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

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Sentinel Madison Wright and Green River State Vice President Mikayla Fields, both students at the University of Kentucky. Madison and Mikayla discuss how FFA influenced their college choices and careers, what surprised them most about state office and what they've learned about being a good teammate. Links: Owe...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Terry Ashby, a retired executive in the poultry industry and a current member of the Kentucky FFA Board of Trustees. Terry shares his story, beginning with his upbringing on a farm in Christian County, Kentucky to his early involvement in FFA and 4-H and his lifelong career with Perdue. Links: Christian County FFA Perdue

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Secretary Jacee McKeel and Lake Cumberland Region State Vice President Clinton Corner , both freshmen at Murray State University. Jacee and Clinton share their different FFA beginnings, key leadership qualities and their advice for members on engagement and connection. Links: Murray State University Pulaski County...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we introduce you to two Kentucky FFA state officers — Anna Chaliff and Josh Brammell. Anna and Josh share their unique connection to FFA. Both officers reflect on their transformative experiences and discuss the importance of servant leadership and leading by example. Links: Rockcastle County FFA Western Kentucky University East Carter FFA Morehea...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're joined by Scott Cronin, an agriculture teacher and a National Wild Turkey Federation Educator of the Year. Scott shares how he connects his passion for hunting, conservation and the natural world with his agriculture classroom and Kentucky FFA students. Scott tells us how he's using deer harvest as a community service project to dona...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we welcome back Kentucky FFA Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff to discuss the upcoming Kentucky FFA Centennial. The 100-year anniversary will be celebrated from the 2029 convention through 2030. Matt shares his experience compiling the state's history, including the complex story of the NFA merger. Kentucky FFA is challenging local FFA chapters...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State President Aiden Manley and Lincoln Trail State Vice President Dawson Hall. Aiden and Dawson share what they love about FFA, their college experience thus far and advice for younger FFA members. Links: John Hardin FFA University of Kentucky Agricultural Education and Advocacy SAE Grant Launch Grant Menifee Count...

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer Colson Pierce. Links: 2025 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer Southwestern FFA Riley Pierce The Millennial Farmer @farmwithzoe Teach Ag Kentucky Somerset Community College

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State Star in Agricultural Placement Wade Moore. Through his SAE at Henry County Animal Clinic, Wade has gained real-world experience in animal care, from assisting in surgeries to helping on farm calls. Links: 2025 State Star in Ag Placement Henry County FFA Kentucky Ag Development Fund

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2025 Kentucky FFA State Star in Agribusiness Laney Pease. Laney is the owner of Sweet Pease Bouquets — a floral business she began as part of her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grant. Links: Fleming County FFA State Star Agribusiness SAE Sweet Pease Bouquets Shark Tank Grant Kentucky Welding Institute Western Kent...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann speak with Dwight Sears, a new board member for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Dwight shares his deep-rooted connection to FFA, the stories of his family businesses and valuable advice for young people entering the workforce. Links: Silent Guard Davis HVAC Pulaski County FFA

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award winner Jacob Falwell. With more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Falwell has built a respected ag program rooted in classroom instruction, community connection and his teaching philosophy: WIN – Wisdom, Influence, Notable. His impact stretches far beyond the classroom, helping students find their place and p...

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're excited to introduce you to Matthew Estes, 2025 Kentucky FFA State Vice President, and Mollie Goode, 2025 Kentucky FFA Pennyrile State Vice President. Links: Hopkinsville FFA Barren County FFA Rooted in Ag Podcast Kirby Green

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann give us a preview of this year's Blue & Gold Gala and what guests can expect from silent auction items to the well-thought details. Links: Ag Innovation Grant FFA Jacket Scholarship Kyle Kelly Nick Carter Millionaire’s Row Churchill Downs Ashborne Farms Kentucky Venues Bourbon and Beyond Louder Than Life Kentucky Derby...

In a special episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA state staff members discuss a transformational $11 million gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation — the largest in the history of the FFA organization. Listen as the staff dive into the gift's impact, which includes renaming the beloved FFA camp to the Carol Martin Gatton Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center. Links: Matt Cha...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak to Kentucky FFA alum Bethanie Cantrell, Compensation and Stock Analyst for Texas Roadhouse. Bethanie discusses her journey from being a Kentucky FFA member to her current role at Texas Roadhouse. She highlights the similarities between the two organizations, calling FFA the "foundation of anybody's career." Links: Texas Roadhouse Murray State...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kenny Brammell — East Carter FFA advisor and 2025 Career & Technical Teacher of the Year — and his grandson, Blaine Brammell — a 2024 Kentucky FFA state officer — discuss their experiences in agriculture education and leadership. Links: ⁠2024 Ag Teachers Change Lives Award Recipient⁠ ⁠East Carter FFA⁠ ⁠Big Sandy River Region State Vice Preside...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann welcome back Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell. Jonathan reflects on his first year in office, sharing key highlights like boosting agricultural economic development, championing the "Food is Medicine" initiative and introducing agriculture education into elementary schools. He also dives into the i...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Taylor Nash — former Kentucky FFA state officer and current Director of Young Farmer Programs at Kentucky Farm Bureau — shares his inspiring journey from FFA to a leadership role supporting young farmers, emphasizing the value of grassroots advocacy and community engagement. Links: ⁠Kentucky Farm Bureau⁠ ⁠Collegiate Farm Bureau⁠ ⁠Kentucky Farmland...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann introduce Cassidy Hutchison, the new Program Manager for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Cassidy discusses her background with FFA, her previous role at Pratt Industries and her excitement to work with the Kentucky FFA Foundation. She’ll be leading Kentucky Teach Ag, Kentucky FFA Works and grant writing efforts. Links: Murray Sta...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing Trenton Page's retiring address at Kentucky FFA President at the 2025 Kentucky FFA State Convention.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing Avery Cole's retiring address at Kentucky FFA Vice President at the 2025 Kentucky FFA State Convention.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're sharing a highlight from the 2025 Kentucky FFA State Convention — Coach Mark Pope sharing encouraging words with our members.

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we chat with Caroline Groth, former Kentucky FFA president and current national FFA Eastern Region Vice President. Caroline discusses her role as a national officer, which includes chapter visits, industry tours, legislative visits and attending state conventions. Caroline emphasizes authenticity in leadership and the importance of reflection and grat...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, David Wayne, Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency, shares his career trajectory from growing up in Taylor County to his current federal appointment. David explains the role of the Farm Service Agency and highlights the interconnectedness of USDA agencies like Rural Development (RD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk M...