Indiana FFA Member Lily Sloan is president of the Jennings County FFA and Indiana District XII.
Lily Sloan is a senior at Jennings County High School and is currently serving as the president of both her chapter and the Indiana FFA District XII. She is deeply rooted in agriculture, being actively involved in 4-H and the National FFA Organization, where she participates in a variety of agriculture activities. Currently, she enjoys competing in livestock judging and is involved in 4-H with cattle, rabbits, photography, and the foods project.
Indiana FFA Member Lily Sloan is president of the Jennings County FFA and Indiana District XII.
Continuing a Family Legacy
Her agriculture journey began with the influence of her family. Growing up surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who were deeply involved in agriculture, she was inspired to pursue a path in FFA. Her family’s involvement in agriculture shaped her passion for the field from a young age. “FFA has helped me grow, become more independent and outgoing, improve my public speaking skills, and lead others,” Sloan said. The National FFA Organization instills essential skills in its members, and she mentions that it has taught her how to “get the job done efficiently and in a timely manner.”
These lessons from FFA have contributed to the driven and accomplished individual she is today.
Sloan’s SAE involves producing and marketing a mix of livestock and crops.
The Best of Both Worlds
Sloan has a diversified agriculture production Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Her SAE involves using top management practices to produce and market a mix of livestock and crops in at least two proficiency areas — one from diversified livestock and one from diversified crop production. Her hands-on education includes work at William Farm and Sloan Pulling Horses.
Feedlots and Fields
At William Farm, she has the opportunity to participate in a broad range of agricultural activities, including a cattle operation, feedlot, meat goat production, crop production, and maintaining and repairing equipment as needed. Over time, she has gained valuable knowledge about various cattle medicines and the feedlot concept. “Learning the process from baby to butcher” has helped Sloan understand the operations involved in owning cattle, giving her a clearer vision of her future. She hopes to one day run her own cattle operation.
Breaking in the Future
In addition to her experience at William Farm, she works at her family-owned business, Sloan Pulling Horses, where she helps raise, train and break colts. At Sloan Pulling Horses, she works with these colts to teach them how to pull a large sled, which Sloan said is “basically a tractor pull, but with horses.”
Moo-ving Forward with Agriculture
The diversity of her SAEs reflects a broad interest in agriculture and a commitment to learning as much as possible about the industry while continuously expanding her knowledge. Recently, she was awarded the District XII STAR Placement Award and is now a semi-finalist for the Indiana FFA STAR Placement Award Program.
Sloan plans to continue working and advocating for agriculture by running for Indiana FFA State Office this year. Academically, she plans to attend Black Hawk College East to study agricultural production. After graduating from Black Hawk, she hopes to continue saving money to one day own her own feedlot, ranch and cattle operation out west.
Steering Your Own Course
Her passion for agriculture continues to inspire future generations. For FFA members seeking an SAE opportunity, she suggests focusing on areas that genuinely interest them and considering how those areas align with their future goals. By immersing yourself in the industry and exploring what excites you, it becomes easier to gain valuable experience and grow.
“Whatever you’re interested in, go for it. Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back!” Sloan said.
Lily Sloan’s diverse background in agriculture, from livestock to crop production and beyond, showcases her dedication and hard work in every aspect of the industry. She’s leaving her mark and inspiring others to follow their passion in agriculture.
