Bryce Cluff for Vice President

Each year the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization conducts the National FFA Convention & Expo to bring student members from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands together. The event provides workshops, tours and more for members to get involved in to further grow their local communities. This year, the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo, held from October 25-28 in downtown Indianapolis, experienced more than 67,000 attendees, the highest guest count yet for a student focused convention. During the event, delegates from across the U.S. elected six FFA members, as they do each year, to represent the organization for 2017-2018. To serve on the National FFA Officer Team is to be held in high esteem for both character and potential and this year, one of UA’s very own students received such a distinction.

Bryce Cluff, a UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences undergrad majoring in Agricultural Technology Management & Education, received the honor of being one of these six National Officers for the FFA and was appointed the position of Western Region Vice President. In addition, he is the first Arizonan in a decade to receive the appointment of FFA officer. It is then, almost without being said, that the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is beyond proud and ecstatic for Cluff’s achievement, who was humbled to receive such an appointment after applying for the position before:

“The biggest driving force behind my desire to be a national officer was the opportunity to serve. Service is a universal opportunity that we all have, and I wanted to dedicate my time and talents towards something that made the world around me a better place… I was not elected as a National FFA Officer the first time I ran, but my desire remained, which is why I ran a second time.”

Cluff’s efforts paid off. Due to his passion and perseverance, his dream of becoming a national FFA officer has been achieved and a bright year stands before him. With the Arizona State FFA chapter Vice Presidency under his belt, Bryce is ready to hit the ground running and has a few goals moving forward as the Western VP, both for his career and this year’s term in office:

“One of my main goals during this next year of service is going to be focused on inclusion of every member within our organization. We pride ourselves on the common bonds of agriculture and blue corduroy in the FFA, but often many fail to recognize the importance of diversity within our membership. Regardless of background or opportunity, I hope to show as many FFA members that I can that there is a place for them in the FFA, and there is a place for them in agriculture… My goal is to become a high school agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. This next year I will get the opportunity to meet students and teachers across the country as well as industry leads in agriculture. I hope to use these experiences to provide better opportunities for my future students in achieving our goal of premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.”

Congratulations to Bryce Cluff on his amazing achievement! We look forward to seeing more from him, both academically and professionally, as the year goes on and his career progresses. Learn more about the FFA and their 90th Convention & Expo on the Official FFA Website.