Growing Kentucky's Leaders: A Podcast by the Kentucky FFA Foundation

Hosted by Kentucky FFA Foundation

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135

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Growing Kentucky's Leaders is a podcast focused on highlighting Kentucky FFA's members and alumni for their work while in FFA and what they go on to do after. Hosted by Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and Ruth An Fink, Development Officer for the Kentucky FFA Foundation.

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60 recent

October 26, 202622 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: Austin Van & Caleb Feather

Join Sheldon and Ruth Ann for a new episode of the Growing Kentucky’s Leaders Podcast as they sit down with two of Kentucky FFA’s leaders for the 2026–2027 year: Austin Van and Caleb Feather! As they serve their year as Kentucky FFA State Officers, Austin and Caleb share their personal stories, experiences, and journeys through FFA. Tune in to learn more about their backgrounds, what led them to become involved in FFA, and how the organization has helped shape them as leaders! Learn how to tie a square knot! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOAxiQk8wj8 #GrowKentuckysLeaders #KentuckyFFA #FFA

October 19, 202623 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: Colton Hardy - 2026 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer

In this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Mr. Colton Hardy. Colton was selected as the 2026 Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer. Through his work in this Supervised Agricultural Experience (S.A.E) Colton has grown his mum, row-crop, and Dark air-cured tobacco operation into something to be proud of!

October 12, 202637 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: Mr. Nick Carter

In this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Mr. Nick Carter. Mr. Carter is no stranger to the Kentucky FFA... Carter was an FFA member at Hustonville High School in Lincoln County and served as the State FFA Sentinel in 1964-65. He earned a degree in agriculture from the University of Kentucky before pursuing a successful career in the energy industry. As the past Chairman of the Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trusties, Carter has helped grow support for generations of past, present, and future Kentucky FFA members. Join us for another great episode!Helpful Links: Forever Blue Endowment Information https://kyffa.org/forever-blue-endowment-program/ Grant Match information https://kyffa.org/grants/ 100 for 100 Chapter Guide https://kyffa.org/centennial-celebration-chapter-guide/ Past Episode with Mr. Nick Carter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB3Y68eKnNU

October 5, 202631 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: Jose Villanos - 2026 National FFA Star Finalist in Agriscience

In this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Jose Villanos. Jose is the 2026 National FFA Star Finalist in Agriscience. From the Larue County FFA chapter, Villanos joined FFA in high school as an accident... an accident that turned into one of the greatest decisions he ever made! Watch to learn more!

September 28, 202622 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: Mallie Johnson

In this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with 2026 Kentucky FFA State Star in Agribusiness Mallie Johnson. Mallie owns and operates Wild West Obsessed and has sold items to customers in all 50 states, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Australia, and Switzerland! Safe to say that Mallie and her leather goods are known around the globe! https://www.wildwestobsessed.com/

September 21, 202634 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: Ben Prevette

During this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with 2026 Golden Owl award recipient, Mr. Ben Prevette. Prevette is one of 3 Agriculture teachers and FFA advisors at Hopkins County Central High School in Madisonville, KY. During this episode we learn about how the "joys and discomforts of agricultural life" have shaped Mr. Prevette into the agriculture educator that he is today. 2027 Golden Owl award nominations are now open! You can find them at the link below. https://kyffa.org/ky-golden-owl-award/ https://kyffa.org/home-teach-ag-kentucky/how/

September 14, 202627 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: The Blue Bridge Boys

In this special episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with the very talented members of the Blue Bridge Boys. A homegrown bluegrass band from Owensboro, KY these boys were the 2026 Kentucky FFA State talent winners and will be showcasing their talent at the 9th annual KY FFA Blue & Gold Gala!Listen till the very end for a brand new song performed by the Blue Bridge Boys!Learn more about the Blue & Gold Gala: https://kyffa.org/foundation-gala/ Learn more about the Blue Bridge Boys: https://thebluebridgeboysofficial.com/

September 7, 202626 min

Growing Kentucky's Leaders: Cyrus Bivens

This week on Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Mr. Cyrus Bivens. Cyrus was selected as the 2026 KY FFA State Star in Ag Placement. At the very same convention, Cyrus was also elected to serve as the 26-27 KY FFA State Sentinel. Listen to hear all his S.A.E and more!Use this link to watch Cyrus's KY FFA State Star Highlight! https://youtu.be/jDVxaJ8diGM?feature=shared

August 31, 202640 min

Ambassador Kelly Craft

In this episode of Growing Kentucky's Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth and sit down with former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft. Craft is a "lifelong Kentuckian", a successful American businesswoman, and former diplomat who has much to say about the future of Kentucky and the future of Kentucky FFA. More on Ambassador Craft at the link below! https://kyffa.org/ambassador-kelly-craft-establishes-forever-blue-fund-to-benefit-glasgow-and-barren-county-ffa-chapters/

August 24, 202628 min

Caroline Peterson Meehan, Kentucky FFA Foundation Board Member

In this episode of Growing Kentucky’s Leaders, Sheldon and Ruth Ann sit down with Kentucky FFA Foundation Board member, Caroline Peterson Meehan. We get to hear about Caroline’s start in the Nelson County FFA chapter, her career, her love for the future of Kentucky FFA, and so much more!