For nearly 50 years, Tyson Foods has recognized that building a strong future for food and agriculture starts with the people who will lead it. That belief was on display during a recent visit to Tyson Foods World Headquarters, where leaders from the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA) connected with team members, explored the company’s role in feeding the world and experienced firsthand the wide range of career opportunities available across the food and agriculture industries.
The visit included Scott Stump, CEO of FFA; Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President; and Jael Cruikshank, Western Region Vice President. Throughout their time on campus, the group met with Tyson Foods leaders and team members who shared insights on leadership, career growth and the values of hard work, service and community that continue to shape the agriculture industry.
They also joined Allison Reed, Director of our Springdale World Headquarters Pilot Plant, for a facility tour to see how products move from concept to reality at Tyson Foods. From early-stage testing to hands-on product development, the visit offered a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation, collaboration and technical expertise that help bring quality protein products from idea to tables around the world.
During a conversation with Nathan McKay, President of Poultry and a former FFA chapter president, Nathan encouraged the group to stay curious and seek opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. He highlighted the breadth of careers available across Tyson Foods and shared how the company’s end-to-end footprint in protein creates opportunities to gain experience across many areas of the industry.
FFA has long helped students develop leadership skills, build confidence and prepare for future careers, and its impact was reflected in the personal stories of our own leaders that were shared throughout the visit. Wade Brueggeman, President of Beef, spoke about the influential role his high school agriculture teachers played in sparking a passion for the food industry and helping shape the path that eventually led him to Tyson Foods.
The visit concluded with a fireside chat featuring FFA alumni Robin Harlow, Vice President of Sales, and Heidi Shook, Vice President of Brand for Smoked Sausage & Cocktails. Together, they reflected on their leadership journeys, the lessons they carried from FFA into their careers and the lasting influence the organization has had on both their personal and professional growth.
For Tyson Foods, supporting FFA is more than a tradition; it is an investment in the future growers, researchers, business leaders and innovators who will help shape the food system for years to come. The visit served as a meaningful reminder of the power of connection, mentorship and shared experiences in preparing tomorrow’s leaders for the opportunities ahead.