Growing Kentucky's Leaders: A Podcast by the Kentucky FFA Foundation

Kentucky FFA Foundation
  • 5.0 (5)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Growing Kentucky's Leaders is a podcast focused on highlighting Kentucky FFA's members and alumni for their work while in FFA and what they go on to do after. Hosted by Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and Ruth An Fink, Development Officer for the Kentucky FFA Foundation.

  1. 3D AGO

    Listen Again: Jeff Hayes, Kentucky FFA Program Development Specialist

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Jeff Hayes — former agriculture teacher and current Kentucky FFA Program Development Specialist — shares his journey from inspiring future educators to the importance of hands-on learning and FFA involvement. Links: ⁠Rockcastle County FFA

    29 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    Listen Again: Brandon Reed, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we talk with Brandon Reed about his deep roots in Kentucky FFA, from his time as a member and state president to his current role as Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy. We discuss how FFA shaped his leadership skills and influenced his decision to pursue a career in public service. Links: LaRue County FFA Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center

    41 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    Sierra Morris and Tyren Harris, 2025 Kentucky FFA State Officers

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Reporter Sierra Morris and State Treasurer Tyren Harris. Sierra and Tyren each tell us about their respective FFA journeys and stress the importance of authenticity and vulnerability when connecting with members and sponsors across all ages. Links: State Officers Carter G. Woodson Academy Western Hills

    37 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    Mikayla Fields and Madison Wright, 2025 Kentucky FFA State Officers

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Sentinel Madison Wright and Green River State Vice President Mikayla Fields, both students at the University of Kentucky. Madison and Mikayla discuss how FFA influenced their college choices and careers, what surprised them most about state office and what they've learned about being a good teammate. Links: Owen County FFA Rooted in Ag podcast Ohio County FFA Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

    37 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Terry Ashby, Kentucky FFA Foundation Board Member

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we hear from Terry Ashby, a retired executive in the poultry industry and a current member of the Kentucky FFA Board of Trustees. Terry shares his story, beginning with his upbringing on a farm in Christian County, Kentucky to his early involvement in FFA and 4-H and his lifelong career with Perdue. Links: Christian County FFA Perdue

    32 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Jacee McKeel and Clinton Corner, 2025 Kentucky FFA State Officers

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we speak with Kentucky FFA State Secretary Jacee McKeel and Lake Cumberland Region State Vice President Clinton Corner , both freshmen at Murray State University. Jacee and Clinton share their different FFA beginnings, key leadership qualities and their advice for members on engagement and connection. Links: Murray State University Pulaski County FFA Calloway County FFA Kentucky FFA State Officers

    31 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    Anna Chaliff and Josh Brammell, Kentucky FFA State Officers

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we introduce you to two Kentucky FFA state officers — Anna Chaliff and Josh Brammell. Anna and Josh share their unique connection to FFA. Both officers reflect on their transformative experiences and discuss the importance of servant leadership and leading by example. Links: Rockcastle County FFA Western Kentucky University East Carter FFA Morehead State University SAE Grant

    28 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Scott Cronin, Muhlenberg County FFA

    On this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, we're joined by Scott Cronin, an agriculture teacher and a National Wild Turkey Federation Educator of the Year. Scott shares how he connects his passion for hunting, conservation and the natural world with his agriculture classroom and Kentucky FFA students. Scott tells us how he's using deer harvest as a community service project to donate ground venison to Kentucky food banks through the Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry program. Links: Muhlenberg County FFA National Wild Turkey Federation Better Days Through Better Ways Grant Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry KY FFA Works Jim Strader Outdoors Podcast

    55 min
See All (100)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Growing Kentucky's Leaders is a podcast focused on highlighting Kentucky FFA's members and alumni for their work while in FFA and what they go on to do after. Hosted by Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and Ruth An Fink, Development Officer for the Kentucky FFA Foundation.

Information