FFA News

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

From Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, more than 73,000 attendees from across the country gathered in Indianapolis, Ind., for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. Amidst the competitive events, general sessions, and countless other activities, Ohio FFA members made their mark.

National FFA Officer Nominating Committee

Anna Moeller of the Talawada-Butler Tech FFA Chapter was chosen to serve on a committee with eight other FFA members from across the country to elect the 2025-2026 National FFA Officer Team.

Hamilton Named American Star
Joanna Hamilton of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter was named the American Star in Agriscience. Hamilton’s Supervised Agricultural Experience is rooted in research, consisting of five science-based projects spanning food science and animal care. From exploring heat output in brooder bulbs to studying consumer perception of chocolate chip cookies, her projects were inspired by real-life questions from her family farm and kitchen.

“As I look back on the growth between each project, I am amazed at the progression and improvement,” Hamilton said.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ Reporter

Three Ohio FFA members were among just 70 students nationwide selected to attend the Next Gen: Emerging Technologies Conference in Fargo, North Dakota, held Sept. 9-13. The event brought together sophomores, juniors, and seniors from 21 states for an immersive week exploring how innovation is shaping the agricultural industry.

The conference featured hands-on sessions, panel discussions, and exclusive tours of CNH Industrial, John Deere, Cargill, and the Grand Farm Innovation Campus. Each stop offered students a behind-the-scenes look at how cutting-edge technology is driving efficiency and sustainability across modern agriculture.

For Claire Connor of the Wilmington FFA Chapter, the experience opened her eyes to career possibilities she hadn’t considered before.

“Going into the conference, I wanted to learn not only about the new advancements in modern agriculture, but also how they affect the industry,” she said. “Seeing how a simple sheet of metal becomes a powerful piece of equipment at CNH Industrial was incredible.”… Continue reading

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, host Dusty Sonnenberg sits down with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers to discuss the state’s ongoing response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The two share how Ohio handled last winter’s outbreak that impacted over 15 million birds, the lessons learned from those months, and how producers are preparing as migratory season begins again. They also touch on the far-reaching economic ripple effects across the state’s poultry and grain sectors, and offer practical advice for backyard flock owners looking to keep their birds safe.

Later in the podcast, Joel Penhorwood catches up with Joanna Hamilton of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter, who was recently named the American Star in Agriscience at the National FFA Convention. Hamilton reflects on her award-winning research projects ranging from poultry heat lamps to consumer food science, how FFA shaped her future in nursing, and the people who helped guide her along the way.… Continue reading

Joanna Hamilton of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter was named the American Star in Agriscience at the 98th National FFA Convention on Oct. 31, 2025. Winners were announced on the stage of Lucas Oil Stadium during the sixth General Session of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Hamilton’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) started with raising turkeys and overcoming challenges with heat lamps, leading to early agriscience projects in power systems and sparking a passion for food science through the Food Science Career Development Event (CDE). She completed five research projects about power systems, food science, and social systems, applying the scientific method to address agricultural issues and consumer preferences. Over time, Hamilton progressed from relying on mentors to independently designing experiments and consulting industry experts. Now she mentors younger members in research SAEs, demonstrating significant growth in both skills and leadership.

“FFA has pushed me out of my comfort zone, given me challenges to solve, and led me to my passion,” Hamilton said.… Continue reading

The following is a list of award winners from Ohio named at the 2025 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, according to the National FFA. This story will be updated as more winners are named.

American Star Awards

American Star in Agriscience
Joanna Hamilton, Felicity-Franklin FFA

Proficiency Awards

Agricultural Processing – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Blake Schmitmeyer,
Versailles FFA, Ohio

Dairy Production – Placement
Colin Battenm
Versailles FFA, Ohio

Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Lincoln Winner,
Versailles FFA, Ohio

Nursery Operations– Entrepreneurship/Placement
Eric Taylor, Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA, Ohio

Career Development Events

Food Science and Technology
Big Walnut-DACC FFA
Joshua Schutt, Madi Dible, Riley Norling, and Lainey Soule

Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Cardington FFA
Jaxon Ongalibang, Madison Garrabrant, Bristal Cain, Mason Newsome, Victoria Kovacs, Alayna Seavolt, and Kaylynne Barlow,

Agriscience Fair

Animal Systems – Division 6
Hailey Wendling & Lydia Hamilton
Felicity-Franklin FFA

Social Science – Division 2
Cecelia Gable & Leena Hennen
New Lexington FFA

Plant Systems – Division 2
Charlie Martell & Addison Prater
Ridgemont FFA, Ohio

Plant Systems- Division 4
Willow Kearns & Tanner VanBuskirk
Ridgemont FFA, Ohio

Power, Structural and Technical Systems – Division 3
Maverick Dawson
Ridgemont FFA, Ohio

Power, Structural and Technical Systems – Division 4
Memphis Harvey & Jameson Hilyard
Ridgemont FFA, Ohio

VIP Citation

David Bishop | Ohio
David Snyder | Ohio

Honorary American FFA Degree

Kristin Baird
Bruce Chantry
Ryan Curtis
Juilanne Hamilton
Steven Hamilton
Janessa Hill
Cory Hoops
Holly Jennings
Kevin Jennings
Karen Sheeley
Tim Sheeley
Heather Tegtmeier
Robert Walker… Continue reading

During the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, a group of six dedicated and passionate FFA members will have the honor of leading the National FFA Organization as the 2025-26 National FFA Officer Team. This opportunity promises to be a transformative experience, allowing them to influence the future of the organization and inspire the next wave of agricultural leaders.

The process of becoming a national officer is arduous. The candidates – each state FFA association can submit one individual member annually – take part in an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee. The committee is comprised of students who interview and select the National FFA Officers during each National FFA Convention & Expo.

Thirty-seven candidates vied for national office during Phase 1 of the selection process.

Among the 2025-26 candidates advancing to Phase 2 is Ohio’s own Hannah Saum. Read more about her journey here.

The full list of candidates advancing to Phase 2 include:

Arizona | Keston Zimmerman
Colorado | Ryer Roberts
Delaware | Joey Nowotny
Florida | Gabrielle Howell
Georgia | Emma Storey
Idaho | Eliza Dugan
Indiana | Ethan Wolheter
Kansas | Sage Toews
Kentucky | Trenton Page
Michigan | Lilly Nyland
Missouri | Braden Havlik
Nebraska | Claire Woeppel
New York | Hunter Smigel
North Carolina | Sydney Whichard
Ohio | Hannah Saum
Oklahoma | Trey Myers
Oregon | Jael Cruikshank
Pennsylvania | Rebecca Lehman
Tennessee | T.Wayne… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

In May, the Ohio FFA Association hosted its 97th State Convention in Columbus. With nearly 11,000 attendees, the event served as a time to celebrate member accomplishments, honor FFA traditions, and look ahead to the future of agricultural education.

For 11 newly elected individuals, it also marked the start of a year-long journey of service. As the 2025-26 Ohio FFA Officer Team, these student leaders represent more than 30,000 members across the state. But, make no mistake, a state officer’s role extends far beyond wearing the “association” jacket. Each officer will travel thousands of miles to facilitate chapter visits, host leadership nights, connect with business and industry leaders, and share the story of Ohio FFA as its highest-ranked ambassador.

Let’s meet this year’s team!

Why did you join FFA?

“It’s a generational thing for me. My grandfather earned his American FFA Degree, and my mom and her six siblings did as well.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

Joanna Hamilton, a recent graduate of Felicity-Franklin FFA and a current nursing student at the University of Cincinnati, has been named a national finalist for one of the most prestigious honors in the National FFA Organization: the American Star in Agriscience.

The American Star Awards represent the highest achievement possible for FFA members across the country. Each year, just four finalists are selected in each category: Agriscience, Agribusiness, Agricultural Placement, and Farmer. These members have not only earned their American FFA Degrees, but also exemplify excellence in their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), leadership, and community involvement. Hamilton is one of only 16 finalists nationwide and the lone Ohioan to earn the recognition this year.

Hamilton’s SAE is rooted in agriscience research, consisting of five science-based projects spanning food science and animal care. From exploring heat output in brooder bulbs to studying consumer perception of chocolate chip cookies, her projects were inspired by real-life questions from her family farm and kitchen.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

Tom Holton, the agricultural educator and FFA advisor at East Knox High School, was named this year’s Ohio Golden Owl Award winner at the 97th Ohio FFA Convention. The award is among the most prestigious accolades in Ohio for agricultural education, and given Holton’s tenure, it’s clear why.

In 1964, Howard High School and Bladensburg High School merged to create East Knox High School, home of the Bulldogs. Since the school’s inception 61 years ago, for all but 18 years, Holton has been their sole agricultural educator and FFA advisor.

For Holton, teaching is all he’s known, as he has just completed his 43rd year of teaching. With such a long career in one place, he said he’s had over 27 principals and that many superintendents.

“I could’ve retired 13 years ago,” said Holton. “But, I honestly believe I have the greatest job in the world.”… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

At the 97th Ohio FFA Convention in May, Sunrise Cooperative announced its 2025 class of new hires for the RISE FFA Career Program. Following an application and interview process, Sunrise hired 13 graduating seniors for full-time positions – an all-time high. The program was designed to encourage immediate employment with Sunrise Cooperative following high school graduation. Sunrise is an agricultural and energy cooperative with locations across Ohio.

Here are this year’s new hires joining Sunrise University:

• Caleb Tener (Greenon FFA)
• Cooper Zunis (Western Reserve FFA)
• Diton Farnsworth (South Central FFA)
• Savannah Morrison (South Central FFA)
• Landon Koch (South Central FFA)
• Landon Gamble (South Central FFA)
• Drake Copeland (Waynesfield-Goshen FFA)
• Josie Stiner (Miami Valley CTC FFA)
• Matthias Yelton (Sidney FFA)
• Willow Funk (Hillsdale FFA)
• Steven Opaliski (Firelands FFA)
• Sophia Sharp (Upper Valley CTC FFA)
• Zee Baker (Sentinel CTC FFA)

Of these 14, Cooper Zunis was the top recipient, receiving $1,000 for his chapter and a 2024 Jeep Gladiator truck as a signing bonus, in addition to his full-time employment benefits.… Continue reading

By OCJ FFA Reporter, Morgan Anderson

Ohio FFA has reached a historic milestone, announcing a record-high membership of more than 30,000 members statewide.

The announcement came just weeks before the 97th Ohio FFA Convention, where members, advisors, and alumni gathered May 2–3 to celebrate a year of growth and achievement.

“Ohio FFA continues to grow! We’re excited to announce we’ve reached a new record-high membership milestone and surpassed 30,000 members!” the organization shared in a statement on Feb. 17.

For members like Julia Silvus, the growth is personal. Silvus, a State Vice President At-Large, said that the increase in membership reflects the welcoming nature of the organization.

“Throughout this year and my whole time in FFA, I have had the opportunity to meet so many FFA members from all across the state,” Silvus said. “Watching our membership grow while meeting so many other members has really showcased to me how anyone and everyone has a place and a purpose in FFA if they are brave enough to try something new.”… Continue reading

The four Ohio Star State FFA Degrees were awarded at the third session of the 97^th Ohio FFA State Convention. They include Delaney Jones, Emma Brandenburg, Callie Finnegan, and Joanna Hamilton. Hear their interviews below with our 2025 Student FFA Reporters.

Ohio Star Farmer

Delaney Jones – Allen East FFA

Listen to her interview with Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Tara Kremer

Ohio Star in Agricultural Placement

Emma Brandenburg – Felicity-Franklin FFA

Listen to her interview with Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Sydney Beiting

Ohio Star in Agribusiness

Callie Finnegan – Firelands FFA

Listen to her interview with Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Cole Bauman

Ohio Star in Agriscience

Joanna Hamilton – Felicity-Franklin FFA

Listen to her interview with Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Alexis White

Need motivation? Look no further.

This special edition of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast takes you inside the 97th Ohio FFA State Convention with the help of our 2025 Student FFA Reporters. The episode opens with a roundtable featuring returning reporters Sydney Beiting of East Clinton FFA and Alexis White of Fort Frye FFA, alongside new team members Cole Bauman (Liberty Center FFA), Tara Kremer (New Bremen FFA), and Emily Lichtle (Crestview FFA).

From there, hear in-depth interviews with the four recipients of the prestigious Ohio Star State FFA Degree awards:

• Delaney Jones, Ohio Star Farmer (Allen East FFA)
• Emma Brandenburg, Ohio Star in Agricultural Placement (Felicity-Franklin FFA)
• Callie Finnegan, Ohio Star in Agribusiness (Firelands FFA)
• Joanna Hamilton, Ohio Star in Agriscience (Felicity-Franklin FFA)

The episode also features conversations with outgoing State FFA President Anna Moeller, newly elected State President Carter Boyd, keynote speaker Nicki Joiner, Versailles FFA members recognized for chapter and proficiency honors, and a final FFA convention reflection with farm broadcaster Dale Minyo.… Continue reading

The 2025-2026 Ohio FFA State Officers were officially announced at the final session of the 97th Ohio FFA Convention on May 2.

State President:

Carter Boyd – Hillsboro Great Oaks FFA

State Vice President:
Henry Hoisington – Bloom-Carroll FFA

State Secretary:

Abbey Garland – Talawanda-Butler Tech FFA

State Treasurer:

Taylor Johnson – Evergreen FFA

State Reporter:

Austin Manning – Ripley-Union-Lewis-Huntington FFA

State Sentinel:

Melainy Boes – Upper Sandusky FFA

State Vice Presidents at Large:

Paris Anderson – Big Walnut-DACC FFA

Isabella Nardecchia – Wayne County Career Center FFA

Ryace Boyer – Warren FFA

Melinda Wesley – Utica FFA

Audrey Boeshart – Utica FFA… Continue reading