For nearly five decades, Tyson Foods has recognized a core principle: building a strong future for our industry begins not only with agriculture, but with the people who will lead it. That’s why our partnership with the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA) is so important to us. Since 1976, Tyson Foods has invested in students who will help shape the future of the food and agriculture industries.  

FFA is more than a club or an organization; it’s a movement. Founded to prepare for careers in agriculture, FFA has grown into a powerful national organization focused on developing technical skills, cultivating leadership and expanding innovation across the entire industry.  

Supporting Dreams, One Chapter at a Time  

Our commitment goes beyond words. Since the inception of our partnership with FFA, Tyson Foods has provided more than $2 million in grant funding to support both local chapters and the national organization, including additional funding in 2026 to support over a dozen chapters across our operational footprint. But the real impact of that investment becomes clear when you hear directly from the students and advisors who benefit from it.  

Take the students from Spring Hill FFA in Arkansas, where many chapter members have families who are Tyson^® brand contract growers. Through grant funding, the chapter was able to support first-year members competing in leadership contests, update study resources and provide accommodations for students attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis; an experience that is often life-changing for young agricultural professionals.  

Or consider the New London FFA team from Wisconsin. Five members were preparing to compete at the National FFA Convention, but the cost of attending created a significant barrier. With Tyson Foods’ support, they were able to travel to Indianapolis, earn bronze in their competition and tour an aeroponics farm, a zoo and an equine facility, gaining invaluable exposure to a broad range of agricultural career paths.   

A Voice from the FFA Community  

Michael Taylor, Supervisor of Production in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, shares how FFA helped shape his life and career trajectory.  

“FFA is a career-building organization — about life skills, work ethic, leadership, citizenship, community, respect, loyalty and so much more,” said Taylor. “Serving as chapter president as a sophomore in high school absolutely put me on a clear life journey and career path. The positive environment created by students, administrators and the broader FFA community helps shape young people simply through exposure to the right groups of individuals and partners. My own children all benefited from this same experience. I’m incredibly thankful to Tyson Foods for continuing to support an organization that builds both character and careers.”  

Michael’s words capture what makes our investment in FFA so meaningful. This partnership goes beyond funding competitions or conventions. It’s about creating environments where young people develop character, work ethic and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their careers and lives.  

Looking Ahead  

Agriculture is changing fast. Sustainability, technology, data analysis and business acumen are becoming just as important as traditional farming knowledge. FFA members are learning these skills while also understanding the values of hard work, service and community that have always been at the heart of agriculture. That’s exactly the kind of next-generation leader the industry needs.  

This isn’t charity, it’s investment. We’re investing in the future growers, researchers, business leaders and innovators who will shape how food is produced, processed and distributed in this country. By supporting FFA, Tyson Foods supports agriculture itself. We’re committed to helping FFA members develop into the team members, entrepreneurs and leaders who will build stronger, more resilient agricultural communities.