Desk Chats

Desk Chats

Get to know the people, ideas and stories shaping agriculture and FFA through FFA Live Desk Chats. Featuring conversations with industry professionals, students, educators and FFA leaders, these interviews offer insights, perspectives and highlights from the 2026 National FFA Convention & Expo.

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Desk Chats
  • Roland Fumasi | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Roland Fumasi of Rabobank discusses his career in agricultural finance, his involvement with the FFA, and the diverse opportunities within agribusiness. He shares insights on financial tools, risk management, and advises aspiring FFA members on career development.

  • FFA Chorus | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Join FFA members Mickey, Brecken, and Brooke Peterson as they share their experiences with the National FFA Chorus at the National FFA Convention & Expo. They discuss auditions, rehearsals, overcoming performance anxiety, and the personal growth gained through FFA.

  • Scott McKain | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Hall of Fame business speaker and former FFA national officer, Scott McKain, discusses his journey from a nervous high school public speaker to a professional, crediting FFA for shaping his career. He shares insights on managing performance anxiety and the lasting relevance of FFA's core values a...

  • Doug Reynolds | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Doug Reynolds of Bylor shares his journey from a family farm in Iowa to a career in agriculture, highlighting the impact of FFA and the importance of academic performance, critical thinking, and hands-on experience for students pursuing agricultural careers.

  • FFA Reporters: Rylee Haug & Lauren Henry | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Rylee Haug and Lauren Henry, FFA in the USA reporters, share their experiences, the application process, and the benefits of the program. They discuss developing communication, storytelling, organizational, and time management skills, highlighting personal growth and agricultural advocacy.

  • Chad Steiner | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Chad Steiner, Western Manager of Sales for Syngenta Biologicals, discusses his FFA journey, background as a first-generation farmer, and the diverse career opportunities in agriculture, highlighting agronomy and problem-solving. He shares personal stories and encourages youth to explore agricultu...

  • Vern Hawkins | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Vern Hawkins, President of US Syngenta, discusses his journey into agriculture through FFA, highlighting the organization's positive impact on youth, its role in career development, and the evolving diversity within the agricultural industry. He also shares anticipation for FFA's upcoming 100th a...

  • National FFA Chorus | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Join the FFA Desk Chat as Mickey Astroga and Brecken Peterson discuss their experiences with the National FFA Chorus. They share insights into the audition process, rehearsal schedules, and the rewarding experience of performing at the FFA Convention, highlighting the friendships and leadership s...

  • Bruce Chantry | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Bruce Chantry, VP of Electric Vehicle Solutions at Lincoln Electric, discusses his 31-year career, the importance of curiosity and hands-on learning, and Lincoln Electric's partnership with FFA in supporting agricultural mechanics and skilled trades like welding.

  • Joe Foell | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Joe Foell, Vice President of Merchandise and Operations at Tractor Supply Company, discusses his career path, the company's 25-year partnership with FFA (Future Farmers of America), and the impact of programs like "Grants Are Growing" and scholarship initiatives. He also shares insights into care...

  • Emily Priebe | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Emily Priebe, Director of Sales for US and Canada at John Deere Financial, shares her career path from growing up on a farm and being involved with FFA to her current leadership role. She discusses John Deere's partnership with FFA, the company's alumni groups, and offers advice to students inter...

  • Mark Orr | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Mark Orr, President and CEO of GROWMARK, shares his journey from intern to CEO on "FFA Live Desk Chat." He discusses the importance of seizing opportunities, mentorship, and networking. Orr also highlights the GROWMARK Foundation's support for FFA, including the blue corduroy jacket sponsorship p...

  • National FFA Chorus | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Mickey Astroga and Brecken Peterson of the National FFA Chorus discuss their experiences at the FFA Convention and Expo, covering auditions, rehearsals, leadership, and the role of music in agriculture.

  • Reagan Pugh | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Reagan Pugh, author of "Too Emotional," discusses emotional intelligence, overcoming self-doubt, and viewing life as a story on an "FFA Desk Chat." He shares insights from his book and experiences as a former English teacher and theater director, offering advice to students on embracing challenge...

  • Larry Downes | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Larry Downes, Director of Marketing & Communications for the National FFA Organization, discusses the evolution of "FFA Live" and the launch of NewHorizons.tv. He highlights the importance of empowering students to tell authentic agricultural stories and explores career opportunities in agricultu...

  • Ben Kampelman | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Ben Kampelman, a communications lead at Bayer, discusses his career in agricultural communications, highlighting the global and scientific aspects of the industry. He also details Bayer's 75-year partnership with the National FFA Organization, explaining how this collaboration influences business...

  • Megan Wolle and Jackie Bailey | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Megan Wolle and Jackie Bailey from CHS discuss their company's long-standing support for FFA, including a $4.5 million commitment. They highlight the crucial role of agricultural teachers in inspiring students and developing future leaders, emphasizing diverse career paths in agriculture and the ...

  • BNSF Railway's 75-Year Partnership with FFA | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Zak Andersen of BNSF Railway discusses the company's 75-year partnership with FFA, highlighting the railroad's vital role in agriculture by transporting grain, food products, and ethanol. He explores diverse career opportunities in the high-tech railroad industry, BNSF's collegiate scholarship pr...

  • Cargill's Rob Stewart | FFA Live Desk Chat

    Rob Stewart, Growth Execution Leader at Cargill and National FFA Sponsor Board Chair, discusses his career in agriculture and Cargill's 60-year partnership with FFA. He highlights the critical skills FFA members gain, such as curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptability, essential for success i...