The FFA jacket symbolizes her personal, professional growth

INDIANAPOLIS — Walking around the 97th annual National FFA Convention, you can’t help but notice the sea of blue corduroy jackets from across the country. Each one represents a unique story and journey in agriculture.

But these jackets aren’t just a symbol of membership; for many, they mark the beginning of something greater — a pathway to leadership, learning, and lifelong connections. The convention is a hub of energy, uniting thousands of members who share a common passion for agriculture and a commitment to making an impact in their communities.

For Sydney Smith with Nutrien Ag Solutions, the FFA jacket was more than just a symbol of her time in the organization — it was the foundation for both her personal and professional growth. Through her involvement in FFA, she built essential leadership skills, fostered valuable connections, and found her passion for agriculture. The experiences and opportunities provided by FFA became key building blocks that helped shape her career, guiding her from student member to a professional in the agricultural industry.

“Being in FFA gave me connections that I still have to this day,” said Smith, who had her Ellis, Kansas, jacket framed and on display at the Nutrien booth.

Her journey with FFA spanned from 2007 to 2011, and she has attended the National FFA Convention nine times in total — twice as a high school student, twice in college, and five times as a professional. Each visit brought new and unforgettable memories, adding depth to her lifelong connection with the organization.

Smith described receiving her American FFA Degree as one of her most cherished memories. This accomplishment highlights her dedication and contributions to FFA, which helped shape her professional career in agriculture. To say this accomplishment is huge would be a complete understatement. The American FFA Degree is the highest honor that can be awarded to FFA members. It is designed to be a testament to an FFA member’s hard work, both academically and in their supervised agricultural projects, and it signifies a deep commitment to the organization and the agricultural community.

The degree recognizes exceptional achievements in agricultural education, leadership, and community involvement. To qualify, members must have previously earned the State FFA Degree, been active in FFA for at least three years, completed a supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and met other rigorous academic and community service criteria. Only a small percentage of members — less than 1 percent — achieve this honor, making it highly prestigious within the FFA community.

In talking with Smith, it’s easy to feel her deep passion for agriculture and her dedication to helping the FFA community. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she speaks about her experiences with a genuine love for the industry and the people in it. Sydney’s story is not just about personal achievement but also about giving back and inspiring others.

Smith embodies the values of FFA, and her journey from student member to professional in the agricultural field is truly motivating. She was nothing short of inspiring.