The American FFA Degree is considered the highest degree available to FFA members nationwide. For Baylee and Brenna Kelly (pictured above) of the Filer FFA Chapter and for Chase and Courtney Conley of the Nampa FFA Chapter, receiving this honor during the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo was special for another reason — the two sets of Idaho twins got to experience it together.
Pursuing Interests in FFA and Beyond
As FFA members, the Kelly twins were involved in several career development events (CDEs). Baylee chose floriculture, while Brenna competed in meats evaluation and technology and livestock evaluation. The alumnae also served on their chapter officer team for three years.
“It was all girls,” Baylee says. “With Brenna and I being so close as twins, it did create this atmosphere where our officer team just felt like we were all sisters.”
As part of their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), both Baylee and Brenna helped with the family cattle business. They bred four or five heifers per year and showed market steers.
The twins are currently reaching new heights outside of FFA. Baylee currently competes in the Cheer Extreme All-Stars program in Raleigh, N.C., and Brenna is studying natural horsemanship and business at the University of Montana Western.
Chase (left) and Courtney Conley
Finding a Future in Ag
When Chase and Courtney Conley joined FFA in high school, they found an interest in livestock production. Courtney’s SAE was a heifer replacement project in which she raised, showed and bred heifers. Chase’s project included showing sheep and dairy heifers, and both twins showed market steers.
Both twins say their involvement in FFA helped shape their future careers. Chase works at his father’s company, Conley Electric, in Boise, Idaho, and says his experiences have helped him in the workplace.
“It helps because I’ve been around this stuff before,” he says.
Courtney is studying animal science at the College of Southern Idaho. She says taking animal science classes in high school helped with her transition into college-level classes. “It gave me a basic knowledge to add onto,” she adds.
Drawing Inspiration From Others
Both sets of twins acknowledge the influence their families had on their decision to apply for and receive their American FFA Degrees. To Baylee and Brenna, this honor represents carrying on a family tradition. Their father, John Kelly, and older sister, Alysha Kelly, are also degree recipients.
“I hope this passes on a generational thing of getting your American FFA Degree,” says Brenna. “I think that would be pretty cool.”
Chase and Courtney, however, are paving a new path as the first members of their family to receive the award.
“I think it holds us to a higher standard and shows our dedication, commitment and passion for agriculture,” Courtney says.
Become a Recipient
As you prepare to earn your American FFA Degree, visit ffa.org/participate/awards/american-ffa-degree/ to view requirements, access resources and log into the application portal. The American FFA Degree program is sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco and Syngenta.
