Lindsey Magruder, Shelbina

VICE PRESIDENT 2026-27

My first SAE is Agricultural Communications where I conduct interviews with members on achievements and their SAE projects. I also format and create a monthly newsletter alongside writing news articles to the local newspaper. My second SAE is Goat Production where I breed and sell Boer goats to fellow FFA members to show, as well as showing them myself.

I believe I was put on Earth to serve others. My freshman year, I knew I wanted to be in FFA, learn how to advocate for agriculture and have lots of fun. Throughout the years, it shifted into thinking about how I could impact others. How can I make a difference? Serving a year as a state officer is rooted in selflessness. When else will I get a time to be such a selfless leader and give back to the organization that changed my life? 

The biggest legacy I want to leave FFA members with is “Why not you?” All four years of high school, my mom said those three words to me when I was nervous, stressed, overwhelmed and feeling like I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. If you put in the hard work, determination, sacrifice and believe you are capable, then it CAN be you who receives first place, gets out of their comfort zone or even becomes a state FFA officer.

I plan on receiving a degree in agriculture communications and journalism and getting a job where I can advocate for agriculture. I want to be a trustworthy face within the industry who tells all sides of the story from real people in agriculture. I can only hope that me being transparent will help close the gap between the producer and the consumer.

I have my own business called Stitched With Grace where I hand make sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats and more for customers.

My advice for FFA members would be to do things that make you nervous. You don’t know the outcome if you don’t try. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I didn’t make myself get outside of my comfort zone and do things that scared me. Take advantage of all the opportunities you get!