Idaho FFA leaders brief Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee on education, leadership and career programs
February 18, 2025 | Agricultural Affairs, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Idaho
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Leaders of the Idaho Future Farmers of America explained the organization’s education and leadership programs to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, describing classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience projects and competitive events that prepare students for agricultural careers.
The state officers told the committee that Idaho FFA represents more than 6,000 members statewide and offers classroom-based technical training, hands-on supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects and career- and leadership-development events. “FFA is committed to developing the next generation of leaders in Idaho,” Idaho FFA state secretary Ashlyn King said.
Idaho FFA state president Will Brackett outlined the group’s “three-circle model,” saying it combines classroom learning, SAE projects and competitive events so students “are the most well rounded individuals as possible.” State officers described SAE projects that range from livestock production to entrepreneurship and noted that SAE projects let students apply classroom skills and build professional networks.
The students also listed travel and leadership opportunities run by the organization, including a summer outdoor leadership retreat, multi-location state leadership tracks in Pocatello, Boise and Moscow, and national conferences such as the Washington Leadership Conference. State vice president Josh Nelson described scholarships administered by the Idaho FFA Foundation and the National FFA Foundation, citing examples including $1,000 scholarships from the Idaho Wheat Commission and $2,000 scholarships from Dairy West that support incoming college students and event participation.
Committee members thanked the students and praised the organization’s role in youth development. Senator Zito recalled personal experience in FFA, and Senator Taylor thanked the members for serving as “a bright spot” for young people.
The officers invited committee members to the 94th annual Idaho FFA State Convention in April at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, where legislators can observe student leadership events and competitions.
The state officers told the committee that Idaho FFA represents more than 6,000 members statewide and offers classroom-based technical training, hands-on supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects and career- and leadership-development events. “FFA is committed to developing the next generation of leaders in Idaho,” Idaho FFA state secretary Ashlyn King said.
Idaho FFA state president Will Brackett outlined the group’s “three-circle model,” saying it combines classroom learning, SAE projects and competitive events so students “are the most well rounded individuals as possible.” State officers described SAE projects that range from livestock production to entrepreneurship and noted that SAE projects let students apply classroom skills and build professional networks.
The students also listed travel and leadership opportunities run by the organization, including a summer outdoor leadership retreat, multi-location state leadership tracks in Pocatello, Boise and Moscow, and national conferences such as the Washington Leadership Conference. State vice president Josh Nelson described scholarships administered by the Idaho FFA Foundation and the National FFA Foundation, citing examples including $1,000 scholarships from the Idaho Wheat Commission and $2,000 scholarships from Dairy West that support incoming college students and event participation.
Committee members thanked the students and praised the organization’s role in youth development. Senator Zito recalled personal experience in FFA, and Senator Taylor thanked the members for serving as “a bright spot” for young people.
The officers invited committee members to the 94th annual Idaho FFA State Convention in April at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, where legislators can observe student leadership events and competitions.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting