At the 2025 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., CHS and the CHS Foundation were honored for five decades of support and partnership in advancing agricultural education and leadership. Since 1975, CHS and the CHS Foundation have had the privilege of investing in the future of agriculture through FFA – providing support to students in 17 state FFA associations, supporting scholarships for students attending conferences and contests, introducing students from all backgrounds to ag careers through the workforce development program and supporting the National Association of Ag Educators in attracting ag teachers and building strong teaching programs.
Gary Halvorson, executive vice president, stands next to his mother’s sweetheart jacket which she wore as an FFA member.
“We have been a 50-year supporter of FFA because it is the number one organization dedicated to developing the next generation of ag leaders,” says Megan Wolle, senior director, CHS stewardship. “The future of the cooperative system and the entire ag industry depends on having a strong talent pipeline.”
A testament to this is Gary Halvorson, executive vice president, enterprise customer development for CHS. “FFA provided a foundation for a successful career, without question,” Halvorson says. “I appreciate how FFA engages young people, and the lengths to which it goes to help with leadership and social development,” he says. “There are so many opportunities for young people to gain valuable leadership experience.”
For many, FFA is a source of professional development, community engagement and leadership that families leverage throughout multiple generations. Halvorson’s two brothers also participated in FFA, and his parents were active volunteers. “My younger brother and I have our National FFA awards, and all three of us have a state award,” he says. “And my mom Faith was Chapter Sweetheart back in 1966, in Halstad, Minn. So we’ve been involved in FFA as a family forever.”
“That’s what makes the 50-year partnership between CHS and FFA so extraordinary — its lasting impact on countless individuals and communities across the country,” says Halverson. “We’re looking forward to another 50 years,” adds Wolle.
Read more about stewardship at CHS.
