Chambers, Nebraska, native Claire Woeppel is preparing to close out a year of national FFA leadership as the organization’s 99th National FFA Convention & Expo approaches in Indianapolis.
Woeppel, who has served as the 2025-26 National FFA Central Region vice president, recently joined the Rural Radio Network to reflect on her travels, the people who supported her and the experiences that shaped her year.
“It’s been the biggest blessing of my life so far, but also the biggest challenge of my life,” Woeppel said.
Her responsibilities have taken her to FFA chapters across the country, giving her a firsthand look at how agricultural education differs between communities.
One of her most memorable experiences came during National FFA Week in Utah, where she visited a small chapter in Escalante. The school’s graduating class had just 10 students, reminding Woeppel of her own experience growing up in Chambers.
Later that week, she visited Utah’s largest FFA chapter, where students had access to more extensive agricultural education facilities and programs.
She also recalled visiting FFA members in Massachusetts, where she was impressed by the students’ agricultural knowledge and enthusiasm.
Despite differences in chapter size, geography and agricultural opportunities, Woeppel said she found common ground among members nationwide.
“Everywhere I go there was a passion for agriculture. There was a passion for FFA,” she said.
Family support helped shape the year
Throughout her travels, Woeppel said her family remained an important source of encouragement.
Her mother sent messages nearly every morning and evening, checking in as Woeppel traveled between chapter visits, state conventions and other national FFA responsibilities.
Her father regularly watched her keynote speeches, while both parents provided support during difficult travel days and unexpected challenges.
Woeppel also credited former national FFA President Amara Jackson, her fellow officers and supporters in Nebraska for helping her navigate the demands of national leadership.
Keeping FFA connected to agriculture
As FFA approaches its 100th national convention, Woeppel said maintaining the organization’s connection to agriculture remains an important priority.
She pointed to programs such as the New Century Farmer conference, which helps young adults explore opportunities in production agriculture after high school.
Other national FFA conferences focus on agricultural career areas including agribusiness, animal science, plant science, horticulture and veterinary science.
Woeppel said those opportunities help members understand the many career paths available in agriculture while strengthening the organization’s agricultural foundation.
She also emphasized the role of local agricultural educators in preparing students for careers and leadership opportunities.
Retiring address to reflect on experiences with FFA members
Woeppel will deliver her retiring address, titled “Toward the Light,” during the National FFA Convention & Expo.
She said the message will focus on interactions with FFA members throughout the past year and how those experiences changed her perspective.
“A lot of my message is focused on experiences that I’ve had with FFA members this year and how I’ve felt going into those experiences and how they have changed my perspective or shaped the way that I felt,” Woeppel said.
Her retiring address is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, at 8 a.m. Eastern, or 7 a.m. Central, on FFA Live.