As a proud Kentuckian and lifelong advocate for agriculture, I am privileged to wear many hats in both my personal and professional life. My name is Ruth Ann Fink, and I serve as the Development Officer for the Kentucky FFA Foundation, a role that allows me to open opportunities for FFA members across the Commonwealth without financial burden. 

I was raised on an Angus cattle operation, where I learned the value of hard work, the importance of stewardship, and the deep connection between the land and our communities.

Today, my husband, Stefan, and I carry those lessons forward on his generational family farm where we have a diversified operation. We primarily raise club lambs, but supplement with feeder steers and high- tunnel- grown heirloom tomatoes for local markets in the off-seasons.

Beyond the farm, I am an alumna of the University of Kentucky, where I earned my degree in Agricultural Education. As a former agriculture teacher, I spent four-and-a-half years in the classroom, helping students find their place in the world of agriculture. I also proudly serve as the advisor for my alma mater sorority, Tri Delta, where I mentor young women navigating their collegiate years and beyond. These roles, along with my experience as a past National FFA Officer, have shaped my understanding of leadership and the power of community.

One opportunity that has significantly enriched my perspective is participating in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. This unique contest challenges participants to engage in thoughtful discussions on critical agricultural issues, fostering problem-solving and collaboration—skills that are essential in today’s complex agricultural landscape.

The value of the Discussion Meet goes beyond the competition itself. It provides a platform for young farmers and agriculturalists to sharpen their communication skills, deepen their understanding of policy and industry challenges, and learn to articulate solutions in a collaborative manner. For me, the contest has been an opportunity to refine my ability to think critically and to listen with intent—skills that are vital in my work with the Kentucky FFA Foundation and on our farm.

Through the Discussion Meet, I have gained a richer understanding of the many perspectives that shape agriculture. Engaging with fellow participants has broadened my horizons, reminding me that the strength of our industry lies in its diversity of thought and experience. The contest has also underscored the importance of staying informed about the evolving challenges and opportunities in agriculture, from sustainability practices to market access and rural development.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue learning from the dynamic conversations the Discussion Meet fosters. Agriculture is an industry of constant change, and by staying engaged in discussions like these, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the future. Whether on the farm, in the classroom, or in leadership roles, the lessons I've learned through personal experience and this contest inspired me to keep advocating for agriculture and the people who make it thrive.