As thousands of FFA members head to Indianapolis for the 2025 National FFA Convention, Oklahoma FFA President Cooper Kline is preparing for what he calls a “great opportunity” to lead and represent his state on the national stage. Senior Farm And Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays spoke with Kline recently, who reflected on his transition from delegate to leader. Kline shared, “I’m really excited to have this moment, this opportunity with this new team. We’ve been really building together as one these last few weeks.” This year, he’ll help lead one of the organization’s delegate sessions, working alongside other state officers, including Iowa’s Chloe Zittergreen, to guide discussion and decisions that shape the future of the National FFA.
Kline explained the importance of the delegate process, which gives state leaders a voice in how the FFA evolves. “Each year there are six delegate sessions… chaired by state presidents or state secretaries,” he said. “This is how we form our recommendations that get sent to the National Board of National FFA. This is how we inflict change within our organization on a national level.” Those changes, Kline added, begin in Indianapolis with collaboration between state officers and delegates from across the country.
Looking back on his previous year’s work, Kline described his involvement on the National Competitive Events Committee, which explored expanding FFA’s contests and events. “We were talking about the possibility of changing locations and potentially having some more contests introduced on a national level,” he recalled. This year, his focus shifts toward inclusivity. “My committee this year is going to be focusing a little more on inclusivity within members on a broader scale really trying to open up FFA in a broader sector. I can’t wait to be a part of it,” he said.
This year’s convention is especially meaningful as the organization celebrates reaching one million members nationwide. Kline praised the growth and innovation that have fueled that expansion. “It’s astonishing to see the growth, not only in our state, but getting to see these other states… a lot of it through affiliation,” he said, describing how merging agricultural education with FFA programs has allowed the organization to reach even elementary students. “It’s really awesome getting to see this great organization grow,” he added.
Oklahoma will again be well-represented in Indianapolis, and Kline is confident in the state’s competitors. “I think we have an absolutely impeccable group going in,” he said, naming several teammates and event participants. “Our speakers this year are absolutely phenomenal… truly a remarkable group going and being able to speak. I really can’t wait to see how it unveils.” He also highlighted standout members like Ryder, Oklahoma’s National Star Farmer finalist, saying, “He feels like the process has been going well, so we’re going to hope for the best for him.”
When asked why attending the National FFA Convention matters, Kline emphasized its role as a catalyst for progress and unity. “A big word that comes to mind whenever you say that is change,” he explained. “That’s where we see change within our organization—right there in Indianapolis.” He noted that collaboration among national and state leaders helps FFA evolve and prepare for major milestones like its upcoming 100th anniversary. “We’re nearing the 100th, so that’s always a big talk… celebrating what we do in FFA and how we’ve been able to do it for nearly a century now,” he said.
Looking ahead to Oklahoma’s own 100th State FFA Convention next May, Kline said planning is already in full swing. “Being the 100th team for the 100th convention, it’s truly, truly remarkable,” he said. “We have some big things in the works… it is going to be a convention worth going to.” For Kline, FFA has been more than just an organization—it’s been life-changing. “FFA is everything,” he reflected. “It shaped my career choice. I want to go teach agricultural education and make an impact on students, just as my advisor had done for me.” Now studying agricultural education and policy at Oklahoma State, Kline’s future may lead to the classroom—or even the State Capitol—but one goal remains constant: “No matter what I do, the main emphasis is going to be on the betterment of people around me.”
