Aaron Wetzel is the National FFA Association 2025 sponsor board chair. He has been with John Deere for over 35 years, working in various roles across finance, marketing, manufacturing, and more.
- Wetzel was involved in FFA as a youth, with his SAE being in livestock production. This gave him early business experience and public speaking skills.
- As sponsor board chair, Wetzel provides input to FFA on industry needs and the skills/capabilities they look for in young people to serve their customers. This includes technological curiosity, comfort with technology, and awareness of agriculture in urban areas.
- Key priorities for Wetzel as board chair include: 1) Building technological comfort in students, 2) Promoting diverse career opportunities in agriculture beyond just college-bound students, 3) Maintaining FFA's sense of belonging and inclusivity, and 4) Engaging more companies to provide financial support for agricultural education.
- Wetzel is excited about the energy and potential he sees in the 70,000 FFA members that attend the National Convention each year. His goal is to continue growing FFA membership and helping students understand the wide range of opportunities in the agricultural and food production industries.
