Jonathan Shell is a proud FFA Alumnus and current Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture.
Jonathan Shell is a proud FFA Alumnus. He comes from the Garrard County FFA Chapter, where he became the Kentucky State Star in Placement. But this was just the beginning.
Shell is the current Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. From speaking at the Kentucky State Fair to sharing his support for agriculture-related programs, he serves the entire state every single day. As he leaves a lasting impact on Kentucky agriculture, there’s more to his story than just the present day.
Jonathan Shell at the 2024 Kentucky FFA Blue and Gold Gala.
Shell’s agriculture story began on this family’s fifth-generation farm, where they raised beef cattle and grew flowers, pumpkins and corn. When Shell entered high school, he joined FFA. The hard work he had put in on his family’s farm carried over into his Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE), where he kept good records of what he was doing while working for his dad. This hard work was rewarded in the form of being selected as the 2006 Kentucky State Star in Placement.
Shell’s State Star in Placement plaque, which was awarded to him at the 2006 Kentucky FFA state convention.
Shell was more than just a hard worker, though. He served as his chapter’s sentinel and vice president. The skills he gained in these roles became handy after high school.
In 2013, he was elected to serve his area as a state representative. He held this role for more than six years; however, in 2023, he ran for commissioner of agriculture. Today, Shell continues to support FFA and agriculture in this role.
Shell served as the vice president at his chapter’s award banquet.
Shell recently established an agricultural education week for the state of Kentucky. During this week, he visited more than 20 classrooms across the state. Some programs included elementary school agriculture classes, FFA promotion projects and middle school agriculture programs.
Shell has also used his time as commissioner to promote the “Ag Tag” program that provides support for 4-H and FFA programs across the state. The funds raised from this program go back to the state organizations and go toward several projects.
Shell visits one of the many elementary schools that celebrated agricultural education week.
Shell’s continued support for FFA and other programs he was in will continue to make a difference in the lives of members to come.
