In April, the following individuals were selected during the Idaho FFA State Convention in Twin Falls to represent the organization for the coming year. They will spend the next year conducting chapter visits, facilitating leadership events and advocating for the Idaho FFA Association.
Will Brackett. Courtesy photo.
Will Brackett, president
Will Brackett is a sixth-generation rancher from Three Creek, where his family raises Angus commercial cross cattle in a cow-calf and stocker operation. Brackett's upbringing on the ranch has instilled in him a deep love and knowledge of animal agriculture.
Currently attending the College of Southern Idaho, Brackett is studying animal science with the goal of returning to the family ranch after graduation. “It’s what I know and love,” he says.
Brackett’s journey in FFA began with inspiration from state officers and fellow members who helped shape his passion for the organization. Now, Brackett is committed to giving back by helping other FFA members discover their purpose within the industry.
Despite feeling initially surprised at being elected president, Brackett admits, “It’s still a little bit overwhelming, but I’m thankful for it and ready to take them on.”
Proud of Idaho's agricultural community, Brackett emphasizes the industry's strong work ethic and community involvement. “I am most proud of the agricultural industry in Idaho,” he shares, “where we not only work hard but also actively support initiatives like FFA.”
Will Brackett is the son of Gus and Kimberly Williams Brackett.
Josh Nelson. Courtesy photo.
Josh Nelson, vice president
A recent graduate from Troy High School, Josh Nelson is part of a historic moment as one of the first male officers from Troy in over 40 years and the first African American state officer from Idaho.
Growing up on a century-old cherry farm sparked his interest in agriculture, but showing livestock at the Latah County Fair and his FFA advisor’s encouragement to compete in career development events (CDEs) fueled his passion.
Reflecting on his journey in the blue jacket, Nelson recalls a pivotal moment at the National FFA Convention. After a session, friends shared an encounter where a security guard, judging solely by appearances, questioned Josh's identity as a black FFA member.
"That's when empathy really stepped into my life and became a huge part of who I am,” Nelson reflects. “It became, you know, just like the name on my jacket, what I wanted to represent and be as a person – empathetic and able to get to know somebody before I make a judgment on them." It's a value he hopes to use to connect members during his service as a state officer.
In the fall of 2025, Nelson plans to study agricultural education with an emphasis in leadership and communication at Montana State University. The dream is a career in agricultural law and policy before eventually retiring as a high school ag teacher or college professor. Josh Nelson is the son of Heather Nelson.
Aislyn King. Courtesy photo.
Aislyn King, secretary
Aislyn King, a freshman at the University of Idaho, has been involved in the equestrian world since her early childhood. Growing up in New Plymouth, her journey into agriculture began on the back of a horse at Double K Paints, a breeding and training business her family still operates today.
Currently studying agricultural education with a minor in agribusiness, King’s dream is to attend law school and become a strong advocate for the agricultural industry and its professionals.
King's dedication to leadership is evident in her involvement with FFA, noting that she tried out for state office for three years. She reflects, “Throughout this process, my goal has always been serving, helping others and being a voice for those who don’t really have one. Every time I have interacted with members, it felt like home, and I just want to continue fostering that sense of belonging for other kids.”
Guided by the principle that "Everything happens for a reason," this belief shapes her perspective on life and leadership, reinforcing her conviction that every experience contributes to personal growth and resilience.
As she embarks on her new role, King will continue her studies online while traveling across the state. She emphasizes, “For me, it's crucial to fully embrace this dream I've worked hard to achieve and make the most of every opportunity.” Aislyn King is the daughter of Jennifer and William King.
Abby Foruria. Courtesy photo.
Abby Foruria, treasurer
Abby Foruria is a recent graduate from Emmett High School and hails from Ola, where her family owns a cattle ranch. Her passion for agriculture aligns with her involvement in FFA, which has been a family tradition, with her grandpa and mother participating in the organization.
Foruria's decision to pursue leadership within FFA was driven by a desire to give back to an organization that has greatly impacted her life. She says, "I know how much the state officers before had impacted me, and I just wanted to be that light for new members."
One significant moment for Foruria in the organization occurred when her district FFA advisor reached out to her during a wildfire near her home last summer. Despite not knowing her district advisor well, this experience highlighted the strong sense of community within FFA. It showed Foruria that FFA members are willing to help beyond their official roles, inspiring her to build new connections within the organization.
Foruria plans to attend the College of Southern Idaho to explore her interests in agriculture, particularly in aquaculture and agricultural education. She is the daughter of Shannon Conrad and Brandon Foruria.
Eliza Dugan. Courtesy photo.
Eliza Dugan, reporter
Growing up on a dairy farm near Jerome, Eliza Dugan's journey into agriculture began at an early age. Her family's farm became the backdrop for her love of livestock, leading her to show dairy heifers, market steers, market goats and sheep at local fairs and summer jackpots.
Dugan's journey in FFA has been transformative, marked by leadership roles at both the chapter and district levels. She reflects on her journey, stating, “FFA has been a significant part of my life since seventh grade. As my junior year came and went, and now my senior year, I realized I wanted to do more to give back and continue serving Idaho FFA. I’m so thankful I get to serve this year.”
One of Dugan’s most cherished FFA memories occurred during her preparation for the state prepared speaking event, as her friends and fellow members skipped lunch to cheer her on, highlighting the camaraderie within FFA.
Dugan will study at the College of Southern Idaho this fall, majoring in agribusiness. Although she humorously remarks that her career path is “subject to change,” her upbringing in a producer family remains a cherished part of her life and something she would like to continue. She is the daughter of Chris and Shelly Dugan.
Joseph Bendel. Courtesy photo.
Joseph Bendel, sentinel
Joseph Bendel is a recent graduate from Troy High School who found his way into FFA through showing pigs at the Latah County Fair. He moved to Troy during his freshman year of high school and quickly became involved in FFA, finding it a welcoming community in a new town.
Reflecting on his experience, Bendel remarks, “Moving into a small town with a tight-knit community isn't always easy. FFA quickly became a welcoming opportunity for me, which was very nice.” His desire to extend this welcoming environment to others and provide them with similar opportunities propelled his ambition for state office.
Alongside his teammate Josh Nelson, Bendel is one of the first male officers from Troy in over 40 years. Bendel plans to take a year off school to focus on serving as a state officer before pursuing an agribusiness degree at the University of Idaho. He hopes to eventually start his own cattle ranch. Currently, he works on a farm with 5,500 acres of hay, wheat crops, canola and a small herd of cattle, which he thoroughly enjoys. Joseph Bendel is the son of Bill Bendel.
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