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Connecting Pennsylvania FFA Members
With the Agriculture Industry
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Throughout the year, Pennsylvania FFA State Officers traveled across the Commonwealth to connect with agricultural businesses, industry leaders, and organizations that are shaping the future of agriculture.
From food production and veterinary medicine to horticulture, sustainability, and agricultural innovation, each visit provided officers with firsthand insight into the wide range of career pathways available within the agriculture industry. These experiences allowed members to see how classroom learning and FFA experiences connect directly to real-world application and workforce development.
Visits included opportunities to tour facilities, engage with professionals, and explore how businesses and organizations are addressing the evolving needs of agriculture through technology, sustainability, education, and leadership.
| | At Longwood Gardens, officers explored how horticulture, education, and accessibility intersect to impact more than 1.7 million visitors annually. | | At Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center, officers experienced one of the nation’s leading large animal veterinary teaching hospitals, gaining insight into careers within veterinary research and animal science. | | Industry visits also highlighted the innovation driving modern agriculture. At Herr Angus Farm, officers learned how sustainability and resource management continue to shape agricultural operations, including repurposing food products and water systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste. These conversations reinforced the importance of innovation, problem-solving, and leadership within today’s agriculture industry. | | |
Experiences like these help Pennsylvania FFA members build professional connections, explore future career opportunities, and better understand the industries that support agriculture across the Commonwealth. Through each visit, members were challenged to continue growing beyond their limits while preparing to become future leaders within agriculture and agricultural education.
The Pennsylvania FFA Foundation extends its gratitude to the businesses, organizations, and industry professionals who welcomed Pennsylvania FFA members throughout these visits and invested their time in sharing knowledge, experiences, and career opportunities with the next generation of agricultural leaders.
| Interested in Hosting a Pennsylvania FFA Business and Industry Visit? | | |
Business and industry visits provide Pennsylvania FFA members with valuable opportunities to explore career pathways, connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, and engage directly with professionals across the agriculture industry.
Organizations interested in hosting a future Pennsylvania FFA Business and industry visit are encouraged to connect with Logan Hall, Development Manager.
| | 📰 In the News: Blue & Gold in Lancaster Farming | | Written Monthly by the Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team | | Thanks to our partnership with Lancaster Farming, each month the Pennsylvania FFA State Officers share stories from across the Commonwealth through the Blue & Gold column, highlighting student experiences, leadership development, and agricultural education. | | |
“Through agricultural education and FFA, these educators are shaping future leaders and strengthening our communities, one blue and gold jacket at a time.”
Krista Pontius
President, Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE)
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This month’s Blue & Gold article highlights the impact of agricultural educators across Pennsylvania and the important role they play in developing future leaders within agriculture. The article also previews the upcoming Pennsylvania FFA State Convention, where members from across the Commonwealth will gather to celebrate achievements, compete in Career and Leadership Development Events, and recognize the next generation of leaders in agricultural education.
The feature also spotlights Pennsylvania FFA’s newly announced National Officer Candidate, Alexis Butler, while showcasing the continued impact of chapter banquets and year-end recognition celebrations happening across the state.
| | Not yet a Lancaster Farming subscriber? Stay connected with agricultural news and stories from across the region. | | 📊 Impact Across Pennsylvania FFA | | |
As Pennsylvania FFA looks ahead to a new year of leadership, growth and impact, we also reflect on the experiences, opportunities, and accomplishments that helped shape this last year of programming.
•16,461 Pennsylvania FFA members are developing leadership, career, and technical skills through 162 agricultural education programs and FFA chapters across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania FFA members connected with industry leaders through business and industry visits across the Commonwealth
• More than 400 members participated in advocacy and leadership development experiences through the State Legislative Leadership Conference
• The first-ever JAMS Conference introduced 50 middle school members to leadership development and agricultural education opportunities
• Career and Leadership Development Events continued helping students build technical knowledge, confidence, and career readiness skills
| | Building the Future of Pennsylvania FFA | | 🎉 Thank You to the 2025-2026 Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team | | |
Over the past year, the 2025–2026 Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team has represented Pennsylvania FFA through leadership conferences, statewide events, industry visits, advocacy experiences, and countless interactions with members, advisors, partners, and supporters across the Commonwealth.
Throughout their year of service, the team worked to strengthen connections within agricultural education while encouraging members to grow as leaders, advocates, and individuals. From facilitating workshops and leading sessions to sharing their experiences with students and industry professionals, the team consistently demonstrated professionalism, service, and a commitment to the future of agriculture.
Centered around this year’s theme, Beyond Our Limits, the team encouraged members to challenge themselves, embrace new opportunities, and continue growing both personally and professionally. Their leadership helped inspire Pennsylvania FFA members to step outside of their comfort zones and recognize the potential they have to make a difference within their communities and the agriculture industry.
The Pennsylvania FFA Foundation is grateful for the dedication, leadership, and service of the 2025–2026 Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team and the positive impact they made throughout their year.
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“Dear Pennsylvania FFA State Officers,
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your outstanding service and dedication to the Pennsylvania FFA this past year. Your commitment has made a meaningful impact on over 16,000 members across our state.
Through your leadership workshops and by modeling exceptional leadership qualities, you have inspired and empowered countless FFA members. It has also been a privilege to witness each of you grow both personally and professionally throughout your term.
Thank you for the time, energy, and passion you have invested in serving our membership. As you move forward, I wish each of you continued success and fulfillment in all your future endeavors.”
“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” — Ralph Nader”
Sarah Sparks
Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Executive Director
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"To the 2025–2026 Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team:
Thank you for your leadership, professionalism, and dedication throughout the past year.
From industry meetings and conferences to chapter visits, statewide events, and countless conversations with members, partners, educators, and agricultural leaders, you have represented Pennsylvania FFA with professionalism well beyond your years. You have served as strong ambassadors not only for agricultural education, but also for the future of Pennsylvania agriculture.
Thank you for the countless hours spent serving Pennsylvania FFA and for the impact you have made across the Commonwealth. Your year of service has left a meaningful mark on our organization, industry, and communities."
Logan Hall
Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Development Manager
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“Sarah, Sally, Leah, Lexi, Jaylene, John, and Sam—thank you. It has been an absolute pleasure watching each of you grow over the last year.
Not only have I witnessed you invest in developing your strengths and talents, but I have also seen the intentional ways you lead, connect with others, and continue growing as individuals.
To serve as a Pennsylvania FFA State Officer is to dedicate a year of your life to true servant leadership. While this chapter may be coming to a close, it is truly just the beginning of the impact each of you will continue to make through your purpose, passion, and ability to create meaningful connections with those around you.
Sometimes, the loudest leaders are the quietest people in the room. While your laughter and joy will always fill every room you enter, it is your genuineness and ability to meet people where they are that speaks the loudest.
I wish you nothing but the best in all of your future endeavors. You have made Pennsylvania FFA proud, and we have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside each of you."
Jill Smith
Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Communications Manager
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Join Pennsylvania FFA members, advisors, supporters, and industry partners at the 97th Pennsylvania FFA State Convention at the Pennsylvania State University, June 9-11, as we recognize the accomplishments and service of the 2025–2026 Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team.
The annual State Convention brings together FFA members from across the Commonwealth to celebrate achievements in agricultural education, leadership development, and career readiness.
To RSVP to the 97th Pennsylvania FFA State Convention, contact Sarah Sparks, Executive Director at ssparks@paffafoundation.org.
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Beefing Up Backpacks is a Pennsylvania initiative helping address weekend food insecurity by providing shelf-stable beef sticks through local backpack and hunger relief programs for students across the Commonwealth.
In 2025, the program distributed approximately 60,000 beef sticks to nearly 9,500 students across 17 Pennsylvania counties, with a goal of expanding to 200,000 beef sticks statewide in 2026. The initiative connects agriculture, service, and community impact while helping students better understand how agriculture helps feed and support local communities.
FFA chapters interested in learning more about potential fundraising or service opportunities connected to Beefing Up Backpacks, click the link below for additional information.
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| 📅 Looking Ahead for Pennsylvania FFA | | |
🎉 Pennsylvania FFA State Convention
June 9-11
Nearly 2,000 Pennsylvania FFA members will come together at the Pennsylvania State University to celebrate achievements, compete in career development events, and recognize accomplishments from chapters across the Commonwealth.
🌽 Ag Progress Days
August 11-13
Pennsylvania FFA members and volunteers will support the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation food booth during Ag Progress Days while helping chapters earn funding through the Scholar Dollars program.
⛳ Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Golf Outing
September 23
Join us for a day of networking and support as we raise funds to strengthen leadership and career development opportunities for Pennsylvania FFA members.
| | 🌟 Get Involved with Pennsylvania FFA | | ⭐ Opportunity of the Month: Volunteer at Ag Progress Days | | |
The Pennsylvania FFA Foundation is seeking FFA chapters and volunteers to support the Foundation food booth during Ag Progress Days, held August 11–13, 2026.
Ag Progress Days is one of the largest outdoor agricultural expos in the Northeast, bringing together agricultural businesses, producers, educators, and supporters from across the industry. Through the Scholar Dollars program, participating FFA chapters can earn $12 per hour, per volunteer while supporting Pennsylvania FFA Foundation programming and outreach efforts throughout the event.
Volunteering provides members with opportunities to engage with the agricultural community, strengthen teamwork and communication skills, and represent Pennsylvania FFA throughout one of the region’s premier agricultural events.
Individuals and chapters interested in participating can sign up using the link below or contact Sarah Sparks at ssparks@paffafoundation.org for more information.
Your support helps create meaningful leadership and educational opportunities for Pennsylvania FFA members across the Commonwealth.
| Additional Ways to Get Involved | 🎯 Support Career Development Initiatives | | |
The Pennsylvania FFA Foundation’s Career Success Campaign supports the Career and Leadership Development Events that help Pennsylvania FFA members grow as leaders, strengthen technical knowledge, and prepare for future careers in agriculture.
Through hands-on competitions and experiences, members develop skills in areas ranging from agricultural mechanics and veterinary science to public speaking, agricultural communications, and parliamentary procedure. These opportunities allow students to apply classroom instruction in real-world settings while building confidence, professionalism, and career readiness.
Support from individuals, businesses, and organizations helps expand access to these experiences and strengthens opportunities for FFA members across the Commonwealth.
To learn more about supporting the Career Success Campaign or sponsoring a CDE or LDE, contact Logan Hall, Development Manager at lhall@paffafoundation.org.
| | ⛳ Register for the 2026 Golf Outing | | |
The Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Golf Outing returns on Wednesday, September 23 at Fairview Golf Course in Lebanon, PA, bringing together supporters of agricultural education for a day of connection, networking, and impact.
The event provides opportunities for individuals, businesses, and industry partners to support programs that help Pennsylvania FFA members develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and gain hands-on experiences within agriculture.
Businesses and organizations can also explore sponsorship opportunities that provide visibility among a statewide network of agricultural leaders, partners, and supporters.
For sponsorship information or to learn more about the event, contact Logan Hall, Development Manager at lhall@paffafoundation.org.
Support from events like the Golf Outing helps create meaningful opportunities for Pennsylvania FFA members across the Commonwealth.
| | Thank You for Supporting Pennsylvania FFA! | | |
Thank you for supporting experiences that empower Pennsylvania FFA members to develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and grow within the agriculture industry.
Through the generosity of partners, supporters, and volunteers across the Commonwealth, students continue gaining the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experiences that prepare them for success both in agriculture and in their future careers.
| | Invest in the Future of 16,000 Pennsylvania FFA Members | | Your support helps more than 16,000 Pennsylvania FFA members develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and gain hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in agriculture and beyond. | | |
Contact Information:
Sarah Sparks, Executive Director
ssparks@paffafoundation.org
Logan Hall, Development Manager
lhall@paffafoundation.org
Jill Smith, Communications Manager
jsmith@paffafoundation.org
P.O. Box 157, East Berlin, PA 17316
www.paffa.org
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