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

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA State Reporter Luke Mullins and State President Trenton Page discuss their impactful year as state officers, highlighting personal growth, leadership lessons and the unique challenges and rewards of their roles. They also share an exclusive preview of the upcoming Kentucky FFA State Convention. Links: Trimble County FFA Henderson Comm...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Kiah Twisselman Burchett — a California cattle rancher turned international motivational speaker. Known as "Coach Kiah," she empowers others to love themselves deeper, care better for themselves and find joy. She shares her journey from a rural cattle ranch to becoming a speaker and social media influencer. Kiah will be the...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, leadership and conflict resolution speaker Dallin Cooper shares his journey from a sheep ranch in Wyoming to becoming a keynote speaker. Links: Aiden Manley and Colton Rudd Seeds of Success Get on the Bull by Dallin Cooper Dallin Cooper on Instagram Dallin Cooper on LinkedIn

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Julie Fritsch, the creative behind Kentucky FFA's brand and storytelling. Julie's journey as a farmer and FFA mom have led her to the vital role she plays in helping Kentucky FFA thrive. Links: Fayette County 4-H National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Julie Fritsch Creative Bourbon County F...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann chat with Austin Hazelwood, a past Kentucky FFA state president and now a Sensory and Innovation Scientist at Maker's Mark. Hear about Austin's journey from a dairy farm in Mercer County to the distilling industry and how he continues to support Kentucky FFA. Links: Maker's Mark Vendome Copper and Brass Works Independent Stave Com...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we welcome Aaron Harned, a business coach with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. Aaron shares his journey from being a Kentucky FFA state officer to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. Tune in to hear his insights on business planning, the importance of community and the impact of Kentucky FFA members. L...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we talk with Matthew Estes and Madison Wright, two FFA members and hosts of the Rooted in Ag podcast. They share their FFA journeys, how they started their podcast and their insights on communicating agriculture to fellow FFA members. Links: Rooted in Ag podcast Barren County FFA Owen County FFA SAE grants University of Kentucky Agriculture Econom...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're joined by Addison Coffey of Pitman Creek Wholesale to discuss career opportunities for Kentucky FFA members through Kentucky FFA Works. Addison details the available positions and what Pitman Creek Wholesale looks for in potential employees. Beyond the job specifics, we discuss the company's culture, its growth and Addison's pers...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're joined by Colton Rudd and Aiden Manley of Menifee County FFA. Colton and Aiden share their passion for FFA and how they got their start in podcasting.

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, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by Robin Alexander — Operations Manager at Republic Services — to discuss exciting career opportunities for Kentucky FFA members. Robin shares insights into the company’s partnership with Kentucky FFA Works, the value of hands-on learning and the benefits of starting a career with Republic Services. Links: Republic Serv...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Kentucky FFA State Officers Noah Mallory and Paige Cash discuss their FFA journeys, leadership experiences and how the organization has shaped their personal and professional growth. From traveling across the state to engaging with members and balancing college life, Noah and Paige share their insights, challenges and favorite moments from their year...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Whitney Monin — Seed Lead at Kentucky American Seed — shares her journey from FFA member to agronomy expert, highlighting the invaluable skills FFA provides for careers in agriculture. She also discusses Kentucky American Seed's partnership with Kentucky FFA Works, career opportunities for students and the company's commitment to innovatio...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, 2024-25 state officers Ty Elrod and Parker Keyes share their journeys from freshmen navigating challenges during the pandemic to becoming leaders in agriculture and Kentucky FFA. From honing public speaking skills to facilitating workshops, they highlight how FFA has shaped their confidence and leadership. Links: 2024-25 state officers Marshall Co...

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...

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we welcome two inspiring guests from Green County — veteran agriculture teacher James Bonta and 2024 Kentucky FFA State Star in Agribusiness, Carsen Thompson. Listen as they share stories of mentorship, entrepreneurship and community support. Carsen discusses how he turned a family gift into a thriving business, selling refurbished farm equipment parts...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kyle Kelly — a Kentucky FFA Foundation board member and Director of Public Affairs at Kentucky Farm Bureau — shares his journey from growing up on a family farm to becoming a passionate advocate for agriculture. Kyle discusses the importance of public policy in farming, gives a preview of Kentucky's legislative priorities for 2025 and share ti...

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann chat with Sarah Butler, Recruitment Coordinator at Wright Implement. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from education to agriculture and highlights her passion for helping students find fulfilling career paths. They discuss the value of career exploration, the opportunities available at Wright Implement and the transformative...

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 Tran...

Growing Kentucky's Leaders co-hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink as they celebrate a year of fostering leadership across Kentucky through heartfelt conversations and inspiring stories. From impactful advice to community contributions, discover how leaders are making a difference in the Bluegrass. Links: Top Moments of 2024: Part 1 Top Moments of 2024: Part 2 First episode of Growing Kentucky...

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Coty Back talks about his past FFA experience and his career in learning and development. Links: Menifee County FFA Kentucky FFA State Officers National FFA Officers

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Joenelle Wetzler — Director of Learning and Development at Simmons Foods — explains how what she learned through FFA and agricultural education transfers to her career today. Links: Daviess County FFA Kentucky FFA Officers National FFA Officers Simmons Food Joenelle and Jason Give FFA Day video The Comfort Crisis

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff shares his journey of mentoring generations of FFA members, preserving the rich history of the organization and guiding the future of agricultural education. Links: Rockcastle County FFA UK Agriculture Education Jessamine County FFA Taylor County FFA Kentucky FFA Flickr Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Agriculture Commi...

From leadership advice to the power of giving time, talent and treasure, listen in as we highlight some of our favorite moments on the podcast from the past year. Show notes: Joenelle Wetzler episode Amelia Tucker episode David Beck episode Niki Ellis episode Kirby Green episode

From leadership advice to the power of giving time, talent and treasure, listen in as we highlight some of our favorite moments on the podcast from the past year. Links: Coty Back Episode Anthony Koch Episode Conner Richardson Episode Toni Myers Episode Jeremy Hall Episode