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
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
From “right to repair” to investigations into the “Big Four” meatpackers, antitrust issues were a major legal topic in 2025 and promise to have a long-term impact on the agriculture industry in the future.
A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.
StockShowAuctions.com takes us to the Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas, where young producers are showcasing their dedication, skill, and champion livestock.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.

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:

Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.