FFA News

FFA members and supporters from across the country — including Ohio— will celebrate agriculture and agricultural education during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. This time-honored tradition will be held Oct. 23-26.

Morgan Anderson from Fairfield County is representing Ohio FFA on the 2023-2024 National Officer Team. Her retiring address will be on Friday, Oct. 25 during the Fifth General Session, which will be streamed from 2:30p-4:30p on FFA Live! Here’s the link to the live stream: https://convention.ffa.org/ffa-live/.

The National FFA Organization is the nation’s premier school-based youth leadership development organization with more 1 million members and 9,000 chapters in rural, suburban, and rural schools in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. 

“Our FFA mission is to grow the next generation of leaders who will feed, fuel, clothe and sustain our world,” said Mandy Hazlett, associate director, convention & events management programs.… Continue reading

Courtesy of the Ohio FFA Association

American FFA Degrees – 529

National Officer Candidate – Luke Jennings, Felicity-Franklin

Star American Degree Finalists

American Star in Agribusiness – Landon Haney, Arcanum-MVCTC

Honorary American Degrees
Richie Anderson, Junction City (National Officer Parent)

Gary Arledge, Hillsboro

Shawn Budke, Batavia

James Craycraft, Leesburg

Julie Haney, Arcanum (Star American Degree Finalists Parent)

Mark Haney, Arcanum (Star American Degree Finalists Parent)

Bill Mote, Tipp City

Tom Oglesby, Hillsboro (State Staff)

Jessica Schubert, Amanda (National Officer Parent)

Jeffrey Schubert, Amanda (National Officer Parent)

Scott Sharp, Stoutsville (National Officer Ag Ed Instructor)

Jeff Tilley, Lancaster (National Officer Ag Ed Instructor)

Chris Turner, Baltimore (Ag Ed Instructor)

VIP Citation

Ron Tilford, Hamilton

National Proficiency Award Finalists (20)

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance-Entrepreneurship – Mason Brown, Portsmouth West-SCCTC

Agricultural Processing – Braden Zekas, Miami East-MVCTC

Agricultural Sales-Entrepreneurship – Gracie Sprague, Genoa-Penta

Agricultural Sales-Placement – Taylor Payne, Ridgemont

Agriscience Research-Integrated Systems – Masen Jolliff, Ridgemont

Beef Production-Entrepreneurship – Delaney Jones, Allen East

Dairy Production-Entrepreneurship – Paige House, Preble Shawnee

Dairy Production-Placement – Troy Homan, New Bremen

Diversified Agricultural Production – Maddox French, United

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Garrett Houin, West Holmes

Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Gabriel Dershem, Houston-UVCC

Forest Management and Products – Lane Baker, New Lexington

Goat Production – Ava Shroyer, Indian Lake-OHP

Grain Production – Allison Michaels, Bellevue

Nursery Operations – Coy Grayum, Delaware Area CC

Poultry Production – Johnathan Woodward, Ridgewood

Small Animal Production and Care – Maddy Jones, Big Walnut-DACC

Swine Production-Placement – Ryan McRill, Twin Valley South-MVCTC

Turf Grass Management – Fletcher Harris, Miami East-MVCTC

Veterinary Science – Emma Brandenburg, Felicity-Franklin

National Chapter Award-Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders

Felicity-Franklin

National Chapter Award-Premier Chapter: Building Communities

McClain

Three-Star Chapters – Black River, Blanchester Great Oaks, Bowling Green, Cardington, Covington-UVCC, East Clinton Great Oaks, Fairfield, Fayetteville, Felicity-Franklin, Houston-UVCC, London, Marysville, McClain, Miami East-MVCTC, Miami Trace Great Oaks, Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC, National Trail-MVCTC, New Bremen, Northeastern, Paulding, Ridgemont, River Valley (Caledonia), South Central, Southeastern, St.… Continue reading

By Luke Jennings, a member of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter, the 2023-2024 Ohio FFA President and 2024 national officer candidate

For myself and 36 other FFA members, we have set out on a quest to be elected as one of six National FFA Officers for the coming year. Our journey to the circle city began months ago and has included countless hours of preparation, many conversations with mentors, and a touch of soul searching, to ultimately not just be prepared for the National Officer Selection Process, but to devote a year of our lives to the organization that has changed us for the better.

During the National FFA Convention, we will undergo a total of over five hours of interviews, speeches, conversations, and workshops. To prepare for the strenuous week, I have spent time reflecting on my experiences, diving into topics surrounding agriculture, education, and the FFA, refining my communication skills, and learning how to become the best version of myself.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

Each year, the Ohio FFA Association nominates one member to represent Ohio as an official candidate for the National FFA Officer Team at the National FFA Convention & Expo. This year’s candidate is Luke Jennings, a member of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter and the 2023-2024 Ohio FFA President. Below is a message from Jennings as he vies for one of the six coveted officer positions.

As the leaves begin to change and drop, the air gets a little crisper, and harvest equipment runs through fields, one NFL stadium prepares to fill its seats for a purpose other than football — the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo. This year, thousands of FFA members, advisors, and supporters will migrate to Indianapolis for a multitude of purposes. Some will be gearing up to participate in a Career Development Event, many to experience the sea of blue for the first time, and others will cross the stage to join the prestigious group of American FFA Degree recipients, yet all will be in store for a handful of days that will create memories they’ll never forget.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

In May, the Ohio FFA Association hosted its largest celebration yet: the 96th Ohio FFA Convention & Expo. The 10,000+ attendee event serves as a time of celebration, reflecting on the achievements of the past year and setting the stage for the future of Ohio FFA members. For 11 dedicated individuals, it also marks the start of an exciting, year-long journey. Elected to serve on the Ohio FFA State Officer Team, these ambassadors represent nearly 30,000 members statewide. They play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders through chapter visits, leadership events, and various conferences. Beyond engaging with members, the team also builds connections with sponsors and supporters, sharing the impactful story of Ohio FFA.

Why did you join FFA?

“I grew up on a grain farm, and wanted to pursue agriculture as my career and lifestyle. I wouldn’t have it any other way.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

For over 50 years, the National FFA Organization has provided members across the country with a premier leadership experience in the nation’s capital, exposing them to the rich history of Washington, D.C.

Known as the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC), thousands of students attend this 5-day event each summer. Focused on leadership, citizenship, service, and action, the conference allows FFA members to practice personal growth, witness advocacy in action, and experience new opportunities.

After completing an application and undergoing an interview process, two members from the Amanda-Clearcreek FFA Chapter attended the conference for free, courtesy of a memorial fund set up by the chapter.

Emma Strickler, a junior and the chapter’s reporter, said she knew she wanted to apply because of the positive experiences shared by previous attendees from her chapter.

“I had heard others from my chapter talk about their experience and how life-changing it was,” Strickler said.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

At the 96th Ohio FFA Convention in May, Sunrise Cooperative announced its 2024 class of new hires for the RISE FFA Career Program. Following an application and interview process, Sunrise hired 12 graduating seniors full-time. The program was developed to encourage employment with Sunrise Cooperative immediately 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:

Riley Collins (Hillsboro)
Seth Crytzer (Hillsboro)
Braydon Rakovec (Hillsdale)
Cara Deam (West-Liberty Salem)
Skylar England (Bellevue)
Alex Lamma (Sidney)
Seth Lenke (Oak Harbor)
Bodie Rogers (Tecumseh)
Ethan Scaggs (Lincolnview)
Madison Shell (Clyde)
Boston Smith (South Central)
Ben Sonnanstine (Miami Valley Career Technology Center).

Of these 12, Alex Lamma was the top recipient, receiving $1,000 for his chapter and a 2023 Jeep Gladiator truck as a signing bonus, in addition to his full-time employment benefits. Lamma’s position is a 2-year commitment during which he will acquire a multitude of skills and experiences.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA Reporter

Dena Wuebker, the agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Versailles High School, was named this year’s Ohio Golden Owl Award winner at the 96th Ohio FFA Convention. The award is among the most prestigious accolades in Ohio for agricultural education.

Inside Wuebker’s classroom, on her desk, sits a sign that reads, “Service is the rent we pay for living.” When Wuebker speaks about her tenure as an educator, she always points back to her guiding philosophy: service.

“My goal is that students leave with skills to last a lifetime,” Wuebker said. “I want them to be good leaders who can communicate and are passionate about the agricultural industry, natural resources, and the environment. My hope is that my students become servant leaders.”

With a service-oriented approach to teaching, Wuebker has taught agricultural education for 30 years — all of which have been at Versailles High School.… Continue reading

By Morgan Anderson, OCJ FFA reporter

For over 29,000 Ohio FFA members, the end of each school year signifies a time of celebration, whether at the Ohio FFA Convention in Columbus or their local chapter banquet. But for senior members who are graduating, this celebration is particularly bittersweet, as it marks the end of their high school FFA career.

“One of the most important lessons I have learned is how crucial hard work is when it comes to taking your experience to the next level,” said Devan Foster, a graduating senior. “Through my time in the FFA, I have devoted my time, my energy, and certainly, my heart, to our chapter and the program itself.”

Both Foster and Delaney Jones, two class of 2024 graduating seniors from the Allen East FFA Chapter, said their time in the blue jacket has been instrumental in their development as young people.

“I have learned to not be scared to try a new challenge,” Jones said.… Continue reading

The following are the 2024-2025 Ohio FFA State Officers, installed on May 3 at the 96th Ohio FFA Convention in Columbus.

State President:
ANNA MOELLER – TALAWANDA-BUTLER TECH FFA

State Vice President:
CARTER BOYD – HILLSBORO FFA

State Secretary:
LACIE BACHMAN – BLOOM-CARROLL FFA

State Treasurer:
LAYNA GORDON – LICKING VALLEY FFA

State Reporter:
DANIEL HARTZELL – MISSISSINAWA VALLEY-MVCTC FFA

State Sentinel:
CALEB BENNETT – MIAMI TRACE GREAT OAKS FFA

State Vice Presidents at Large:
JULIA SILVUS – FORT FRYE FFA
JAYDEN HICKS – GREENVILLE FFA
RYAN BOWSHER – SPENCERVILLE FFA
GRACIE SPRAGUE – GENOA-PENTA FFA
JOSIE JENNINGS – GLOBAL IMPACT FFA