STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County graduate Matthew Estes says his journey in FFA began like many others – as a middle school student who simply grew up around agriculture.
He was raised on his family’s dairy farm, later transitioned to beef cattle. Summers were spent working with his grandfather on the farm, raising chickens and sheep and staying close to agriculture, even before he knew what career he wanted.
Estes explains he joined FFA in seventh grade and did not immediately plan a future in the industry. At first, he considered becoming a veterinarian because it seemed like a good way to stay in agriculture. That changed when he represented Barren County in the Kentucky Farm Bureau essay and youth competition, which he says opened his eyes to agriculture policy during a congressional tour in Washington, D.C. He met members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation and heard debates about issues such as water policy and farm advocacy.
Around the same time, a visit from then–state FFA officer Megan Rogers to his chapter showed him the impact state officers can have on students. E
He believes those kinds of personal connections are what make FFA powerful for students who may or may not come from a farm background.
Today, Estes serves as a Kentucky FFA state officer while studying agriculture economics and public policy at the University of Kentucky. He reports that he travels across the state visiting FFA chapters, leading workshops on leadership, communication and networking, and attending ceremonies and community events. He also represents Kentucky FFA at national activities and recently took part in an international agriculture experience in Spain through National FFA.
Estes notes that the organization is officially known as the National FFA Organization and emphasizes that FFA now represents more than traditional farming. According to Estes, there are more than 300 careers in agriculture, and Kentucky FFA membership has grown to more than 25,000 members. He says he is proud to represent Kentucky agriculture and to carry his Barron County roots with him as he encourages the next generation of FFA members, including new opportunities for students in Glasgow.
Estes says he hopes his time as a state officer will inspire other students from Barren County, Glasgow and across Kentucky to consider leadership roles in FFA and careers in agriculture policy and related fields.
Key Facts
– Barren County graduate Matthew Estes serves as a Kentucky FFA state officer
– Estes grew up on his family’s dairy and beef farm connected to Monroe Bros. feed mill in Cave City
– He joined FFA in seventh grade and was inspired by a visiting state officer’s workshop
– Estes now travels the state leading leadership workshops and representing Kentucky FFA
– He studies agriculture economics and public policy at the University of Kentucky
– Estes says FFA opened his eyes to agriculture careers and policy beyond farming
