Oregon FFA CEO Responds to Proposed Budget Cuts Impacting 15,000+ Ag Students

Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.

OAKLAND, Ore. (RFD-TV) — Oregon FFA is facing potential state budget cuts that could impact agricultural education programs and more than 15,000 students across the state. Lawmakers are reportedly considering eliminating state funding for Oregon FFA and grants that support ag educators.

Kjer Kizer, CEO of Oregon FFA, joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting opportunities for students interested in agriculture.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, Kizer explained that Oregon FFA plays a critical role in supporting students involved in agricultural education and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. She outlined how cuts to funding could affect classrooms, teachers, and student opportunities, emphasizing that participation in FFA is growing rapidly.

Kizer also highlighted the importance of programs like FFA, summer ag education grants, and CTE pathway grants in preparing students for real-world careers. She encouraged viewers who care about agricultural education and workforce development to take action to support Oregon FFA.

Related Stories
First-grade teacher Taylor Dougherty at Eastern Elementary School was named the 2026 Ag in the Classroom Award winner for her efforts to teach students about agriculture.
David Gruchot with USDA APHIS joined us to discuss the growing threat of invasive pests and the steps individuals can take to help protect U.S. agriculture.
Seafood producers gain expanded access to USDA support programs.
Lawmakers say payments will support schools, infrastructure and public safety in rural communities.
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
Initiative brings students from different backgrounds together to build relationships and broaden perspectives

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

CoBank Lead Energy Economist Teri Viswanath discusses their analysis of rising energy costs, rural impacts, and the outlook for fuel prices amid ongoing global uncertainty.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.
Higher fuel costs are raising grain shipping expenses. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses how energy market disruptions are impacting farmers in new ways as the War in Iran continues.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller joins us with an update on the most recent case of New World screwworm 90 miles from the U.S. Southern border.
With fewer young people entering agriculture and farmers nearing retirement, industry leaders warn of challenges ahead while working to keep farming profitable and sustainable.
A late-season freeze in northeast Louisiana has forced farmers to replant thousands of corn acres, adding costs, straining seed supplies, and raising concerns about shifting to soybeans.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.