FFA Today: Meet National FFA’s 2025-2026 Eastern Region Vice President Joey Nowotny!

Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (RFD-TV) — The FFA community is celebrating newly elected Eastern Region Vice President Joey Nowotny, who joined us on this week’s FFA Today. Nowotny, from Laurel High School in Delaware, is only the sixth national officer to come from his state — and the first elected to national officership since 2021.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Nowotny shared what first drew him into agricultural education and the FFA, reflecting on the early moments at Laurel High School that helped shape his journey. He also discussed how his Supervised Agricultural Experiences — including aquaponics with tilapia and leafy greens, and poultry production — played a key role in developing his leadership skills.

Nowotny talked about serving two terms as a Delaware state officer and how those experiences inspired him to pursue national office. He explained why stepping into a national leadership role was important to him and what it means to represent Delaware on the national stage.

As he begins his year of service, Nowotny outlined his goals for advocating, traveling, and connecting with FFA members across the country. He also shared the moments he is most looking forward to during the year and expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way.

Related Stories
Export funding aims to strengthen global demand for U.S. commodities.
Roger McEowen of the Washburn School of Law discusses the lack of legal expertise in rural areas and a new program in Kansas aimed at addressing the issue.
Jake Charleston from Specialty Risk Insurance Agency recapped an Oklahoma auctioneer contest and recent industry events, showing how stakeholder feedback helps insurers gauge market conditions and risk management needs.
Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.
Kaleigh Backstrom says her early involvement in 4-H helped set her on that path and sparked her interest in veterinary medicine.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tidal Grow’s Align-N system delivers urea nitrogen directly to leaves, improving nutrient efficiency and boosting crop yields for farmers.
Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
“Cow goggles” are helping farmers experience cattle vision in real time, offering new tools to reduce stress, improve movement, and enhance livestock management.
Fewer interruptions could translate to improved efficiency—and fewer costly delays when timing matters most.
Faster approvals could speed projects, but may face scrutiny.
Data centers may compete with farms for key resources.