FFA TODAY: Tennessee FFA President Sets His Sights on National Leadership

Let’s meet an inspiring young farmer leading the Tennessee FFA this year, but now has his sights set on the National stage.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — T. Wayne Williams, a fourth-generation cattle producer and current Tennessee FFA president, is competing for a spot on the 2025-2026 National FFA Officer Team.

Williams joined us in the studio during Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about his agricultural journey so far. In his interview on FFA Today, he explained what it is like to attend the National FFA Convention and Expo, his favorite parts of the annual event, and the process behind running for National FFA Officer.

Williams also shared what inspired him to run for the national leadership position and the goals he hopes to accomplish if elected. Lastly, he talked about his experience serving as Tennessee FFA President, the lessons he learned from the opportunity, and the challenges he has faced in FFA that helped shape his future vision for the National FFA Organization.

Related Stories
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans joins us to share her journey from farm wife to entrepreneur and advocate for reducing food waste.
FFA students in New York City are transforming urban spaces into working farms while gaining hands-on skills that connect city life with the roots of agriculture.
Hughes shares how he’s preparing for the competition, his partnership with Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis, and his journey from cattle ranching to professional bass fishing.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.
For rural borrowers, freeing up community-bank balance sheets could mean steadier home loans, operating lines, and ag real-estate financing as winter planning ramps up.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.