Tennessee FFA held its first Future Farmers Conference, sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America. In September, Camp Clements brought in 30 rising agriculturists who want to work in production agriculture. This four-day conference aimed to prepare interested students for their future careers.
The conference included sessions led by industry professionals and farm and industry tours of different operations. Participants formed lasting relationships with peers from across the state and gained insights into various aspects of production agriculture, including crop and livestock production, field nursery operations, soil management and financial planning.
“Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in our state, and Tennessee FFA prides itself in producing the next generation of agricultural leaders to carry on this torch,” says 2024-25 Tennessee FFA President T. Wayne Williams. “I saw this firsthand at this conference, as I spent the first day discussing the importance of setting goals and how we can ultimately reach these with a concrete plan. I’m extremely excited to watch these members take the experiences they got at this conference and apply them to their aspirations and goals in the agriculture field.”
Tennessee FFA is made up of 33,504 members from 246 chapters. Rooted in producing the next generation of agriculturists, this state is ripened within the FFA vision statement to “grow the next generation of leaders who will change the world.” By offering hands-on experiences like the Tennessee Future Farmers Conference, members will be exposed to different aspects of agriculture and learn how they can play a key role in keeping agriculture the No. 1 industry in the state. Through these opportunities, Tennessee FFA is shaping well-rounded, skilled agricultural leaders ready to drive the industry forward.
These leaders include Callie Collette, the East Tennessee regional reporter. She’s attended numerous farm tours, which have provided her with hands-on exposure to diverse agricultural operations. With around 180 acres of beef cattle and show heifers in her family, Collette is rooted in the cattle industry. Attending this conference allowed her to explore different avenues for her future in agriculture.
“One of my favorite [tours] was the Walker Sod Farm one,” she says. “I had never seen an operation like this, and it opened my eyes to a whole new facet of agriculture.”
Brighton FFA President Houston Stewert is a fifth-generation farmer in west Tennessee, raising a 5,000-acre soybean and cotton operation. He took away some advice that will help him thrive in the future, which came from Martin Grissom, a farmer in middle Tennessee: You do not have to be a big farmer to be a successful farmer.
Gabe Harville, Tennessee 4-H state council president and a Black Angus farmer, expanded his tool belt in agriculture by attending the conference. Whether it was attending industry tours, making connections with agricultural leaders or speaking with those involved in the industry, Harville was proud to enhance his skill set in agriculture. His biggest takeaway was “getting me the tools to take my first steps into my future agricultural occupation,” he says.
This inaugural conference marks a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural journey. By uniting passionate FFA members, educators and industry leaders, this pioneering event has set a powerful precedent for future years and emphasizes the importance of production agriculture, innovation, and dedication within the industry. The success of this first conference highlights the ongoing commitment to empowering students and ensuring the continued growth and excellence of Tennessee’s industry of agriculture.
