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 donate ground venison to Kentucky food banks through the Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry program.Links:Muhlenberg County FFANational Wild Turkey FederationBetter Days Through Better Ways GrantKentucky Hunters for the HungryKY FFA WorksJim Strader Outdoors Podcast
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 to actively preserve and catalog their own history. Learn how chapters can get started by conducting oral history interviews , digitizing old scrapbooks and photos and engaging their communities with ideas like the "Oldest Jacket Contest" to capture valuable stories for the next 100 years.Links:Oral History InterviewsKentucky FFA FlickrChapter History Project Guidelines
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 FFAUniversity of Kentucky Agricultural Education and AdvocacySAE GrantLaunch GrantMenifee County FFAThe Seeds of SuccessBidFTA
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 FarmerSouthwestern FFARiley PierceThe Millennial Farmer@farmwithzoeTeach Ag KentuckySomerset 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 PlacementHenry County FFAKentucky 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 FFAState Star AgribusinessSAESweet Pease BouquetsShark Tank GrantKentucky Welding InstituteWestern Kentucky UniversityAnnie Armstrong Offering
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 GuardDavis HVACPulaski 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 purpose in agriculture.Links:Calloway County FFAGolden Owl AwardKentucky Agricultural Leadership Program
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 FFABarren County FFARooted in Ag PodcastKirby 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 GrantFFA Jacket ScholarshipKyle KellyNick CarterMillionaire’s Row Churchill DownsAshborne FarmsKentucky VenuesBourbon and BeyondLouder Than LifeKentucky DerbyGatormade TrailersMasterChef Brandi AlexanderAustin HazelwoodKentucky FFA YouTube
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 ChaliffKristan WrightJosh MitchamKentucky FFA Leadership Training CenterMuhlenberg County FFAMcLean County FFABill Gatton FoundationGatton College of Business and EconomicsThe Gatton AcademyMartin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentCareer Development Events and Leadership Development EventsWashington Leadership Conference
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 RoadhouseMurray State UniversityBubba’s 33JaggersKent Taylor, Texas Roadhouse FounderFrom now until September 30, 10% of Texas Roadhouse gift card purchases will be donated back to the Kentucky FFA Foundation, but only when you order through the special link. To order and benefit the Kentucky FFA Foundation, visit www.texasroadhouse.com/gift-cards and select “Gift Cards for a Good Cause” featuring the Kentucky FFA Foundation logo.
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 RecipientEast Carter FFABig Sandy River Region State Vice PresidentUniversity of Kentucky Forestry
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, 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 BureauCollegiate Farm BureauKentucky Farmland Transition InitiativeThe Comfort Crisis by Michael EasterYuka
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 State UniversityPratt IndustriesKY FFA WorksTeach Ag Kentucky FacebookTeach Ag Kentucky Instagram
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 gratitude.Links:National FFA State OfficersLocust TraceCargillJR ShinkleThat Sounds FunAgri-Pulse NewsmakersKirby GreenThe Longest RideClark’s heels