Following the impactful 2024 Tennessee FFA Future Farmer Conference, 2025 proved to be another pivotal year for the next generation of Tennessee’s agricultural leaders. Building on the commitment to developing youth in agriculture, Farm Credit Mid-America supported the conference for the second year, offering 30 high school FFA members an intensive, hands-on experience focused on cultivating both knowledge and passion for production agriculture.
Mirroring its inaugural year, the three-day event was again designed to be more than just a conference; it was a deep dive into the realities and opportunities of modern farming. As Executive Director of the Tennessee FFA Foundation Chelsea Carpenter said, “the partnership with Farm Credit Mid-America is instrumental in elevating the voices of our future leaders and showcasing tangible advancements and practices within the industry.”
Attendees participated in a combination of farm tours and expert workshops on topics like crop and livestock production, soil management and financial planning.
Learning New Perspectives Hands-On
For members in attendance, the experience was a crucial step in turning their agricultural dreams into concrete plans.
Emory Millican, a senior at Oakland High School, highlighted the conference’s value in providing a diverse perspective on Tennessee agriculture. Emory, who is particularly passionate about business management in the equine industry, appreciated the opportunity to build relationships and gain practical business knowledge. She shared, "when you get opportunities to talk to people, especially if they're not in your area in agriculture, say yes to those conversations."
The conference solidified a career path for John Hancock, a senior at Lebanon High School. John, driven by his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in poultry and beef, aims to start his own operation, focusing on a cow-calf herd and seed stock. He valued visits to two farming operations during the conference. John shared, "I can apply those principles that they operate under to my own future operation."
A Deep Rooted Partnership
The success of the event stems from the strong partnership between the Tennessee FFA Foundation and Farm Credit Mid-America. Christa Millican, a Farm Credit Mid-America financial officer, former agriculture education teacher and Emory’s mother, spoke about her personal investment.
"This is an avenue that allows me to support the development of the future of agriculture, which are these students," Christa said. She added, "my favorite part of the conference is seeing all of the students and their excitement and just knowing that agriculture is alive and well in Tennessee."
By providing access to resources, mentors and field tours, the Tennessee FFA Future Farmer Conference continued its mission to empower today’s agricultural education students with the tools, knowledge and network necessary to take the reins of Tennessee's agricultural future.
The support of Farm Credit Mid-America demonstrated once again that the customer-owned cooperative is helping put the future of farming in capable and passionate hands.
