Growing Kentucky's Leaders: A Podcast by the Kentucky FFA Foundation

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Spencer Guinn and Hunter Anne Mattingly of the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development for a critical conversation about the future of Kentucky agriculture. The discussion focuses on farmland transition and succession planning, highlighting how families can navigate the transfer of land, leadership and...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing the state officer presented at Kentucky FFA State Convention earlier this month. Kentucky FFA State Treasurer Tyren Harris and State Secretary Jacee McKeel take the stage for a creative, Broadway-inspired performance to highlight the incredible, real-life stories of FFA members and chapters from across the state. From student-led...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're honored to share the inspiring retiring address of the 2025–2026 Kentucky FFA State Vice President, Matthew Estes, delivered live at the 2026 Kentucky FFA State Convention. Introduced by his brothers and close friends, Matthew reflects on his transformative journey from a hesitant seventh grader to a dedicated leader.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Aiden Manley, the 2025–2026 Kentucky FFA State President. In his retiring address at state convention, Aiden shared a deeply personal journey of overcoming unexpected hardships — from a sudden childhood move to an isolated Eastern Kentucky holler, to family financial crises and a terrifying medical emergency with his sister.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Josh Mitcham, Director of the Carol Martin Gatton FFA Leadership Training Center. Josh explains why this historic camp— bursting at the seams with close to 400 students a week — remains the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Links: Carol Martin Gatton FFA Leadership Training Center

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back two familiar faces: State FFA Secretary Jacee McKeel and State Treasurer Tyren Harris. With less than three weeks left in their term of service, Jacee and Tyren pull back the curtain on their incredible year and give listeners a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the upcoming Kentucky State FFA Convention. From the h...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Annagrace Sholar and Sara Thakur from Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Tune in to hear about the massive impact of the Kentucky FFA Foundation grants, student-led entrepreneurship and the inspiring journey of cultivating the next generation of community leaders. Links: Teachers Turn the Key Better Days Through...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back a familiar face to the Kentucky FFA community, Coty Back. Ahead of his upcoming keynote address at the Kentucky FFA State Convention, Coty shares his insights on what truly separates a good leader from a great one. From the power of daily disciplines to the invaluable nature of "human capital" and mentor...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon, Ruth Ann and Cassidy sit down with Dr. Thomas Kingery to discuss the world of agriculture education. The Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators (KAAE) recently named Western Kentucky University (WKU) the Outstanding Post-Secondary Agriculture Education Program in the state. Dr. Kingery, who has led the program for 16 years, shares his...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Patrick T. Grady, a veteran entertainer, humorist and the keynote speaker at this summer’s Carol Martin Gatton Leadership Training Center. Patrick shares his journey from a Florida 4-H and FFA member to a career as a professional speaker, detailing how his roots in agricultural education shaped his life. Links: Patri...

This episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders features the four agriculture teachers from Taylor County High School and Taylor County Middle School, whose program was recently named the Outstanding Ag Ed Program in Kentucky by the Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators. Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with the team to discuss the unique family culture of their program and the deep bond they...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by author and leadership coach Darleen "Coach Dar" Santore and Kentucky FFA Foundation board member Dwight Sears. The discussion centers on the transformative power of the "Pay It Forward" movement and the global ripple effect of simple acts of kindness. Links: Coach Dar on Instagram Dwight Sears...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Mr. Dexter Knight, a recipient of the 2026 Agriculture Teachers Change Lives award. Dexter shares his insights on the essential qualities of a great teacher—emphasizing disposition and a love for the community—while discussing the evolving importance of work-life balance for the next generation of educators. Link...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back a familiar face — Kentucky FFA State Vice President Matthew Estes. Matthew reflects on his final months in the blue jacket as he prepares for the upcoming state convention. Links: Kentucky FFA State Officers Barren County FFA ILSSO John Colliver Washington Leadership Conference

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're celebrating the Teach Ag program and the vital role of agriculture educators. Shelby Roberts, an Agriculture Education instructor at Morehead State University and Kentucky FFA Foundation board member, and Cassidy Hutchison, Kentucky FFA Foundation Program Manager join Sheldon and Ruth Ann to discuss the importance of agriculture educatio...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink are joined by Kentucky FFA State President Aiden Manley to reflect on the annual industry tour. Over four days, Kentucky FFA state officers completed 18 visits with world-class leaders in Kentucky agriculture, gaining eye-opening and humbling insights into both professional success and personal character. Links...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to discuss the impact of the All In for Ag initiative and the state’s agricultural education programs. Commissioner Shell reflects on the vital partnership between his administration and Kentucky FFA, highlighting the importance of inspiring the next generation of a...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Mr. Matthew Price, agriculture teacher at Lynn Camp High School, and his student, Chance Blevins discuss the profound impact of community support and the Kentucky FFA Foundation on chapters across Kentucky. Mark your calendars for Give FFA Day on February 26th to help provide more students with the resources they need to lead and grow. Links: Lynn Cam...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Kyle Kelly, Director of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Farm Bureau and a longtime Kentucky FFA Foundation board member. As the 2026 legislative session kicks off in Frankfort, Cam provides an essential preview of the agricultural policies that will impact farmers and FFA members across the state. Links: Owen Cou...

Join hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink as they welcome Miss Kentucky Ariana Rodriguez to the podcast. Ariana shares her incredible journey from foster care to the Miss Kentucky stage, highlighting her advocacy work with The Lucky Ones Foundation. Discover how she uses her platform to support youth in foster care and promote Kentucky agriculture. Links: Kentucky Proud The Lucky Ones The Luck...

Join hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink as they wrap up an incredible year of growth for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. In this episode, they share inspiring student stories, discuss professional and personal growth and unveil exciting plans for 2026. From impactful student experiences to the foundation's strategic goals, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on the past and a hopeful loo...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann speak with Bethany Mattingly, Division Director of Agriculture Education and Outreach with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Bethany shares her journey from building a successful urban high school FFA program to her current role leading statewide initiatives. She highlights her dedication to expanding access to agriculture e...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Jeff Hayes — former agriculture teacher and current Kentucky FFA Program Development Specialist — shares his journey from inspiring future educators to the importance of hands-on learning and FFA involvement. Links: ⁠Rockcastle County FFA

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we talk with Brandon Reed about his deep roots in Kentucky FFA, from his time as a member and state president to his current role as Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy. We discuss how FFA shaped his leadership skills and influenced his decision to pursue a career in public service. Links: LaRue County FFA Kentucky Office o...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Reporter Sierra Morris and State Treasurer Tyren Harris. Sierra and Tyren each tell us about their respective FFA journeys and stress the importance of authenticity and vulnerability when connecting with members and sponsors across all ages. Links: State Officers Carter G. Woodson Academy Western Hills