LEBANON, Ind. – For Lebanon, Ind., native Lauren Argotte, her first introduction to agriculture started with her eighth-grade agriculture course.

“I’m proud to call Lebanon, Ind., home,” she told Farm World. “I don’t come from a traditional agriculture background with livestock or being raised on a farm. My eighth-grade agricultural educator, Lindsey Bradway, does an amazing job making sure everyone feels welcomed, and a part of agriculture. Ever since, I fell in love with the National FFA Organization, and the agriculture industry.”

Argotte was one of four National FFA members who represented the voice of agricultural youth during National Ag Day, March 24, at the USDA Whitten Patio (8:30 a.m. to noon), and the Kennedy Caucus Room for the Taste of Ag Reception (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), in Washington, D.C. Events included a live stream of USDA activities, and student panel discussions.

She joined Chloe Zittergruen (Keswick, Iowa), Cameron Addington (Cannon Falls, Minn.) and Kolton Stolba (Willow Springs, Mo.), all SpeakAg Pioneers, which promote agricultural advocacy and literacy to FFA members and the public by hosting workshops, creating social media content, and attending important events such as National Ag Day.

Officials said National Ag Day is a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture. This year’s event theme, “Together We Grow,” honored 250 years of agricultural progress since the United States was established.

Currently, Argotte is taking a gap year of service to serve as the Indiana FFA state secretary: “In May of 2025, I graduated from Lebanon High School, and ran for state office in June 2025,” she said. “From there, we take a gap year before starting college to travel the state, visiting FFA chapters and supporters of FFA. We also host leadership conferences, facilitate workshops, and more throughout our year of service.”

She added, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent National FFA and its members at National Ag Day. The National FFA Organization has truly become a home throughout the years – a place to grow, with supportive people and amazing experiences shared by so many members. FFA has truly helped me find my voice, while showing me the impact it has on so many members.”

Argotte said being selected as a representative means advocating for agriculture now and for the future of agriculture, as well as the future of the National FFA Organization: “We are voices for the current members within our organization, but also for those who will put on the FFA jacket in the future. We had the opportunity to meet with legislators, supporters, and alumni of FFA, and it is so evident the love and tradition within the organization.”

Through every conversation, she said, it’s clear how much FFA changes lives, and that people truly understand it is making an impact every single day: “Throughout the conversations we were able to have, we shared stories of the impact FFA and agriculture have had not only on our lives, but also on the lives of members we’ve met, and how FFA chapters have thrived through the support of their communities.”

After her year of service within Indiana FFA, Argotte said she plans to attend Purdue University, pursuing a major similar to agricultural education, agricultural economics, or agribusiness; afterward, she hopes to have a career in agricultural advocacy, literacy or outreach.

“Every ‘yes’ I’ve given throughout my time in FFA has led me to the place I am today,” she said. “I’ve had ‘yeses’ that have challenged me to grow and pushed me to get outside my comfort zone. Each of you has a unique story that is worth telling. You have unique experiences and memories, and no one besides yourself has lived in your shoes. By sharing your story, you can make a difference, and inspire someone around you.”

Zittergruen said Keswick is a small rural community that has really shaped who she is today. “While I didn’t grow up living directly on a farm, agriculture has always been a big part of my life,” she told Farm World, “My grandparents operate a row crop farm where they grow corn and soybeans, and I spent time around their operation growing up.”

Zittergruen said being raised in a small community also meant being involved in many different activities and building strong connections with the people around her: “I graduated from Tri-County High School in 2024, where I was actively involved in a variety of organizations, especially the National FFA Organization, which played a huge role in developing my leadership and passion for agriculture.”

Currently, she is the Iowa FFA state president, and a sophomore at Iowa State University, studying agricultural communications: “Through my coursework and experiences, I am continuing to build on my background in agriculture, while developing the skills needed to advocate for and tell the story of the industry I care so deeply about.”

She said getting to speak as a student panelist on National Ag Day and engage with leaders at the national level showed her how important it is for young people to be involved in conversations about agriculture’s future: “It reinforced that our voices matter, not just in our communities, but on a national stage.”

She said her career plans are centered around working in agriculture through advocacy and public relations: “I want to build a career where I can work directly with farmers and producers, helping share their stories, and connecting consumers to where their food comes from. Agriculture is an industry that impacts everyone, and I’m passionate about being a voice that helps bridge the gap between producers and the public.”

She added, “My advice to prospective FFA members is simple: do it anyway. Do it when you’re nervous, when you’re unsure, and when you feel like you might not be ready.”

Like Argotte, she said some of the most impactful opportunities in her life have come from stepping outside of her comfort zone, and saying yes before she felt fully prepared: “FFA is full of opportunities that will challenge you, grow you, and open doors you didn’t even know existed, but only if you’re willing to take that first step.”