161 Arkansas FFA members and 28 advisors gathered for Week 1 of the 2026 Arkansas Leadership Conference (ALC), a four-day leadership experience designed to help students grow as leaders, strengthen their chapters, and deepen their understanding of agriculture.
Centered around the theme "Stand Proud," the conference challenged members to be proud of themselves and the leaders they are becoming, proud of their chapters and the impact they make together, and proud of the agriculture industry and traditions they are called to represent.
The conference began with students exploring what it means to "Stand Proud" and identifying the values, experiences, and opportunities that shape who they are as FFA members and leaders.
On the second day, members focused on advocacy and communication. Students developed two different elevator speeches designed to help them explain FFA and agriculture to both older generations and potential future members. Participants rotated through workshops focused on the three divisions of the FFA Program of Activities (Growing Leaders, Building Communities, and Strengthening Agriculture) where they learned how to plan meaningful chapter events and activities. Students also explored the concept that "perception is reality" and discussed the importance of accurately representing both FFA and agriculture. Through hands-on activities and discussions, members discovered how agriculture connects to everyday products such as clothing, cosmetics, and countless other items, helping them become stronger advocates for the industry.
Day three focused on service and celebration. Members participated in a community service project where they worked together to create 90 fleece blankets that will be donated to children and families served by the Arkansas Foster Care System and the Ronald McDonald House. The project reinforced the importance of service and demonstrated how every of kindness can make a lasting impact. Students later gathered for the ALC banquet to celebrate their accomplishments throughout the week. Arkansas FFA State Officers recognized outstanding participants from each small group, presenting awards to Joslyn Honey of Mountain Home, Timothy Briscoe of Bergman, Lillie Willis of Bergman, Claire Coldwell of Harrisburg, Kenley Sherwood of Rose Bud, and Hannah Guerin of Westside Jonesboro.
The conference concluded on day four with students reflecting on lessons learned throughout the week and discussing how they can put them into action when they return home. Members were encouraged to take what they learned about advocacy, service, leadership, and agriculture and use it to make a positive impact within their chapters, schools, and communities.
As Week 1 participants return home, they do so ready to stand proud of who they are, what they represent, and the future they are helping create for Arkansas agriculture.