On April 5, 2025, the 11th annual Bustin’ Clay for FFA Trap Shoot took place at Tucson Trap & Skeet, bringing together supporters for a day of fun and fundraising. We extend our sincere thanks to United Right of Way (URW) for once again serving as our title sponsor. We’re also deeply grateful to all the generous sponsors and participants whose support continues to make a meaningful difference for FFA members and agricultural education across Arizona.

This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, including the State FFA Officers, Foothills Bank team members, Foundation supporters, and Past State FFA Officers. We are truly grateful for their time, energy, and dedication.

Results:

1st Place Team - Gila Valley Clay Busters

2nd Place Team - DBA Construction

3rd Place Team - Gila Valley Clay Crushers

1st Place Male - Diego Ruiz

1st Place Female - Karen Ramirez Ragland

1st Place Youth - Joe Perchal Jr.

For the past several years, the Arizona FFA Foundation has proudly celebrated graduating seniors through the 1928 Senior Society. This special tribute offers families, friends, and loved ones the opportunity to honor their Arizona FFA senior with a one-time donation of $19.28 — a meaningful amount that commemorates the founding year of the National FFA Organization.

Each honored senior will receive an exclusive Senior Society FFA decal and will be recognized in multiple ways: listed in the official State FFA Leadership Conference app, featured on screen during a conference session, and included on our website from spring 2025 through spring 2026.

We’re excited to announce and celebrate the Class of 2025 seniors being recognized this year!

96th State FFA Leadership Conference

We’re excited to welcome you to the 96th State FFA Leadership Conference, taking place June 5–7, 2025! This year brings exciting new additions and opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate the future of agriculture.

The conference will kick off at the Tucson Convention Center, featuring a full lineup of Career and Leadership Development Events, engaging workshops, our expanded Career & Education Fair, and a brand-new Talent Showcase Stage. General sessions will be hosted at Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus.

There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available, ranging from $275 to $6,000 — each offering a chance to make a meaningful impact. Visit the link below to learn how your support can help shape this premier event for Arizona FFA members.

This year’s Career & Education Expo will feature over 35 companies, universities, and community colleges. As a sponsor or exhibitor, you’ll have the chance to connect with more than 1,000 students, guests, and advisors. Whether you're looking to recruit future talent or share educational opportunities, this is the place to be!

Guest registration is required for access to both event venues. Secure your badge today: https://bit.ly/25AZFFASLCGuest

For more information on sponsorship or participating in the Expo, click the link below and join us in making this year's conference unforgettable.

In Memory of Tracy Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of past Buckeye FFA member and supporter, Tracy Keith Johnson. He passed peacefully on April 7, 2025, in the comfort of his own home in Buckeye, Arizona. Tracy was born on August 31, 1964, to Carl and Linda Johnson in Phoenix, Arizona. He spent his life deeply committed to agriculture and the community. He was a much-loved husband, father, brother, and son.

Tracy is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kris Johnson; his daughter Emily Johnson; his father, Carl Johnson (Jani); his sister Gina Gullett (Johnny); brother Trent Johnson (Kimi); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda (Martin) Johnson.

Throughout his life, Tracy was a passionate agriculturist and farmer. He worked on farms in central Arizona since his legs were long enough to reach the tractor pedals, and long before air-conditioned tractor cabs. He started driving a tractor alongside his dad and brother while working for family friends, the Vanosdell’s. Then transitioned to Paloma Ranch (Prudential Insurance Company), Bickman Farms, Lakin Milling, and Lakin Cattle Company. He worked for the Lakin family for the last 30 years. He farmed a variety of crops including roses, vegetables, cotton, alfalfa, Bermuda grass, wheat, and corn. Tracy’s favorite thing in life was to plant a seed, irrigate, fertilize, watch it grow, and then harvest the crop. You wouldn’t catch Tracy in the field without one of his four-legged companions. He had a deep love for hairy Australian shepherds (Shasta, Harley, Pistol and Pearl) who were a fan favorite at the parts stores, banks, tire stores, and most other places he went.

Tracy’s passion for service led him to volunteer on multiple boards throughout the years where he made lasting contributions to the community. He was a respected member of the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center Advisory Committee, Maricopa County Fair Board, Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Board, Maricopa County 4-H Large Livestock Board, Arizona Forage Producers, and Maricopa County Farm Bureau Board. Through his dedication, he worked hard to improve the lives of others and support the agricultural community.

Tracy will be remembered not only for his leadership, but for his generosity, and the countless ways he made a difference in the lives of those who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and compassion. Tracy will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Arizona FFA Foundation for an Endowment Scholarship in Tracy’s name. This scholarship will help continue Tracy’s commitment to supporting youth in agriculture and ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come. Donations can be sent to: Arizona FFA Foundation, In Memory of Tracy Johnson, PO Box 5310, Glendale, AZ 85312; If utilizing the website, please sign in or register, to donate https://2024FFAPrograms.givesmart.com.

Arizona FFA Foundation Welcomes

Larissa Aguilar

The Arizona FFA Foundation is excited to welcome Larissa Aguilar as our new Administrative & Development Assistant.

Larissa brings valuable experience in administration and human resources, along with a deep appreciation for youth leadership and agricultural education. Although she didn’t grow up directly in agriculture, she discovered her drive for the industry through her mom’s career, Maria Cadena, who has been in the cattle industry for over 20 years. An Arizona native, Larissa enjoys spending her free time exploring It’s outdoors with her two sons-Londynn, Luciano and family.

We’re thrilled to have Larissa on board and look forward to the energy and dedication she brings to our mission!

Honoring the Dedication of the

2024–2025 State FFA Officer Team

Serving as a State FFA Officer is a tremendous commitment. Over the course of a year, these students balance the demands of college, work, and family while developing workshops, delivering speeches, conducting chapter visits, and representing the Arizona FFA Association with professionalism and heart.

As their year of service comes to a close, we extend our sincere gratitude to the 2024–2025 State FFA Officer Team. In these final weeks, they continue to inspire members through banquet speeches and chapter interactions, all while preparing for a meaningful conclusion at the State FFA Leadership Conference.

We thank them for their incredible service and wish them continued success as they step into the next chapter of their journeys.

Support Arizona FFA with each order through Walmart.com or the Walmart app, by making the Arizona FFA Foundation your preferred charity, when signed into your account. Then just check the "round up" box with each order at checkout.

The Foundation is an approved charity for the Fry's Community Rewards Program. If you do not already have a charity tied to your rewards card, or do not have a rewards card set up, it is easy to establish.

Visit https://www.frysfood.com. Once logged into your Fry's account, you can search for The Arizona Agricultural Education FFA Foundation, either by name or RS160, and then click enroll. New users will need to create an account, which requires some basic information, a valid email address, and a rewards card. Each time you shop using your Fry's Rewards card, after you have attached us as your charity, then we will receive benefits.