Let Your Passion for Ag and Love for FFA Explode like Confetti!

It is that time of the year! We are excited to introduce your 2018-2019 Idaho FFA State President.... Saydee Longhurst. Saydee is from the Shelley FFA Chapter in Southeastern Idaho. Here's Saydee's take on her year of serice to the Idaho FFA Association! 

What are you most excited about for your state officer year?

"I am most excited for number one, being able to get out and connect with Idaho's 5,000 FFA members, each of them have so much to contribute and I have the opportunity to learn from them! My second is being able to tell the story of Idaho agriculture as well as FFA. I want to show all the good things our members do as well as the importance of Idaho Ag in the nation!"

What college, major, and future career are you planning?

"I plan on attending Utah State University in fall where I hope to obtain an Agri-Business degree. After I graduate from college I plan on coming back to our first generation family alfalfa and wheat farm to work alongside my dad. 'IF' he does ever retire *wink* I want to take over the farm from him and be a FarmHER!"

Tell about a meaningful experience you have had in FFA?

"A meaningful experience I have had in FFA was my freshman year at SLC. I was sitting in my very first general session in my brand-new, still stiff, blue corduroy jacket. I was in complete awe at the magnitude that was around me. Hundreds of youth in the same blue jacket representing an industry I loved and lived on my own farm in southeast Idaho. It was there that FFA became so much more than a 'club' for me. It's where my passion has been born and fueled and I couldn't be more grateful for it and have such a strong desire to serve it."

What do you do outside of FFA?

"I have had lots of opportunities to be involved in my high school as well as my community in Shelley...ranging from Key Club to BPA to running a Jeans 4 Teens drive to donate over 600 pairs of gently used jeans to our local food bank every year since I have been freshman. I have also been involved in Student Government, Mayor's Youth Council, Bonneville County 4-H, as well as having callings in my church! I love serving my community and school by helping with the clubs I am affiliated with."

What is your SAE Project?

"For my SAE I own and operate a small hay bale business called 'Cleo's Cuttings'. I run a Instagram and Facebook for my business to market my hay to customers from all over the valley. I have enjoyed working alongside my dad while I mentored his knowledge, work ethic, and love of the land. "

What is your mission for the year?

"My mission is to tell and share the story of Ag, whether that be about a freshman just starting out in FFA or sharing on social media about a business that contributes to Idaho Ag. "

Is there something else you would like FFA members to know about you?

"I have a thing for confetti poppers...;)  #'nuffsaid"