IARN — Iowa State University junior Kabe Boysen is in Indianapolis this week representing Iowa FFA in the National Officer Candidate Process.
A Morning Sun native and graduate of Wapello Community Schools, Boysen got his start in agriculture at an early age and first joined the Wapello FFA Chapter as a 7th grade student.
“I followed along some of the different members there in the Wapello FFA Chapter as we were doing a rodeo,” said Boysen. “That’s really where I saw my first interaction within FFA is that rodeo. Ended up going and deciding I wanted to do the (FFA) Creed my freshman year. That was super fun. I went on from there and started enjoying the leadership side of things in FFA. That’s when I decided to run for Chapter Office. I then ran for District Office my junior and senior year, and then I served as a State Officer in the 2020-2021 year.”
Now, Boysen is among 37 FFA members nationwide that have been selected to vie for national office at the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo, held October 27-30.
“It’s a feeling that is so hard to explain because it’s a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding no matter what happens just for the fact that there is a lot of personal growth and a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff you see when prepping for interviews,” said Boysen. “You talk with a lot of individuals. It’s just something that made me super excited and obviously my love for the industry is second to none. After getting that, I kind of got the jitters and was so excited to relay the message to all of the family after getting selected as Iowa’s candidate.”
The process to become a national officer is arduous, with the candidates taking part in an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee. The committee is comprised of students who interview and select the national officers. This year’s National FFA Officer selections will be announced on Saturday, October 30th.
Boysen is majoring in agricultural business at Iowa State.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
Pictured: Kabe Boysen (courtesy of Iowa FFA)
