episode release 🎙️✨ This week, we’re sitting down with Ayla Tolentino—a 2026 Ag Author of the Year whose journey in agriculture started with simple curiosity and grew into something truly impactful. 🌱📚 From exploring her friends’ dairy cows to developing a national-winning ag science fair project on whether expired seeds are trash or treasure, Ayla has always asked questions that matter. Th...

6 generations deep and just getting started. 🌱🔥 Carson Kahler, known as the “6th Gen Farmer,” is keeping tradition alive in southwestern Minnesota, farming in the Sherburn and Dunnell area where his family’s roots run deep. A graduate of Martin County West High School and South Dakota State University, Carson is using his platform to share the real story of agriculture while continuing his famil...

In this episode of Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with Gunther Kreps, Executive Vice President at AgXplore and a proud National FFA Organization alumnus. Gunther shares how his time in FFA helped shape the leader he is today and why the lessons learned in the blue jacket continue to influence his career, leadership style, and passion for giving back. From leadership and personal growth to career a...

This week on the podcast, Paige sits down with Texas FFA State Officers Riley and Jud to talk about leadership on one of the biggest stages in agriculture. From the lessons they’ve learned to the impact they hope to leave behind, they share what it truly means to lead with authenticity and purpose. If you’ve ever dreamed about wearing the state officer jacket—or you’re simply looking to grow as a...

his week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re joined by Taylor Nothdurft, Missouri FFA State Vice President, whose passion for agricultural education is shaping the future of students across the state. From developing leadership skills to building lasting legacies, Taylor shares how agricultural education goes far beyond the classroom. She reflects on the mentors, moments, and milestones that have fueled h...

She’s more than a crown. 👑 On this week’s episode of Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with Riah Schrage, the 2025 Iowa State Fair Queen, to hear her story — from the hard work behind the spotlight to the lessons that shaped her along the way. Riah shares insights on perseverance, staying true to yourself, and leading with confidence, both on stage and off. You don’t want to miss this inspiring conv...

This week on Beyond The Jacket, we’re joined by Artha Jonassaint for a powerful conversation on leadership, identity, and the responsibility that comes with using your voice. We dive into what it really looks like to lead with authenticity, stay grounded in who you are, and show up with purpose in spaces that demand influence and impact. This isn’t surface-level motivation — it’s real perspective,...

In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with James Sharpe, the passionate FFA Advisor at Moore Haven FFA, to explore the impact of agricultural education and student leadership. From mentoring students to sparking a lifelong love of agriculture, James shares his journey guiding the next generation of FFA members. We dive into the challenges and rewards of being an FFA advisor, unco...

We’re celebrating the Agriscience Fair Award winners in the Social Science category from Hawaii: Nicholas Nishimura and Lakeisha Quitog! 🏆🌺 In this episode, they share the inspiration behind their innovative project, the challenges they overcame, and what it means to explore agriculture through a social science lens. From research to real-world impact, their story is a perfect example of curiosi...

We’re honored to shine the spotlight on Laura Brecht, the 2025 Iowa FFA Golden Owl Award recipient, and one of the most influential voices in agricultural education today. In this episode, Laura shares her inspiring journey into ag education, the moments that shaped her as an FFA advisor, and the deep passion that drives her commitment to students both inside and outside the classroom. From buildi...

New episode is live! We’re featuring Esther VanOverbeke from the Waverly FFA Chapter, sharing insights into her SAE focused on Agricultural Research. From hands-on learning to real-world impact, Esther breaks down how ag research is shaping the future of agriculture. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! #EpisodeRelease #FFA #WaverlyFFA #EstherVanOverbeke #SAE #AgResearch #FutureOfAg #FFAStories...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, hosts Lacie Evans and Paige Cruse welcome Emma Poole—Florida FFA alum, former state officer, national award winner, and a leader who continues to invest in the future of agriculture through mentorship and service. Emma’s journey is a powerful example of how leadership doesn’t stop when the blue jacket comes off—it evolves. In this episode, Emma opens up about redefi...

In this special crossover episode of Beyond the Jacket, Paige and Rachel sit down with Corey Hillebo from @Farm4Profit to talk about the role FFA played in shaping his path. From whether his blue jacket still fits to the lessons and memories that stuck with him long after high school, Corey shares how FFA helped build confidence, leadership, and a lifelong connection to agriculture. It’s a convers...

This week, we sit down with Cole Daufeldt from Iowa—National Finalist for the Turf Management SAE. Cole shares how dedication, industry knowledge, and a commitment to growth can turn an SAE into a career path. His journey reflects the future of agricultural innovation and leadership. Tune in to learn from his story. #FFA #AgricultureEducation #SAE #TurfManagement #YouthInAg #FutureFarmers #AgLeade...

This week we’re talking innovation and breaking barriers. Jackson Jarvias is rethinking what’s possible by building 3D-printed dirt bikes and proving that the future of ag and engineering belongs to the people willing to create what doesn’t exist yet. If you’ve ever been told your idea is too different, too big, or too bold—this one’s for you. #YouthInAg #InnovationInAg #BeyondTheJacket #FrontPaig...

This week we’re heading north—way north—and stepping into a story that proves agriculture can flourish anywhere. Alyssa Sullenberger joins us to share what it really looks like to pursue ag in one of the most challenging environments in the country. From subzero temps to limited resources to carving out community in remote places, Alyssa reminds us that agriculture isn’t defined by your zip code—i...

Today, we sit down with Cael Daufeldt, the newly crowned National Poultry Production SAE Winner. His hard work, curiosity, and commitment to high-quality poultry care prove what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Tune in to hear his journey, his challenges, and how he rose to the top of the nation. ✨ #BeyondTheJacket #FFA #PoultryProduction #NationalWinner #SAESuccess #NextGenAg #BlueAndGoldP...

This week, we sit down with California FFA member Samantha Selliers, whose Ag Communications SAE is making a powerful impact across her community. Through her project, she’s shining a light on farmers’ mental health, the challenges they often carry quietly, and the strength it takes to speak up when times get tough. Samantha is using her voice—and her passion for storytelling—to support the people...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we chat with Blake Van Der Kamp, an FFA Alumni who credits his success to his FFA Service Project. 💙 From community impact to career growth, Blake shares how service shaped his leadership, purpose, and future. 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by how one project turned into a lifelong mission to serve others! #BeyondTheJacket #FFAAlumni #ServiceThroughFFA #Leadership...