On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we chat with David Grigson, Community President of First Southern National Bank, about his journey from FFA member to banker, the importance of financial stewardship and how investing in young agricultural entrepreneurs shapes our communities. Links: Lincoln County FFA Campbellsville University Pitman Creek Wholesale The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Caleb Canada — the 2024 Kentucky FFA State Star in Agricultural Placement — shares his inspiring journey from a quiet student to a leader in the agricultural industry and active duty member of the Kentucky National Guard. Hear about his hands-on experiences, leadership growth and the challenges he overcame. Links: Whitley County FFA 2024 State Star in Agriculture Placement Moonlight Meat Processing Kentucky National Guard University of the Cumberlands

On this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Kentucky FFA State Officers Emily Chunglo and Jameson Williams share their personal journeys, leadership lessons and the pivotal role FFA has played in building their confidence and skills. Links: Mercer County FFA WKU Agriculture WKU Communications Menifee County FFA MSU Agriculture Education Kentucky FFA Grants

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kirby Green shares her journey from a farm in Breckenridge County to National Sales Manager at Mutiny Crop Performance. Kirby shares her career in agriculture, the life-changing impact of FFA and her dedication to mentorship and lifelong learning. Links: Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees Breckenridge County FFA Mutiny Crop Performance Sharpen: The Podcast for Young Professionals Murray State Agriculture Life Council by Laura Tremaine Essentialism by Greg McKeown Nate Bargatze Leanne Morgan

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Anthony Koch — Kentucky FFA Foundation board member and Director of Sales and Marketing at Hallway Feeds — shares his family’s deep history in the equine industry. He discusses Hallway Feeds' role in equine nutrition, the importance of service and the wide range of career opportunities in the equine industry. Tune in for leadership insights, career advice and stories from Kentucky’s horse country. Links: Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees Hallway Feeds Claiborne Farm Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Nicki Ellis, Executive Director of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, shares insights into her leadership role, the scale of Kentucky’s pork industry and career opportunities in agriculture. She reflects on how Kentucky FFA shaped her journey, her passion for advocacy and offers advice for young people looking to step into the field. Tune in to hear how Nicki balances everything from policy work to hands-on farming. Links: Kentucky Pork Producers University of Kentucky Career and Technical Education Leaders Eat Last

On this week’s episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Dr. Tony Brannon — retired dean of Murray State University’s Hutson School of Agriculture — shares his journey from the farm to his involvement in FFA and eventually his career in agricultural education. He discusses how FFA shaped his leadership skills and career, his transition into teaching and how he landed his role at Murray State University. Dr. Brannon emphasizes the importance of education, FFA's role in developing students and the need for seeking out opportunities beyond just earning a degree. Links: Hutson School of Agriculture at Murray State University Kentucky FFA Foundation Board 2024 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian Agriculture Future of America 2024 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian Video Racer Academy

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Devin Fuhrman of Nationwide Insurance discusses the role of agriculture educators and the significance of the Golden Owl Award, a Nationwide Insurance initiative recognizing outstanding agriculture teachers. Links: Nationwide Insurance Golden Owl Award Nominations

Kentucky FFA state officers Avery Cole and Mary Brooke Stith share their agricultural backgrounds and how FFA shaped their leadership journeys. They emphasize the importance of making every FFA member feel included. Links: ⁠South Warren FFA⁠ ⁠Meade County FFA⁠ ⁠Kentucky FFA State Officers⁠ ⁠Murray State Agricultural Science⁠ ⁠WKU Agriculture

On this of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann are joined by father-son duo Andrew Fritsch, an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Bourbon County High School, and Joe Fritsch, Bourbon County FFA member and Kentucky FFA State Talent winner. Andrew discusses his career as an agriculture teacher and Joe talks about his FFA journey. Links: Bourbon County High School FFA NAAE Ideas Unlimited Award Ag Innovation Grants Julie Fritsch Creative

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Rockcastle County High School FFA Advisors Matthew Whitaker and Lewis Mink discuss the success of their chapter and what inspired their careers in agriculture education. Links: Rockcastle County High School FFA KAAE Outstanding AgEd Program of the Year UK AgEd Loctus Trace AgriScience Center

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, LuAnn Coffey shares her extensive leadership experience from her family's multi-generational agribusiness, Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment, and discusses her passion for agriculture and storytelling. Links: Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kenny Brammell — East Carter FFA advisor — 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 President University of Kentucky Forestry

In this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, David Beck — President and CEO of Kentucky Venues — shares how his involvement with FFA and his educational journey, including student teaching and working on a farm, shaped his appreciation for agriculture and leadership. Links: ⁠Kentucky Venues⁠ Lyon County FFA Kentucky Farm Bureau Kentucky State Fair Lyon County FFA Forever Blue Endowment Fund

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Trenton Page (Kentucky FFA State President) and Jacob Rudy (Kentucky FFA State Treasurer) share their experiences as state officers thus far and what inspired them to apply for their positions. Kentucky FFA State Officers Adair County FFA Apollo FFA

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Daniel Bustle shares the importance of finding your passion and networking. Loctus Trace AgriScience Center Bi-Water Farm Rockcastle County FFA UK Agriculture Education SAE Grants KAAE Owl Tales Podcast

On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Chapel Tinius explains the role she'll have in Kentucky agriculture while she serves as Miss Kentucky 2024. Links: 2024 Miss Kentucky Bowling Green High School Belmont University VA in Lexington, KY Kentucky Proud Carry the Load Honor Flight Kentucky Department of Agriculture Sunshine Class

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, JR Shinkle — Wright Implement Salesman and Kentucky FFA Board Member — talks about the value of partnerships, specifically through the Kentucky FFA Works program. Links: Gallatin County FFA Chapter FFA Board of Trustees Wright Implement Kentucky FFA Works Blue and Gold Gala

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Taylor Cook — owner of Taylor Belle's — talks about the important role FFA played in her following her dreams and becoming a successful business owner. Links: Anderson County FFA Taylor Belle's Taylor Belle's and Burgers SAE Grants

On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA State Advisor Kristan Wright discusses the importance of urban agriculture. Links: Seneca High School FFA UK Agricultural Education SAE Grants

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Pulaski County FFA Advisor Janella Miller shares the importance of investing in agriculture and the impact it has on students. Links: Pulaski County FFA Kentucky Association of Agriculture Educators (KAAE) SAE Grants

On this week's episode, Brady Lawson — incoming student body president at Morehead State University — tells us how his experiences through FFA prepared him as a leader. Links: Kentucky FFA State Officers Morgan County FFA Political Science at MSU

On this week’s episode, Central Kentucky Ag Credit President and CEO Jonathan Noe discusses the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and how FFA provides the perfect space for that. Links: Central Kentucky Ag Credit Annie’s Project SAE Grants

After teaching agriculture for several years, Josh Mitcham became the Director of the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center in 2019. On this week’s episode, Josh talks about exciting new plans for the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center and his vision for the future. Links: Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center Breckinridge County FFA Nelson County FFA Meade County FFA Tempur Sealy donates 450 new mattresses

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

On this week’s episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, John Hardin FFA Advisor Jeremy Hall shares how the Kentucky FFA Foundation makes possible many opportunities and empowers students across the state. Links: John Hardin FFA Facebook National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) NAAE Awards and Grants Kentucky FFA Foundation 8th Annual Blue & Gold Gala

Amelia Tucker serves as the 2023-24 Kentucky FFA State Treasurer. Amelia was a member of the Apollo FFA chapter in Owensboro, Kentucky. She is now a freshman at Western Kentucky University studying Agricultural Education. In this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Amelia reminds us of the importance of sharing our stories. Links: 2023-24 Kentucky FFA State Officers Apollo FFA on Facebook Agriculture Education at Western Kentucky University

Margo Bruce is a retired Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor from Webster County. Margo was recently awarded the Ag Teachers Change Lives Award, a high honor for agriculture teachers. Sheldon and Margo discuss FFA and student impact this week! Tune in every Monday for a new episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders!

Darilyn Hamilton is one of the Agriculture Teachers and FFA Advisors at Spencer County High School. Darilyn has been involved with FFA for a while, serving as a Kentucky FFA State Officer and a former intern for the Kentucky FFA Foundation. In this episode, Darilyn discusses some of her great memories and lessons learned from her time in FFA and education. Tune in every Monday for a new episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders!

Jacob Ball is the Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington, Kentucky. Jacob was recently awarded the Milken Education Award for his excellence in education. Sheldon and Ruth Ann discuss MANNRS, FFA, and the classroom with Jacob on this week's episode. Tune in every Monday for a brand new episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders!

Casey Montgomery comes to us from Spencer County, where she grew up on her family farm and fell in love with agriculture at an early age. Casey eventually joined FFA and recently served as a Kentucky FFA State Officer. in this episode, Casey talks about her time at the International Leadership Summit for State Officers. Tune in every Monday wherever you get your podcasts or Youtube for a new episode!

Adam Hinton is the owner and operator of Hinton Mills in Flemingsburg, Kentucky. Adam is also the Director of the Kentucky Welding Institute. Adam has served his community and FFA in numerous ways, including the Fleming County Tractor Parade and being a member, and Chairman, of the Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube!

Nick Carter hails from Lincoln County, Kentucky where he was an FFA member. Nick Carter is a retired energy company executive with a passion for FFA, which he credits for giving him a successful start in life. He uses his vast leadership experience to serve on a variety of boards, including the University of Kentucky FarmHouse Fraternity Board, Community Trust Bancorp, Alliance Resources Partners and the Board of Tacoma Resources, LTD. Nick was a Kentucky FFA State Sentinel, from the Hustonville FFA Chapter. You can tune in to a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! Books mentioned in the episode: Atlas Shrugged The Big Book

Jackson serves as the 2023-24 Kentucky FFA State Vice President and has been an FFA member ever since he was able to. From Spencer County, Kentucky, Jackson was exposed to agriculture and FFA at a young age while he grew up on a dairy operation with his dad also being the local FFA Advisor. Jackson discusses what FFA means to him and what he is able to do to serve members thanks to the efforts of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube!

Cutter & Cash come from Crittenden County, Kentucky where they are members of the Crittenden County FFA Chapter. Cutter & Cash, known as "Classy & Grassy", are a favorite to many, and in 2023, they were favorites to all of Kentucky FFA. Tune in every Monday for a new episode anywhere you get your podcasts and on Youtube!

Jourdan Palmeri is an agricultiure teacher at Marshall County High Schhol and attended Murray State University where she attained a degree in Agricultural education. Soon after graduation, Jourdan mpooved right outside of Nashville for a short amount of time to teach at a small, rural school and eventually became the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor for Marshall County High School. On this episode, Ruth Ann discusses SAE's, Jourdan's experience in the classroom, and much more. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠

Isaiah Pruitt is currently a senior Agribusiness Economics student at Murray State University and is a former Kentucky FFA State Officer. On this episode, Sheldon and Isaiah discuss the Shark Tank Grant, what it was like being a State FFA Officer, and leadership. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠

Brian Welch is an Agriculture Teacher at Madisonville North Hopkins High School and a former State FFA Officer. On this episode, Sheldon and Ruth Ann discuss the Agriculture Innovation Grant, as well as Brian's work inside and outside of the classroom, some of his favorite FFA memories, and even a little bit about personality! Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠

Madison Frogue is a former Todd County Central FFA Member and the 2023 State Star in Agricultural Placement. Sheldon and Ruth Ann discuss her SAE, FFA Experience, and work opportunities that FFA provides. Madison discusses her further aspirations to one day reach the National FFA Convention stage to hopefully be the American Star in Placement. Madison is continuing her education at college and stays regularly involved in her family farm as well as a part-time job in Todd County. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠

Conner Richardson is a former State FFA Officer and current agriculture teacher at Woodford County High School. On this episode, Sheldon and Ruth Ann discuss with Conner the importance of donating to Kentucky FFA, how to give monthly, and the impact these donations have on students like Conner's. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠

Toni Myers is an agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Locust Trace High School. Sheldon and Ruth Ann discuss AgEd, FFA, The Kentucky Castle and so much more on this week's episode. Toni brings a rich and unique history to the interview, graduating college at 19 and teaching at a unique High School centered around agriculture that services one of the largest counties in the state of Kentucky. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠

Jonathan Shell is Kentucky's newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture. Jonathan hails from Garrard County and owns a farm where he raises pumpkins, cattle, and other various products. Sheldon and Ruth Ann discuss the Ag Tag Program, what it was like for Jonathan when he was an FFA member, some of his favorite camp memories, and so much more. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠

Jonathan West is a Financial Officer at Farm Credit Mid-America in Campbellsville, a member of the Kentucky FFA Board of Trustees, and a farmer. He hails from Knox County, Kentucky where he was an FFA member in their chapter. On this episode, Jonathan discusses agriculture, careers in agriculture, farm finance, and FFA with Sheldon and Ruth Ann. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! ⁠Student Activity Sheet LINK⁠