25 Jan 2017 State FFA president: Guy-Perkins graduate elected

Story and photos
by Callie Sterling

Kinsey Watkins is putting her leadership skills to work as the 2016-17 state president for Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Watkins, a freshman at Southern Arkansas University, joined FFA during her freshman year at Guy-Perkins High School. She developed her leadership and communication skills as a result of her involvement with FFA.

“FFA has made a huge impact on life,” Watkins said. “As I was growing up, agriculture was always a part of my life. FFA allows me to hone in and sharpen my leadership skills, build upon my communication skills and allows me to advocate for the agriculture industry.”

Although agriculture is a primary focus of FFA, members have also pursued career fields that are not related to agriculture.

“FFA withholds tradition,” Watkins said. “FFA keys in on agriculture, but has evolved to also focus on premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education. Some may think that in order to be in FFA you must own a farm, but that is certainly not true. FFA has opened doors and welcomes those who intend to pursue a career as a doctor, scientist, business owner, a teacher and many more.”

Watkins has admired FFA members since she was a child. Becoming involved early in her local 4-H club, she has a deeply rooted background in agriculture.

“I was heavily involved in my local 4-H club, in which I showed livestock and had many leadership opportunities,” Watkins said. “I always looked forward to joining the FFA organization, and when I was old enough, I did just that. I tried to get involved as much as possible and sought out every opportunity I could partake in. I continued showing and raising livestock, held leadership positions and competed in leadership events many times at the local, district and state level.”

Earning the title of Arkansas FFA president is a goal that Watkins has been working to achieve for several years. The last three consecutive Arkansas FFA presidents call Faulkner County home.  

“Becoming FFA state president has been a dream of mine since I first became involved in FFA,” Watkins said. “There were so many emotions when I was announced as the 2016-17 Arkansas FFA state president. I worked very hard and put in a lot of time preparing for running for office. It was amazing knowing that all my work paid off and that my goals and dreams had come true.”

Watkins feels that it is important to give back to FFA, an organization that has helped her personally and academically.

“FFA has given me so much,” Watkins said. “I hope to impact Arkansas FFA members across the state by inspiring them in as many ways as possible. I hope to always be a positive role model for the FFA association, as well as the agriculture industry.”

As the state president of Arkansas FFA, Watkins will have a plethora of responsibilities. The role of president includes hosting leadership camps, meetings, traveling throughout the state, attending conferences and more.

“I will be a direct representation of Arkansas FFA for the next year,” Watkins said. “I will also be attending the National FFA Convention and serving as a national delegate and discussion group leader for a committee at nationals.”

To learn more about Arkansas FFA, visit arkansasffa.org.