In an effort to promote the industry to a younger audience, earlier this month the National FFA announced 12 state officers that will serve as the voices of Agriculture.  The SpeakAg Pioneers program is an effort for FFA members interested in careers in communication and advocacy to advance their skills.  Kristy Meyer with the National FFA Organization said this program is a great way to change misconceptions the average American has about farming in the 21st century.

 

“A lot of people when they hear agriculture they think of an older generation.  We’re having the Speak Ag Pioneers really talk about agriculture from their younger perspective, which lets people know that the agriculture industry is alive and well.” 

 

Meyer added these 12 young people showcase why farming will always be part of the American economy.

 

“Our FFA members are those future generation of leaders, and they're the ones who are going to take us into the future and make sure that agriculture stays strong.”

 

During their time as SpeakAg Pioneers, participants will host workshops, create content for social media and attend events such as National Ag Day in March, and the National FFA Convention and Expo, which starts Wednesday in Indianapolis, IN. 

 

Congratulations to Idaho FFA Vice President Josh Nelson; the young man from Troy was selected as one of the 12 state officers to participate in the SpeakAg Pioneers program. 

 

 

Members of the 2024-2025 SpeakAg Pioneer Class are:  

  • Brynn Almgren, Stuart, Neb., Nebraska FFA Secretary
  • Caleb Ames, Stillwater, Okla., Oklahoma FFA Southwest Area Vice President 
  • Jack Beyer, Lowville, N.Y., New York FFA President 
  • Chloe Bomgardner, Jonestown, Penn., Pennsylvania FFA President 
  • Porter Hand, Pelzer, S.C., South Carolina FFA Region One Vice President 
  • Romulus Hiner, Harlowton, Mont., Montana FFA 2nd Vice President 
  • Josh Nelson, Troy, ID, Idaho FFA Vice President 
  • Paige Pardue, Hendersonville, Tenn., Tennessee FFA Reporter 
  • Inga Peterson, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Alaska FFA President 
  • Mikaela Rojas, New Boston, Mo, Missouri FFA State 1st Vice President 
  • Nina Weiland, Glen Gardner, N.J., New Jersey FFA Reporter 
  • Chloe Zittergruen, Keswick, Iowa, Iowa FFA Secretary 

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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