Q: FFA members develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. What are your career aspirations, and how has FFA helped you develop those interests?
After serving in the U.S. Army, my goal is to become a precision agriculture consultant for farmers. For my supervised agricultural experience (SAE), I tested the effects of treatment methods for an issue facing honeybee colonies called colony collapse disorder. This project took my interest in science and developed it into a passion for agriscience research. Using my SAE to compete for FFA proficiency awards inspired me to build a career helping farmers through agriscience research.
– Doster Harper, National FFA President
My career aspiration is to share the stories of agriculturists and advocate for our industry through agricultural communications and leadership. I’m interested in policy and international agriculture, and also the farming and ranching lifestyle. I participated in the agricultural communications career development event, but I fell in love with it when I toured farms and advocated on a community and national level. FFA has given me the passion and insight to be a strong advocate for agriculture.
–Anna Mathis, National FFA Secretary
I hope to pursue a career in which I contribute to more equitable agricultural, food and health systems through public policy initiatives. Through FFA programs like the State Officer Leadership Continuum, I’ve learned just how inter-sectoral our food system is. Effective solutions to our most pressing issues require a lot of collaboration and strategic thinking, and my time in FFA has helped me build the skills to do just that.
– Artha Jonassaint, Southern Region Vice President
I’d like to work in outreach and education within the agriculture industry. I’m at my best when I am sharing about agriculture, and I’m excited to spend my life in this role. I am a product of agricultural education, and I’m beyond thankful for the skills and knowledge that I’ve developed through FFA. As a result of my membership, I’m more confident in my speaking ability and feel prepared to spark conversations about our industry.
Paxton Dahmer, Central Region Vice President
One of my core values is innovation, so my career aim is to work with innovators in regenerative agriculture, whether they’re farmers, businesspeople or nonprofits. My time in FFA, through my dairy cattle SAE and meeting members from different backgrounds, has shown me that innovation is about new ideas coming together. We need a variety of perspectives to help empower both farmers and consumers to make healthy and beneficial decisions about food.
– Miriam Hoffman, Eastern Region Vice President
I’ve felt a stirring in my heart for years to be a difference-maker. Thanks to my time in agricultural education, I have learned how I can do that when my time in the blue jacket ends. Following my undergraduate education, I plan to apply to law school and earn my law degree. My hope is to help improve the quality of life for all people involved in our food production systems.
– David Lopez, Western Region Vice President
