For many at Durvet, FFA wasn’t just a high school activity, it was a defining chapter that shaped careers, built confidence, and strengthened a lifelong commitment to agriculture.

Through leadership contests, livestock judging, public speaking events, and hands-on agricultural experiences, FFA laid a foundation that still influences our team today. Here’s how the organization impacted several of our FFA alumni at Durvet.

Leadership Rooted from Legacy
Chad Anglin – Brand Manager  

For Chad, FFA was personal from the start. Inspired by his father, a national land judging competitor, he joined to continue a family tradition. While he charted his own path in parliamentary procedure and dairy judging, the experience quickly solidified something even bigger: his future in agriculture.

Serving as a Kentucky FFA State Officer became one of the proudest moments of his journey. That leadership role, combined with earning the American FFA Degree (the highest honor awarded by the National FFA Organization), marked a full-circle achievement for Chad.

Beyond awards, FFA instilled lifelong skills. Public speaking eliminated the fear of addressing a crowd. Detailed record keeping built habits of organization and accountability. Perhaps most impactful, FFA gave Chad the confidence to leave his home state for college, seek knowledge beyond his comfort zone, and return home with experiences that shaped his professional path.

“FFA opened my eyes to the wealth of opportunity in agriculture, but it also taught me I had to go after it.”

Finding Confidence and Community
Carly Bailey – West Regional Sales Mgr.

Carly’s journey into FFA began as a city kid with deep agricultural roots. When her family moved to Clackamas, Oregon, the district had a land lab located directly behind her high school. That space gave her access to livestock projects, competitions, and leadership opportunities she otherwise wouldn’t have had without living on a farm.

The land lab also demonstrated FFA’s ability to bridge communities. Situated in the middle of an urban neighborhood, it invited curiosity. Plant sales, farm tours, and livestock projects educated the public and created access for students who may never have otherwise stepped into agriculture.

Through ag sales, parliamentary procedure, livestock judging, and numerous speaking events, Carly developed the confidence that now defines her professional career. Competing at district, state, and national levels sharpened her communication skills and strengthened her ability to connect with others, something she credits in her success today.

Two moments stand out: winning the Oregon State Livestock Judging Contest and later earning her American Degree. Receiving FFA’s highest honor was a dream made even more meaningful by being able to share the moment with her dad.

“FFA helped me find strengths I didn’t know I had and gave me the confidence to use them.”

Passion Turned Profession
Emily Genser – Brand Specilaist

Growing up on a row-crop operation, Emily’s passion for agriculture began early. Joining FFA felt like a natural step but the impact went far beyond what she expected.

Through leadership development, teamwork, and competition, including advancing to state in Entomology and attending the Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., Emily discovered new layers of agriculture and her own potential within it.

FFA encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and take pride in her work. That growth ultimately guided her toward a career in animal health, turning passion into profession.

“FFA didn’t just strengthen my skills, it confirmed where I was meant to be.”

Growth Through Experience
Lauren Kerby  – Graphic Designer II

For Lauren, FFA was woven into the fabric of her rural community. What began as an opportunity to explore agriculture evolved into a transformative experience that shaped her leadership, communication skills, and career path.

One of her favorite memories was participating in Ag in the Classroom, where she brought her goats to school to teach classmates about animal care and anatomy. The event strengthened her public speaking skills while sharing her love for livestock.

She also credits FFA for pushing her beyond fear. Entering a speech competition her junior year felt intimidating but advancing showed her that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.

FFA broadened her understanding of agricultural career opportunities, eventually leading her to Durvet.

“FFA showed me that leadership isn’t about where you come from, it’s about how willing you are to grow.”

FFA is More Than an Organization

Across every story, a common theme emerges: FFA builds confidence, character, and community.

It teaches students to speak boldly, lead with integrity, keep records with discipline, and understand the vital role agriculture plays in our world. It bridges urban and rural communities, creates opportunity where there was none, and equips young people with skills that last far beyond high school.

At Durvet, we’re proud to have team members who carry those blue jacket lessons into their work every day, continuing to grow the future of animal health and agriculture.

 Once FFA, always FFA.