FFA Today: Meet National FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel!

FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel joins FFA Today to share her story and excitement to connect with FFA members nationwide.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — The National FFA Organization has welcomed a new member to its officer team, with Nebraska’s Claire Woeppel elected as Central Region Vice President. A member of the Chambers FFA Chapter, Woeppel is the first Nebraskan to hold a national FFA office since 2012.

Woeppel joined FFA Today to reflect on her path to the blue jacket and her goals for the year ahead. Raised on a cattle ranch, she brings firsthand agricultural experience along with prior leadership as a Nebraska state FFA officer and a passion for connecting with members across the country.

In an interview with RFD-TV News, Woeppel discussed how her FFA journey began and the experiences at both the chapter and state levels that prepared her for a national leadership role. She also offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the national officer team is already preparing for the year, from planning travel to outlining priorities for member engagement.

Woeppel discussed the initiatives and goals she hopes to focus on during her term, emphasizing the importance of inspiring members, building connections, and ensuring students see a place for themselves in agriculture and FFA. She also reflected on lessons learned throughout her FFA journey, encouraging students from small towns and rural communities to pursue leadership opportunities and believe in their potential.

Before wrapping up, Woeppel addressed concerns raised by the Oregon Agricultural Teachers Association Advocacy Committee about proposed budget cuts that could affect agricultural education and FFA programs in the state, offering words of encouragement to members and supporters.

Related Stories
Brooks York with AgriSompo joins us to offer an update on what agents are prioritizing as the calendar year winds down.
A leading Oklahoma veterinarian explains common symptoms of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) and warns owners to remain vigilant because it can spread quickly among horses.
National FFA President Trey Myers joins Monday’s FFA Today to share his hopes and goals for the 2025-2026 year as he steps into this opportunity to lead and serve the next generation of agriculture.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.