In the rural town of Warren, Texas, Jacob Spivey, a nominee for the Excellence in Agriculture Award from the Texas Farm Bureau, isn’t just an agriculture science teacher; he’s a passionate advocate for the future of farming.
As an FFA advisor at Warren High School, Spivey’s role extends beyond the classroom, where he not only imparts agricultural knowledge but also guides students in hands-on livestock and plant-based projects.
“I help them build leadership skills and train teams for FFA competition,” Spivey said, reflecting on his role. “Those teams are perhaps my favorite part of the job, getting to teach students the skills needed for the agriculture industry of today and tomorrow.”
Spivey’s journey into agriculture began in the fourth grade when a local ag teacher dropped off his first show pig.
“From that moment, I was hooked,” he reminisced.
His love for the field has only deepened over the years, shaping his career path and influencing his dedication to agricultural education.
Having started his career teaching high school and middle school agriculture, Spivey later served as a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent in his home county for seven years. A pivotal phone call led him back to his hometown, where he now teaches high school ag alongside one of the men who sparked his love for agriculture.
“I took the position and never looked back,” Jacob said on his return to ag education. “My family has been in the cattle and timber business in Texas for more than 100 years, raising Brahman cattle and timber on our place in Tyler County.”
Jacob and his wife, Melanie, have two young daughters, Peyton and Charlotte.
“They aren’t quite old enough to show animals yet, but we still find ways for them to be involved in the things their daddy loves,” he shares, underlining the importance of passing on traditions and values to the next generation.
