Each year, FFA members in each of the 10 districts across the state go through an arduous interview process in hopes of becoming one of two finalists in their respective districts. Those chosen to represent the state’s 27,000 FFA members are in for one of the most memorable experiences in their FFA careers.
This group of super FFA advocates, including the President of the state officer team, will travel countless miles delivering workshops to fellow FFA members, visiting with elected officials, promoting FFA at events around the state and finally planning the annual Convention and Expo.
As outgoing State Officer Team President Jescey Thompson stood on stage during the most anticipated moment of the Fifth General Session Wednesday night, the excitement inside the cavernous Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center was palpable.
And for ten successful finalists, the run across the stage to join their new teammates was a joyous occasion at the 96th Wisconsin FFA Convention. Amalia Draxler of the Glenwood City FFA Chapter knows all too well the nervousness and excitement of waiting for her name to be called. Draxler was tapped to serve as vice president of the Wisconsin State FFA Officer Team last year and was elected to lead the 2025-2026 team as president.
Draxler is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin‒Madison, working toward a degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics. She hopes to use her experiences to continue to advocate for agriculture through a career in agricultural communications.
Draxler hails from St. Croix County where she was raised on her family’s 1,300-head dairy farm. Over the years, she has taken on new responsibilities, learning about health administration, nutrition management, and communications for the operation. Draxler’s desire to grow, learn and advocate did not end at her family farm or her own career aspirations.
“FFA is a place for students to learn, grow, find their voice, and make a difference,” said Draxler, who will work with students from across the state this year, helping them do just that
Meet the new 2025-26 State Officers elected to a year of service.
Section 1: Harley Prill
Harley Prill of the Bloomer FFA Chapter will attend the UW‒River Falls this fall with aspirations of becoming an ag educator in northwestern Wisconsin. “As a Wisconsin State FFA Officer, I aim to provide impactful experiences that help others make the most of their time in FFA,” said Prill, who hopes to continue growing Wisconsin FFA membership and bringing new opportunities and ideas to the table.
Section 2: Taniele Ducommun
Taniele Ducommun will continue her education at the UW‒River Falls, studying Agriculture Education. She hopes to one day teach agriculture and become an FFA advisor. Outside of FFA, Ducommun says that college has best prepared her to serve Wisconsin FFA. “Once I found FFA, competed in competitions, and attended leadership conferences, I finally found a place to be myself,” Ducommun said.
Section 3: Corbyn Weber
Corbyn Weber of the Cochrane-Fountain City FFA Chapter will attend Western Technical College for liberal arts classes in Fall of 2025 and plans to transfer to the UW‒La Crosse to study psychology. Through his year of service, Weber wants to simply help others in any way he can. “My favorite part of leading is seeing others grow and thrive in the same way that I did in FFA.”
Section 4: Ava Forde
Ave Forde of the Prarie du Chien FFA Chapter will head to UW–Platteville this fall to study Agriculture Education. As a future ag teacher, she hopes to one day grow a program where students develop strong passions for agriculture. Through her year of service, Forde plans to lift others up and guide them along the way. “I’ve been truly inspired to see where the blue jacket can take you. I strive to be a voice of encouragement for FFA members are just starting their FFA journeys,” Forde said.
Section 5: Sam Mell
Sam Mell of the DeForest FFA Chapter will return to the UW–Madison o continue his studies in agronomy. , studying Agronomy in the fall. While attending a leadership conference at college, Mell developed a Living to Serve plan, and raised over $5,000 to help farmers with disabilities. A year into college, Mell decided his time in the blue jacket was not complete. “I feel that I am not done with my FFA career and frankly I feel like I never will be.”
Section 6: Brooke Luedtke
Brooke Luedtke of the Pardeeville FFA Chapter will be a sophomore at UW–Platteville this fall studying Animal Science. Shop plans to work in the field of genetics one day and eventually take over her family’s cattle and crop operation. Throughout her year of service, Luedtke plans to build strong connections with individuals who support our FFA chapters and Wisconsin FFA members. “A lot of times we are good at asking for things, but we forget to say thank you,” she said.
Section 7: Parker Smith
Parker Smith of the Loyal FFA Chapter will continue to work at the Vita Plus Feed Mill in Loyal, where he earned his CDL. He plans to start his own trucking company within the next few years by partnering with an established company to be a semi-truck owner-operator. Regarding holding a state office, Smith said, “It’s not just a title, it’s a chance to grow, to challenge myself, and to give back to the organization that has given me so much.”
Section 8: Evan Retzleff
Evan Retzlaff is a member of the New London FFA Chapter and will be attending the UW–River Falls to a degree in agricultural education teacher and continue building his sheep herd and taking over the family farm. “As a State Officer, I plan to engage with FFA members in meaningful conversations about issues within Wisconsin and National FFA, and work collaboratively to find ways to address and resolve them,” Retzlaffsaid. His primary goal for his year of service is to ensure that every FFA chapter and member benefits from his year of service as a Wisconsin FFA State Officer, growing stronger as a result of the work he does.
Section 9: Layten Sobieski
Layten Sobieski of the Berlin FFA Chapter is currently a freshman at the UW‒Platteville. After graduating from college, he will bring his love for agriculture and FFA back to the classroom as an ag teacher and FFA advisor. He is also actively involved in his family’s foundation, Unimaginable Hope, where he is able to spread kindness and support to those in need. He wants to embrace a leadership style that goes beyond titles. “It’s about growth, relationships, and purpose,” Sobieski said. “Each member’s journey is unique, and I aspire to help each member uncover what makes them special.”
Section 10: Max Luedtke
Max Luedtke of the Beaver Dam FFA Chapter will attend the UW‒Madison this fall, majoring in Agricultural Business Management. He plans to enter the agriculture industry in a sales position upon graduation from college. “I have always felt FFA as a supportive community to grow and step out of my comfort zone. I want FFA members to feel like they belong and encourage them to learn and grow from their mistakes,” Luedtke said. Through his year of service. He is dedicated to helping the over 27,000 Wisconsin FFA members across Wisconsin FFA members gain the same positive experience for which he is so grateful.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Meet the 2025-26 Wisconsin FFA officer team who will lead the state’s 27,000 FFA members
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
