SPECIAL GUESTS

Jack Lingenfelter joined FFA for the community and admired the deep tradition and belonging in the blue corduroy jacket. His journey in the blue jacket would have been short without the mentors and leaders who believed in him.

“When I forgot the third paragraph of the FFA Creed during a competition, my agricultural education teacher believed I could learn from my failure and become stronger. When I wasn’t chosen to be my chapter’s candidate for the Area Office, my mentor believed I didn’t need a title to have a purpose. When I was deferred from my dream college during state office, my state staffer believed there was a greater plan for me.”

Lingenfelter’s Supervised Agricultural Experience was in agricultural communications, where he hosted a podcast, “The Straws that Stir the Drinks.” He interviewed FFA members, officers, policymakers and agriculturists. His goal was to increase agricultural literacy and share the stories of those in agriculture. For him, agriculture is a community, and during his year of service, he hopes to make FFA feel like home for every student he meets.

“Our FFA members have incredible potential, Lingenfelter said. “It is my genuine desire and hope to help students overcome any fear stopping them and reach their full potential. Our world and organization need bold leaders who fight and believe in agriculture.”