REDMOND, Ore. — Michael Potter, vice president of store operations for Wilco Farm Stores, said some of the cooperative’s best workers grew up in the FFA — and there will be many more in the future.

“Over the years, hundreds if not thousands of employees, past and present, have worn the blue corduroy jackets we see here today,” he said.

Potter, the featured speaker during the March 22 evening session at the 2025 Oregon FFA State Convention, told the crowd about the strong bond between Wilco and the student group.

“Given all that the FFA has done for Wilco, we’re honored to give back to the organization,” Potter said.

FFA Forever program

The relationship between the cooperative and FFA stretches back decades.

FFA has helped Wilco in various ways over the years, including by assisting fundraising and with store openings, Potter said.

More than 10 years ago, agricultural education and the Oregon FFA faced significant funding headwinds, Potter said.

In response, Wilco and partners such as tire company Les Schwab created the FFA Forever program, an ongoing campaign to raise funding for the organization in the states the cooperative serves — Oregon, Washington and California.

The program has several components throughout the year, including auctions in spring, customer donations at the cash register that are matched by Wilco in August, and employees who donate vacation pay in December.

“I’m happy to say that over the past decade, Wilco has contributed over $2 million dollars to FFA Forever,” Potter said.

The program helps fund various projects for FFA and also contributes about $125,000 per year toward junior livestock auctions.

Limitless opportunities

Potter said the FFA offers a great opening to forge lifelong relationships, and that there are plenty of career opportunities for the future agriculturalist.

“Whether it’s tending crops and livestock on your future farm or ranch, being an agronomist helping our farmers to be successful in their endeavors, or a career in any number of fields that assist in the production of food, fiber or natural resources, the opportunities in front of you are limitless,” he said.

“All you need to do is choose a path. We’ll be here to support you along the way,” Potter added.

Award winners

Results for selected contests also were announced during the March 22 evening session.

Kay Jones of Sandy, Ore., was the winner in extemporaneous public speaking.

Matthew Bielenberg of Silverton, Ore., took first place in the cooperative quiz.

The Hermiston FFA chapter won first place in parliamentary procedure.

Sutherlin FFA was the winner for chapter code of conduct.

The 2025 Oregon FFA State Convention opened March 20 and runs through March 23.

Attendance was about 3,400 people, including roughly 2,600 FFA students and ag teachers, according to state FFA officials.