By Blake Jackson
Kentucky students and Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters earned national honors in agriculture, research, entrepreneurship, performing arts, and leadership at the National FFA Convention & Expo, held October 21-24, 2026, in Indianapolis. The event attracted more than 72,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests from across the country.
Aiden Manley of Menifee County was elected 2026-2027 National FFA Eastern Region vice president. He will join five other national officers in representing more than 1 million FFA members while traveling nationwide and meeting with agricultural, business, and government leaders. Manley will take a year away from his studies at the University of Kentucky to fulfill his responsibilities.
Spencer County FFA received National Premier Chapter recognition in Strengthening Agriculture for its initiative, “Beyond the Barn: Mental Health in the Bluegrass.” The project supported agricultural workers through a wellness breakfast, safety briefings, and health screenings.
Cameron Williams of Christian County earned the national Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award for his small-engine repair business.
Kentucky students also excelled in research and entertainment. The Blue Bridge Boys, featuring Noah Mason, Cruse Edwards, and Levi Hausner of Daviess County, won the National FFA Talent Contest.
Jackson County students Allison McKinney and Avery Stewart finished among the top three performers.
Ayla Tolentino of Bondurant Middle School placed second in the Social Science Division 1 Agriscience Fair, while Nathan Reid of Tates Creek Middle School earned second place in Environmental Science Division 1.
Their research examined insect identification through extension programs and the relationship between soil permeability and E. coli levels near pastureland, respectively.
Jose Villanos of LaRue County became a finalist for the American Star in Agriscience award, recognizing his plant science research and work-based learning experience.
Woodford County FFA finished fourth in Agricultural Sales, with all four team members earning gold ratings. Bloomfield Middle School was also named a top five finalist for the National Middle School Model of Excellence.
Additional Kentucky students earned top 10 placements in agriscience research covering animal science, environmental science, food processing, plant science, agricultural technology, and social science. Teams from Spencer County and McCreary Central placed seventh in Nursery/Landscape and 10th in Forestry, respectively.
National proficiency award finalists included Manley in Agricultural Education and Alyssa Benningfield of Taylor County in Swine Production Placement.
Kentucky participants also received gold, silver, and bronze ratings across numerous career and leadership competitions, including agricultural communications, agronomy, dairy cattle evaluation, employment skills, farm business management, food science, livestock evaluation, marketing, poultry, and veterinary science.
For complete information, visit https://kyffa.org/kentucky-ffa-members-excel-at-the-99th-national-ffa-convention/.
Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education