Kentucky FFA Honors Seven with Honorary State FFA Degree

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky FFA Association recognized seven individuals with the prestigious Honorary State FFA Degree during the 97th Kentucky FFA State Convention.

As one of the organization's highest honors for non-members, the award celebrates individuals whose leadership, service, advocacy, and commitment have strengthened agricultural education and supported Kentucky FFA programs across the state.

The 2026 recipients include:

• Anthony Koch (Paris): A longtime supporter of Kentucky FFA, Koch has served as a State FFA Convention judge and member of the Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees. During his two-year term as Foundation Board chair, he helped guide the organization through a period of significant growth and continued development.
• Ashley Weaver (Glasgow): As Finance and Grant Manager for the Kentucky FFA Foundation, Weaver oversees financial operations and grant management, helping ensure donor contributions directly benefit FFA chapters and student opportunities throughout Kentucky.
• Ken Reed (Versailles): Reed has dedicated many years to agricultural education by judging the State Star Farmer competition and supporting the Ag Teachers Change Lives Award through sponsorship and advocacy.
• Brenda Reed (Versailles): Alongside Ken Reed, Brenda has actively supported Kentucky FFA initiatives by encouraging student success and contributing to programs that strengthen agricultural education across the state.
• Kyle Kelly (Owenton): Kelly has served on the Kentucky FFA Foundation Board of Trustees for nearly 10 years and has been instrumental in organizing the Kentucky FFA Blue and Gold Gala, helping generate substantial funding while also volunteering as a State FFA contest judge.
• Mary Taylor (Springfield): Taylor has volunteered as a judge for the Employment Skills Leadership Development Event, using her professional experience to help students prepare for future careers through realistic interview and workplace evaluations.
• Matthew Whitaker (Mt. Vernon): An agricultural educator at Rockcastle County High School and former president of the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators, Whitaker has provided leadership that continues to strengthen agricultural education and support FFA members and teachers across Kentucky.

Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa