Indiana FFA elects new officers

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The 97th Indiana FFA State Convention wrapped up with an impressive showing of leadership, skill and community impact.

In a heartfelt display of the FFA motto, “Living to Serve,” around 200 members packed 40,000 meals to distribute to Hoosiers facing food insecurity.

From keynote speakers to talent shows, the convention had a packed agenda.

Lynette Markley of Argos FFA received the 2026 Golden Owl Award, which recognizes outstanding agricultural educators.

Lastly, the 2025-2026 leaders gave an emotional, motivating farewell as a new lineup of leaders was announced for 2026-2027.

“Competing for an FFA officer position is a commitment to leadership, service and representing the values that define FFA,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Meet The Officers

• President — Hayden Stookey, Tippecanoe Valley FFA: Stookey will take the helm of the state organization as president. A six-year FFA veteran, Stookey quickly leaned into leadership, competing in more than 10 Career Development Events.

• Secretary — Katie McClain, Carroll at Flora FFA: Bringing a strong focus on agricultural literacy and youth mentorship, McClain has been named state secretary. For her Supervised Agricultural Experience, McClain manages a substantial 2,500-square-foot production garden.

• Northern Region Vice President — Jessie Frazee, Fountain Central FFA: Transitioning directly from his role as District IV president, Frazee steps into state leadership as the northern region vice president. Frazee has built a strong foundation in community development, logging 60 hours of volunteer service in 2025 alone across multiple local organizations.

• Southern Region Vice President — Baron Riley, Crothersville FFA: Riley will serve as the southern region vice president. Known for his hands-on approach to agricultural education, Riley spearheaded several major projects at his chapter, including establishing a hydroponics operation within his school’s agriculture department.

• Treasurer — Garrett Schwering, North Decatur FFA: Schwering joins the team as state treasurer, bringing proven entrepreneurial experience to the role. Schwering’s passion for agriculture is rooted in the greenhouse where he started a flower business that has grown since its inception.

• Reporter — Jaylynn Goodwin, Southridge FFA: As the newly elected state reporter, Goodwin brings extensive leadership experience to the team, having previously served at the chapter, district and state levels of FFA. Her agricultural roots are tied deeply to livestock production, where she works with her family’s Simmental beef cattle operation.

• Sentinel — Khloe Hinojosa, Warsaw FFA: Hinojosa will serve as the state sentinel, drawing on her extensive competitive experience in various CDEs. Passionate about education and peer mentorship, Hinojosa works as a teacher at Presby Preschool and serves as a teacher’s assistant within her high school agriculture department.