| FFA Nation

Meet Wyatt DeJong, National FFA Central Region Vice President

05/02/2011 |

Self-described as “a guy who loves life and people,” Wyatt DeJong seems like a perfect fit for a national FFA office. This South Dakota native is definitely living it up this year as he meets FFA members, alumni, supporters and sponsors across the country while serving as the National FFA Central Region Vice President. When not inspiring FFA members, Wyatt enjoys heading home to his family’s 7,000-acre cattle ranch in Western South Dakota.

What was it like growing up on such a large cattle ranch?

Western South Dakota requires quite a bit more land to raise cattle so the ranches are bigger. It was cool growing up where we had no cell phone service, few neighbors and so much country to see. Something about riding a horse across
the hills is humbling and inspiring.

While in high school, how did you maintain your FFA motivation and excitement throughout the summer?

During the summer, I spent many hours working on my supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program of raising and showing cattle. Until my junior year, my main FFA focus was centered on the show ring during the summer, but then I began participating in FFA conferences that really challenged and encouraged me.

How do you define sustainability, as it relates to agriculture, and what are some of the things you’ve seen agriculturists doing to reduce their impact on the environment?

I think “sustainability” in agriculture has three main parts. First, it must be focused on land improvement. Second, it must produce enough food for people to eat. Third, it must be profitable for the farmers who raise the food.

What has been your favorite experience as a national FFA officer so far?

National FFA Week in North Carolina: It was epic! I was able to meet some new people and create great friendships. National FFA Week showed me once again that people are incredible and that members use creative ways to make a difference. This year, FFA has shown me to find the value in each person and to learn something new each day.