Tyler Kilmer, Indiana FFA’s northern region vice president, shared the FFA Creed and its core message, “I believe,” in a previous FFA Corner column. As the 93rd Indiana FFA State Convention approaches, we thought it would be appropriate to share our staff’s beliefs about the future of Indiana FFA.

The Indiana FFA Association administers student programs focused on premier leadership, personal growth and career success. The Indiana FFA Foundation’s mission is to support, fund and promote the programs and objectives of the Indiana FFA Association. The Indiana FFA Leadership Center, established in 1968, is the natural place for youth development programs available to FFA members and other organizations. Together these three entities make up the Indiana FFA Organization and have a unique perspective on the future of the organization.

Housed within the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Indiana FFA Association staff is in the process of completing a strategic plan. Committees of teachers and supporters are working through items including redistricting, state officer development and alumni program revisions. Additionally, we see continued growth in membership with our current local chapters and expansion of FFA programs into new chapters.

In the coming years, we will continue to see countless opportunities unfold for our organization. Advancements have been updated to leadership and career development events to ensure the purposeful development of practical skills required of our students by the industry.

To meet growing opportunities and align responsibilities, the association staff has recently completed a restructuring to include a director, two assistant directors and a program manager for career and leadership development events. To get involved with the association, connect with your local FFA chapter or become a volunteer on inffa.org.

Indiana FFA Foundation

The Indiana FFA Foundation stays true to its mission by financially supporting career and leadership development events and activities of the association. The foundation works year-round with business and industry partners, as well as individuals, to secure sponsorships and donations to support the association. Its financial support also continues to improve the facilities and grounds of the leadership center.

Lisa Chaudion, the foundation executive director, has been in this role for 11 years, and has grown the strength and capacity of the foundation during that time. The foundation board of directors meets quarterly and works throughout the year on a variety of committees to further fundraising goals of the organization. The foundation raises over a million dollars annually and continues to seek additional opportunities to engage the industry in FFA programs.  For more information on how to support Indiana FFA, visit inffa.org.

The foundation owns and operates the Indiana FFA Leadership Center, which is a 170-acre camp and conference center near Trafalgar, Ind. The center also has a low ropes course and a 5.5-acre lake with a variety of water-related recreation activities available. Joe Ramey, center director for four years, previously retired from teaching agriculture with 30 years of experience. Learn more about the leadership center or book a stay at inffa.org.

The FFA Creed starts, “I believe in the future of agriculture …” The staff here at the Indiana FFA Organization believes in the future of Indiana FFA and the program, advisors, students and supporters that make it possible.

Ketchen is the director of Indiana FFA. Other staff members contributed to this story.