Growing Kentucky's Leaders: A Podcast by the Kentucky FFA Foundation (Kentucky FFA Foundation)
Explore every episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders: A Podcast by the Kentucky FFA Foundation
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Nov 2024 | Caleb Canada, 2024 Kentucky State Star in Agricultural Placement | 00:19:45 | |
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: | |||
| 15 Jul 2024 | JR Shinkle, Wright Implement Sales and KY FFA Board Member | 00:21:38 | |
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: | |||
| 25 Mar 2024 | Jackson Baird, 2023-24 Kentucky FFA State Vice President | 00:18:28 | |
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! | |||
| 26 Feb 2024 | Brian Welch, Agriculture Innovation Grant Recipient | 00:17:52 | |
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! | |||
| 20 Jan 2025 | Taylor Nash, Kentucky Farm Bureau | 00:21:43 | |
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 Farmland Transition Initiative | |||
| 06 Jan 2025 | Coty Back, Learning and Organization Development at HORNE | 00:27:38 | |
This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Coty Back talks about his past FFA experience and his career in learning and development. Links: | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | Trenton Page and Jacob Rudy, State Officers | 00:30:55 | |
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. | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | Sarah Butler, Wright Implement | 00:38:09 | |
On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann chat with Sarah Butler, Recruitment Coordinator at Wright Implement. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from education to agriculture and highlights her passion for helping students find fulfilling career paths. They discuss the value of career exploration, the opportunities available at Wright Implement and the transformative Kentucky FFA Works program. Links: 2025 Kentucky FFA Works application | |||
| 08 Apr 2024 | Adam Hinton, Former Member of the Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees | 00:43:18 | |
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! | |||
| 15 Jan 2024 | KY FFA Works, A New Program by the Kentucky FFA Foundation | 00:20:05 | |
This week, Ruth Ann and Sheldon discuss a new opportunity from the Foundation for FFA members to use once they graduate High School. Listen in to hear about this great opportunity for both FFA members (Class of 2024) and employers! Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! | |||
| 11 Mar 2024 | Jourdan Palmeri, Marshall County High School Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor | 00:21:33 | |
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! | |||
| 08 Jan 2024 | Caroline Groth, 2023-2024 Kentucky FFA State President | 00:18:16 | |
Caroline Groth serves as the 2023-2024 Kentucky FFA State President. Hailing from Locust Trace High School in Fayette County, Kentucky, she has a rich background in FFA and Agriculture. Join us on this episode as Sheldon and Ruth Ann discuss some of Caroline's best memories and lessons she has learned over her time as an FFA member and State Officer. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | Janella Miller, Pulaski County FFA Advisor | 00:20:40 | |
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: | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Avery Cole and Mary Brooke Stith, State Officers | 00:24:41 | |
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: | |||
| 09 Sep 2024 | Matthew Whitaker and Lewis Mink, Rockcastle County FFA Advisors | 00:32:54 | |
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 | |||
| 14 Oct 2024 | Niki Ellis, Executive Director of Kentucky Pork Producers | 00:29:07 | |
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: | |||
| 23 Dec 2024 | Matt Chaliff, Kentucky FFA Executive Secretary | 00:44:54 | |
This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff shares his journey of mentoring generations of FFA members, preserving the rich history of the organization and guiding the future of agricultural education. Links: | |||
| 12 Feb 2024 | Give FFA Day with Conner Richardson, Agriculture Teacher at Woodford County High School | 00:17:05 | |
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! | |||
| 04 Mar 2024 | Isaiah Pruitt, 2020 Shark Tank Grant Recipient | 00:21:47 | |
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! | |||
| 16 Sep 2024 | Andrew and Joe Fritsch, Bourbon County FFA | 00:30:32 | |
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: | |||
| 26 Aug 2024 | Kenny and Blaine Brammell, East Carter FFA | 00:21:55 | |
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 | |||
| 22 Jan 2024 | Jonathan West, Financial Officer at Farm Credit Mid-America | 00:17:10 | |
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! | |||
| 03 Jun 2024 | Josh Mitcham, Director of Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center | 00:33:29 | |
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: | |||
| 13 May 2024 | Amelia Tucker, 2023-24 Kentucky FFA State Treasurer | 00:22:29 | |
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: | |||
| 01 Jan 2024 | Introducing Growing Kentucky's Leaders by the Kentucky FFA Foundation! | 00:15:36 | |
Welcome to Growing Kentucky's Leaders, a podcast by the Kentucky FFA Foundation. We are so excited for you to join us for our first season as we showcase Kentucky FFA, Agricultural Education, and all the great things our over 20,000 FFA members are doing. Tune in every Monday for a new episode wherever you get your podcasts or on Youtube! | |||
| 02 Sep 2024 | LuAnn Coffey, KY FFA Foundation Board Member | 00:28:38 | |
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: | |||
| 30 Sep 2024 | Devin Fuhrman, Nationwide Insurance Chief Agriculture and Sponsor Relations Officer | 00:23:19 | |
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: | |||
| 07 Oct 2024 | Dr. Tony Brannon, 2024 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian | 00:40:03 | |
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 2024 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian | |||
| 28 Oct 2024 | Kirby Green, Mutiny Crop Performance | 00:39:48 | |
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 Sharpen: The Podcast for Young Professionals | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | Darilyn Hamilton, Kentucky Mentor Teacher of the Year | 00:22:29 | |
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! | |||
| 09 Dec 2024 | 2024 Rewind: Some of Our Favorite Moments, Part 1 | 00:13:29 | |
From leadership advice to the power of giving time, talent and treasure, listen in as we highlight some of our favorite moments on the podcast from the past year. Links: | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | Cutter & Cash Singleton, Winners of the 2023 KY FFA Talent Contest | 00:22:48 | |
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! | |||
| 02 Dec 2024 | Riley and Colson Pierce, Southwestern FFA | 00:23:20 | |
This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, ninth-generation farmers and brothers, Riley and Colson Pierce share how family, innovation and a passion for community fuel their vision for the future of farming. Links: Riley Pierce, State Star Farmer | |||
| 19 Aug 2024 | David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues | 00:35:24 | |
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: | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | 2025 Growing Kentucky's Leaders Kickoff with Sheldon and Ruth Ann | 00:26:12 | |
Growing Kentucky's Leaders co-hosts Sheldon McKinney and Ruth Ann Fink as they celebrate a year of fostering leadership across Kentucky through heartfelt conversations and inspiring stories. From impactful advice to community contributions, discover how leaders are making a difference in the Bluegrass. Links: First episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry | |||
| 15 Apr 2024 | Casey Montgomery, ILSSO | 00:17:12 | |
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! | |||
| 01 Apr 2024 | Nick Carter, Chairman of the Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees | 00:29:26 | |
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: | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | Taylor Cook, Owner of Taylor Belle's | 00:12:55 | |
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: | |||
| 25 Nov 2024 | Bradon Burks, Kentucky Cattlemen's Association | 00:29:07 | |
This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Bradon Burks — Director of Education for the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association — discusses the cattle industry, youth advocacy and how education shapes the future of farming. Links: Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association | |||
| 05 Aug 2024 | Daniel Bustle, Agriculture Instructor and Former KAAE President | 00:30:35 | |
On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Daniel Bustle shares the importance of finding your passion and networking. | |||
| 21 Oct 2024 | Anthony Koch, Hallway Feeds | 00:42:47 | |
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: | |||
| 19 Feb 2024 | Madison Frogue, 2023 Kentucky FFA State Star in Placement | 00:20:13 | |
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! | |||
| 01 Jul 2024 | Kristan Wright, Kentucky FFA State Advisor | 00:23:03 | |
On this week's episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Kentucky FFA State Advisor Kristan Wright discusses the importance of urban agriculture. Links: | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | 2024 Rewind: Some of Our Favorite Moments, Part 2 | 00:11:53 | |
From leadership advice to the power of giving time, talent and treasure, listen in as we highlight some of our favorite moments on the podcast from the past year. Show notes: | |||
| 06 May 2024 | Margo Bruce, Ag Teachers Change Lives Award Winner | 00:19:05 | |
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! | |||
| 05 Feb 2024 | Toni Myers, Winner of Ag Teachers Change Lives | 00:28:40 | |
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! | |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | Joenelle Wetzler, Director of Learning and Development at Simmons Foods | 00:20:27 | |
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: | |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | Emily Chunglo and Jameson Williams, KY FFA State Officers | 00:32:23 | |
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: | |||
| 20 May 2024 | Jeremy Hall, Agriculture Teacher and Ideas Unlimited Winner | 00:24:58 | |
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: National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Kentucky FFA Foundation 8th Annual Blue & Gold Gala | |||
| 18 Nov 2024 | David Grigson, First Southern National Bank | 00:26:00 | |
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: | |||
| 29 Jul 2024 | Chapel Tinius, Miss Kentucky 2024 | 00:27:26 | |
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: | |||
| 22 Apr 2024 | Jacob Ball, Winner of the Milken Education Award | 00:32:03 | |
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! | |||
| 10 Jun 2024 | Jonathan Noe, President and CEO of Central Kentucky Ag Credit | 00:29:12 | |
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: | |||
| 29 Jan 2024 | Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture | 00:30:29 | |
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! | |||
| 17 Jun 2024 | Brady Lawson, Morehead State SGA President | 00:20:48 | |
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: | |||