Posted September 22, 2021 | By: Brent Smith, Vice President of Marketing, Sustainability and Proprietary Products

Brent Smith of Nutrien Ag Solutions sits down to discuss his passion for FFA

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization is well-known for its blue jackets and gold lettering, but it also has a long history of preparing its members for pivotal careers in agriculture through education and leadership growth. Many well-known leaders in agriculture today once wore that blue jacket and continue to support FFA. Brent Smith, vice president of marketing, sustainability and proprietary products, supports FFA and answered a few questions about what FFA means to him. 

Q: What does the FFA organization and its vision mean to you?

A: The vision for FFA — FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world — aligns with my vision for my future and Nutrien Ag Solutions’ future. Our goal is to help grow the next generation of agriculture industry leaders, introducing them to technology and advancements that help better our world. FFA is a great organization to instill the foundation of leaving the world a better place than how we found it.

Q: How does FFA play a role in advocating for agriculture?

A: FFA stands for the future of agriculture in both name and mission. The organization educates and promotes all phases of agriculture, from botanists to educators to engineers. All sides of agriculture are needed to build upon our mission in agriculture, so it’s great to see so many students participate in FFA. Without FFA and its mission, the agriculture industry wouldn’t be what it is today. 

Q: How does Nutrien Ag Solutions support FFA?

A: I am proud to have Nutrien Ag Solutions support FFA and its mission, from sponsorships at conferences to speaking engagements. I had a great opportunity to speak to my local FFA chapter about the innovation and technology that we’re continuing to develop, and how it will play a pivotal role in the future of agriculture. Additionally, we have annually gifted $100,000+ through the Give Back to Your Roots Grant, which can cover chapter affiliation fees, the improvement of plant science-based educational opportunities and materials for local agricultural-education programs, to name a few. FFA is important to our customers, and it’s important to support these kids and their passion for this industry. I can’t wait to see how agriculture advances with this next generation of leaders.

The 94th National FFA Convention and Expo will be held October 27-30, 2021, in Indianapolis, Indiana. To learn more about #FFA21, visit convention.FFA.org.

To see more of Brent and our FFA partners, check out our "Two-Track Mind" docuseries, featuring Jeb Burton.

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