Beyond the Jacket

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...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re sitting down with Summit Browning — a cowboy-turned-entrepreneur proving that the FFA jacket doesn’t just build students, it builds CEOs. From raising livestock to roasting coffee, Summit’s journey shows how ag skills and passion can turn into a thriving business. Tune in to hear how agriculture shaped his purpose—and how he’s paying it forward through innovat...

On this episode of Beyond the Jacket, we’re chatting with Macy Philipp from Iowa! 🐴 Her Equine SAE highlights the dedication, skill, and passion it takes to work with horses. Tune in to hear her story and the lessons she’s learned through FFA! 💙💛 #BeyondTheJacket #FFA #SAE #EquineScience #IowaFFA #AgEducation #FutureFarmers Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date! Got thoughts o...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re heading all the way to the Golden State to meet Blake Reed, a senior from the Reedley FFA Chapter in California! 🌾 Blake takes us through his journey of showing market hogs and the many lessons he’s learned both in and out of the show ring. But what really shines through in this episode is the influence of his dad, a one-of-a-kind supporter who’s always pushi...

On this week’s episode of Beyond the Jacket, Rachel and Paige sit down with Shannon Latham, the new Director of the Iowa FFA Foundation, to talk about her journey, her leadership philosophy, and her vision for the future of Iowa FFA. From her deep roots in agriculture and business to her passion for helping young leaders thrive, Shannon brings a wealth of experience and energy to the Foundation. T...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with Indiana FFA member Ellie Taylor to dive into her SAE in Agricultural Communications. 📸📝 From running chapter media to building engagement across multiple platforms, Ellie shows us how storytelling can grow a program and inspire a community. 🌾💙 #beyondthejacket #FFA #AgCommunications #BlueJacketLegacy #IndianaFFA #SAE #AgEducation #Leadership #Fu...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with Abby Walters to talk about her passion for showing sheep, the dedication it takes to bring new breeds into her project, and how her time in the FFA has shaped her into a confident leader. From the show ring to chapter leadership, Abby proves that success comes from both grit and vision. 💙💛 #BeyondTheJacket #FFAStories #SheepShowmanship Be sure to...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re joined by Hannah Thompson, an FFA alum who credits her blue jacket journey for leading her to her dream career as a dolphin trainer. 🐬💙 You don’t want to miss this inspiring episode! #BeyondTheJacket #FFAAlumni #FromFFAToCareer #AgEducation #Leadership #BlueJacketLegacy #CareerJourney #DolphinTrainer #InspiringStories Be sure to follow us on social media to...

This week, hosts Paige and Rachel chat with Jenna Lawler, Indiana FFA State Reporter! 🌟 She shares how not one, not two, but three SAE projects shaped her journey—and how leadership took her story beyond the jacket. #BeyondTheJacket #FFA #SAE #Leadership #IndianaFFA #AgEducation Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date! Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest? Email u...

Join hosts Rachel and Paige as they sit down with Brier Englemann, a 10th grader with a passion for the show ring and a thriving competitive show swine SAE. 🐖✨ From daily dedication to the big moments in the ring, Brier shares what it takes to succeed, the lessons she’s learned, and why she loves telling her story through FFA. 🎧 Tune in now—you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation! #B...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, Lacie and Paige sit down with Cooper Davis to dive deep into the world of mentoring livestock showmen. From the lessons learned in the barn to the drive it takes to step into the ring, Cooper shares how mentorship plays a key role in building not only better showmen, but stronger leaders for the future of agriculture. He opens up about the impact of guiding young pe...

What does it take to represent hundreds of thousands of FFA members across the nation? On this episode of Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with National FFA President Thad to talk about leadership, service, and staying true to your roots while navigating life on the big stage. From personal growth to the power of agricultural education, this is one conversation every FFA member, ag educator, and fut...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re featuring Abbygael Whitehead, a proud Dixie FFA member whose SAE focuses on aquaculture — a Florida staple that keeps our agriculture industry thriving! 🐟🌴 Tune in to hear her story and passion for ag. 💙🎙️ #BeyondTheJacket #FFA #DixieFFA #Aquaculture #FloridaAg #BlueJacket #SAE #AgEducation #FFAStories #GrowingLeaders Be sure to follow us on social media to...

We’re so excited to have Cacee Bellamy on this week’s episode! 🐷✨ From showing pigs to leading with purpose, Cacee is the definition of driven. Tune in to hear how she balances it all and inspires others along the way! #BeyondTheJacket #FFA #ShowPigLife #WomenInAg #LeadershipMatters #StockShowStrong #NextGenAg #BlueAndGold #AgEducation #LivestockLeadership Be sure to follow us on social media to...

Meet Addyson Shiveler from the LaBelle FFA Chapter — a young leader rooted in faith and fueled by purpose. 💙🌾 From life lessons to leadership, she’s proving that the impact of the blue jacket goes far beyond the corduroy. 🎙️ Don’t miss her inspiring episode of Beyond the Jacket — now streaming! #BeyondTheJacket #FFA #LaBelleFFA #FaithInAg #Leadership #Agvocate #FFAFriday #WomenInAg #BlueJacketLe...

Meet Mae Wedemeier – a dedicated FFA member and passionate advocate for dairy production through her SAE. She’s gone beyond the jacket by showing how early mornings, hard work, and a love for agriculture can make a lasting impact. 🐄💙 From leading with grit to inspiring others in and out of the barn, Mae’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and heart. 🎧 Listen to her episode and more: https:...

This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re joined by Aaron Lee, an FFA member with a passion rooted in plant science. From soil to harvest, Aaron shares how his SAE has helped him grow knowledge, confidence, and a deeper connection to agriculture. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, hard work, and FFA leadership! 💪💙 #BeyondTheJacket #FFA #PlantScience #SAEStories #AgEducation #FutureO...