As the 100th State FFA Convention gathered students, advisors, and supporters from across Oklahoma, one familiar face returned home wearing the national blue and gold jacket at the highest level. National FFA Organization President Trey Myers joined senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays to reflect on the whirlwind journey that has taken him around the world since being elected national president last fall.
“The Magic Carpet Ride” of a Lifetime
Myers said the pace of the year has been nonstop since the moment he was elected.
“The year starts with the sprint on stage, and it feels like the sprint hasn’t stopped up until this moment,” Myers said. “We traveled all across the world, hit about 15 to 17 states this far, fifth state convention, and then we’ve also got to travel to Japan as a national officer team.”
Despite the travel and excitement, Myers said returning home to Oklahoma carries a special meaning.
“It’s just an absolute honor and a privilege to travel all the world. But there’s no place like here in the BOK Center.”
The Moment It Finally Felt Real
While hearing his name announced on stage at the national convention was unforgettable, Myers admitted the reality of the honor did not fully sink in until he returned to his hometown.
He described attending the Perkins-Tryon FFA pork chop supper after coming home to Oklahoma and seeing the community that supported him throughout his journey.
“I walked back in and just saw the whole community that really raised me as a young man, and I broke down and got a little bit emotional, because there’s the people that poured into me,” Myers said. “So I would say that’s when it really, really hit in that this is real.”
Inspired by the Next Generation of FFA Members
One of the biggest takeaways from the year so far has been witnessing the innovation and determination of FFA students across the country.
Myers recalled meeting a student in Montana who turned an FFA project into a real business venture.
“I met a student that developed a product. It’s a salad dressing as an FFA project, and then has spun that project into a full-time business,” he said.
Experiences like that continue to reinforce his confidence in the future of agriculture and leadership.
“Young people cease to amaze me,” Myers said. “There’s just been countless stories that you hear, and you’re just constantly amazed at what our FFA members are doing.”
A Bond Built Within the National Officer Team
Myers also spoke about the friendships formed with his fellow national officers.
“They’re the biggest gift, five people that I will just cherish for a lifetime,” he said.
One moment early in the year especially impacted him. Myers shared that while attending the funeral of former national officer, the entire former officer team showed up in support.
“That hit me like a ton of bricks, because that was what I stepped into this year,” Myers said. “And they’re just my five best friends on the planet.”
Finding Hope in Agriculture’s Young Leaders
As he travels the country representing FFA, Meyers said his perspective on the organization has deepened even further.
“The more and more that I see of FFA in our country, the more I’m reminded about the grit and determination of young people,” he said.
Myers believes today’s FFA members stand out because they are willing to embrace hard work and responsibility.
“If there’s one group of individuals in our country that’s inspiring and gives me hope, it’s young FFA members that are growing up in agriculture who have the capability to have hard work and grit.”
“Don’t Waste Your Life”
Looking ahead to the end of his year as national president and eventually taking off the jacket for the final time, Myers said the biggest lesson he hopes to carry forward is keeping focus on what truly matters.
“I think so often we get caught up on chasing titles, success, the next big thing, and then we get it and we realize just how empty it was,” Myers said.
He said the experiences of this year have challenged him to think beyond accomplishments and focus instead on purpose.
“If we don’t realize that there are very few things in life that actually matter, we’ll have a life that we ultimately wasted,” Myers said. “So realizing what matters and going after that with everything we possibly can.”
Our coverage of the 2026 Oklahoma FFA Association State Convention is sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, proud to support the young men and ladies of the Oklahoma FFA as they strive for excellence in all they do. Oklahoma Farm Bureau- We Are Rural Oklahoma.
Learn more about the 100th Annual Convention of the Oklahoma FFA by clicking here for the convention highlights.
