By Blake Jackson
The National FFA Organization recently hosted the 2026 New Century Farmer Conference in Indianapolis, bringing together 45 outstanding FFA alumni from 23 states for a five-day leadership and professional development program held July 18-22.
The conference focused on helping young agricultural professionals strengthen their leadership abilities, expand their industry knowledge, and prepare for future success in agriculture.
The New Century Farmer Conference is designed to connect emerging producers with agriculture experts, business leaders, and fellow young entrepreneurs.
Through discussions, mentorship opportunities, and practical learning experiences, participants gained valuable insights into managing and growing agricultural operations.
“One of the most valuable aspects of New Century Farmer is bringing together young producers from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn from industry experts and one another,” said Emma Slavens, National FFA Program Manager, Alumni and Supporters.
“The conversations, mentorship and hands-on experiences inspire participants to think differently about the future of their businesses while building a network they’ll rely on throughout their careers.”
During the event, attendees explored a variety of agricultural businesses and gained firsthand knowledge from industry professionals.
Participants toured four Central Indiana organizations, including Simply From Scratch, Corteva Agriscience, CNH Industrial and Reynolds John Deere dealership.
The visits provided opportunities to learn about farm-to-table operations, crop protection, agricultural equipment, dealership management, and business development.
Farm Credit also hosted a session focused on the financial considerations involved in starting or expanding an agricultural business. Additional breakout sessions led by National FFA provided further career-building opportunities.
The conference selected FFA alumni from across the country, including representatives from Missouri and Kentucky. Missouri delegates included Kassidy Campbell and Noah Groose, while Kentucky representatives were Nathan Clark and Phebe Jones.
Photo Credit: national-ffa
Categories: Missouri, Business, Education