The 2024-25 National FFA Officer Team is announced during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.
Q: What is your dream career? How did your time in FFA help plant this seed, and what are your post-secondary plans to help you get there?
“When I think about my future, I have no idea what lies ahead, but I’m open-minded, curious and excited. I’m currently attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and studying finance and agribusiness, with a concentration in consumer economics. Wherever business and agriculture meet, that’s where I’m headed. FFA made me passionate about agriculture, and I remember reciting the Creed during my freshman year. It speaks to the values and traditions of American agriculture, and that’s when I knew I was meant to stay in the industry.”
— Thaddeus Bergschneider, National FFA President
“My heart lies with our youth, so I hope one day to be an agriculture educator and FFA advisor. Agriculture offers such a diverse range of careers that I plan to stay open to new opportunities as well. I’m currently studying agriscience education at the Ohio State University. I found a home within an agriculture classroom because FFA introduced me to many industry supporters and educators. My mentors have guided me toward a career in agricultural education, and seeing the impact we have on changing students’ lives is something I want to be a part of.”
— Luke Jennings, National FFA Secretary
“I’m torn between becoming an agriculture educator and FFA advisor or working as a lobbyist, advocating for the industry within our government. I’m currently at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls studying agricultural education with a minor in agricultural policy development. It was from my time in the agricultural education classroom, competing in Career and Leadership Development Events, traveling to conferences and meeting people from across the nation where the seed of a career in agriculture was nourished.”
— Mary Schrieber, Central Region Vice President
“My dream career is to one day be the first female commissioner of agriculture for Kentucky. I grew up in a very urban part of Lexington and didn’t know FFA even existed until my eighth grade year. Throughout my time in FFA, I learned who Caroline was, both inside and outside of the FFA jacket. I plan to continue my time at the University of Kentucky, where I’m majoring in agricultural education and agriculture economics, then go on to law school.”
— Caroline Groth, Eastern Region Vice President
“I was a kid from the suburbs right outside of Sacramento, so I didn’t really foresee myself in an agriculture-focused career. Being involved in FFA, however, gave me the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of various careers in agriculture. I’ve volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary, so using my skills gained from FFA was fascinating and encouraged me to continue pursuing a career as an equine veterinarian, in emergency work or in the surgery field.”
— Abigale Jacobsen, Western Region Vice President
“I would love to represent agriculture and agricultural education as a lobbyist and advocate back in my home state or in our nation’s capital. My Supervised Agricultural Experience focused in agricultural communications, which taught me about communicating with others and gave me the passion and increased knowledge about the industry. It also opened my eyes to the true importance of this industry and supporting our farmers who are the backbone of agriculture.”
— Jack Lingenfelter, Southern Region Vice President
