Countdown to Convention: Turning Waste into Opportunity with Darling Ingredients

Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (RFD-TV) — As we continue our “Countdown to Convention,” we’re highlighting the National FFA Organization‘s sponsor partners who help support the next generation of agricultural leaders.

One of those partners is Darling Ingredients, a global company that turns unused or organic waste materials into hundreds of sustainable products — from animal feed to renewable energy.

Jeremy Kelly, Quality Manager at Darling Ingredients, shares how the company’s mission aligns with FFA’s values and explains why investing in future agricultural leaders is so important. He also discussed how Darling Ingredients’ work demonstrates innovation in agriculture by reducing waste, creating value-added products, and supporting sustainability across the supply chain.

Our “Countdown to Convention” continues all month long here on RFD-TV as we highlight more stories like this one — leading up to the opening gavel of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo on October 29 in Indianapolis.

Related Stories
New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
In a landmark ruling delivered in late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
The application deadline is March 8, 2026. The 1890 National Scholars Program aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.
Wind repowering offers a rare opportunity to renegotiate outdated leases and improve long-term land income for landowners who act early.
A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Bryan Combs with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service breaks down new farmland data from the TOTAL survey, highlights key findings, and potential impacts for the ag sector. ASFMRA’s David Klein also shares how those trends are reflected in the current farmland market, especially in the Midwest.
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
Even some Democrats have expressed support for dismantling cartel operations. South Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez said he agrees with Trump on the issue.
This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.