FFA Member Looks to Lead New Generation of Ag Students

Junior Torres Diaz, a sophomore at NC State University, grew up surrounded by soybean, corn and tobacco fields in Red Springs, North Carolina. Despite living in a rural community, Diaz’s experiences with farming were limited.

“Living in Robeson County, the most we had were three chickens in the backyard,” he says. Though Diaz’s extended family raised cattle on farms in Mexico, agriculture felt distant — until FFA brought it into focus. 

Now this first-generation student is majoring in agricultural education, with minors in horticultural science and landscape architecture through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His involvement with FFA from high school to college has been the catalyst for turning agricultural curiosity into a full-on pursuit.

Diaz earned the Old North State FFA Degree in June and the American FFA Degree in November, prestigious honors that have helped prepare him for college-level studies and leadership roles in CALS.

The Old North State FFA Degree, awarded by the North Carolina FFA Association, is the highest degree that a state association can bestow on FFA members. Students must be enrolled in at least one agricultural education class and have 25 hours of community service to qualify for the degree.

The American FFA is the highest degree a member can earn. Qualifying students must have at least three years in agricultural education program, having demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement.

Since 2020, an average of 77 NC FFA members have  earned the American FFA Degree each year. At the 2025 National FFA Convention and Expo, 96 North Carolina FFA members received an American FFA Degree, including 25 CALS students.

North Carolina FFA is the fifth-largest state FFA association in the nation and reached record membership in 2025 with 48,897 members.

The FFA Pivot

Diaz initially planned to pursue biology and dentistry in college, but his high school advisor encouraged him to consider other options. Then an FFA class his sophomore year changed everything. 

Soon after Diaz learned about the world of animal science, horticulture and agricultural mechanics, he became an FFA member. His second-place finish in the NC FFA agricultural education career and leadership development competition solidified his decision to join the ranks of 620 North Carolina agricultural education teachers.

NC State-affiliated teachers encouraged Diaz to apply to CALS. His college connection strengthened through the Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders, a week-long leadership development program for rising high school seniors interested in careers in agriculture. The program, a collaboration between the university and the North Carolina Farm Bureau, allowed Diaz to meet CALS faculty and tour various college departments on campus. 

“I’m big on trying new things,” Diaz says. But it was CALS’ tight-knit and resourceful community that convinced him to apply. “I learned about how a small percentage of people feed the entire world, and I wanted to be part of that effort.”

Diaz’s FFA involvement deepened with his role as a regional officer. The opportunity has helped him develop communication, public speaking and teamwork skills, which he now applies as an officer for the FFA Alumni and Supporters at NC State. 

In November, Diaz traveled to Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. He connected with several students, advisors, parents and industry professionals — each conversation reminding him of the impact and community that FFA builds across the nation.

He also received the American FFA Degree, joining the one percent of FFA members who earn this honor.

Earning the FFA American Degree was a time-intensive process for the future teacher. Both the state and national awards recognize Diaz’s supervised agriculture experience captured through a detailed essay and logged activities illustrating leadership abilities and community involvement.

“I’m beyond thankful for this organization, the people I’ve met along the way, and the opportunities FFA has provided me,” he says. “I’m extremely grateful for my parents, advisors and friends who have been with me every single step of my journey.”

Teaching the Next Generation

Though Diaz’s time wearing the blue jacket is coming to a close, his journey in agriculture and education is just beginning. 

“High school students need teachers. They need people to listen to them and offer help regardless of what we’re going through, just like my ag teachers did for me. I want to be a solid rock that students can stand on and know that everything’s going to be okay.”

Joshua Bledsoe, state agricultural education leader and State FFA Advisor, notes that Junior’s journey, from discovering a deep passion for agriculture to teacher preparation, demonstrates how North Carolina Agricultural Education and FFA are building the next generation of leaders and professionals.

“FFA is a life-changing organization that empowers our members to find their place, build a strong community, and actively shape the future of North Carolina’s number one industry: agriculture.”

As a representative of both the FFA and CALS communities, Diaz is eager to share his experiences and continue advocating for agriculture. 

“It’s refreshing and humbling. I’m honored to represent CALS and FFA at the local and state level. I’m the first person in my family to go to college, and I feel lucky to pursue an agricultural education. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”