2019-2020 New Mexico FFA State Officers
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Denny Atchley
Las Cruces FFA
State President
​Hey New Mexico FFA! My name is Denny Atchley and I am truly honored to be serving as your 2019-2020 State President. When I entered my first Ag class, I knew I was becoming part of an organization made up of members who have a deep passion for agriculture, competition, and improving the lives of themselves and everyone around them. I come from the Las Cruces FFA chapter. During my time there and my travels around the state, I have made some of the best friends, competed against some of the toughest competition, and learned skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life. People always tell me they’re worried for the future of this country. They're worried because our generation doesn’t have the work ethic of previous generations. They don’t have the ambition, they don’t have the drive, and I say to them “clearly you have not met the members of the FFA”. Kids who get up hours before the sun to feed and work their livestock, and work tirelessly for hours after it has set. Who’s hands are callused from hard work and who’s minds are sharp from the wisdom imparted by their Ag teachers. New Mexico FFA, you are the reason I have faith in the future of this nation. This nation needs leadership, it needs ambition, it needs people to take chances, it needs the members of the FFA. You are incredible young adults and you set the example for everyone you meet to follow with your work ethic, character, and leadership. This organization has given me so many opportunities in my life that I never would have imagined being possible. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to serve you and New Mexico Agriculture. 
Sydney Johnson
Des Moines FFA
State Secretary
What's up, New Mexico FFA! My name is Sydney Johnson and I am honored to be serving as this year's State Secretary! Coming from the small town of Clayton, NM and being raised in a mom-and-pop motel, I never had agriculture as part of my vocabulary. Five years after joining FFA, I can't seem to come up with the words to describe the opportunities, expereinces, and love that I have been given through this organization! I have found FFA as a place where I can express my own individualized talents, compete in anything and everything, make lifelong friends, and love on others. I find FFA as a place where everyone can truly be themselves and find their WHY. I truly have a heart for serving others and promise to share all my passions and a piece of my heart with each of you this year! So, what do you say New Mexico FFA? Let's get started! 
Ryan Garcia
Mesa Vista FFA
State Vice President - District I
Hey New Mexico FFA! My name is Ryan Garcia and I am honored to be serving as your District I President/State Vice President. I am from the Mesa Vista FFA Chapter and am truly looking forward to everything this year will have to offer. My love for this organization cannot be explained in words. FFA has given me the ability to challenge myself and become a leader. This organization has allowed me to forge new bonds, uncover my secret talents, and truly understand the world that is agriculture. I hope that during my time in office, you will also be able to uncover and expend your love for this organization. Thank you New Mexico FFA for this incredible opportunity to serve you. Let's all make an impact on New Mexico agriculture!
Brandon Larranaga
Las Vegas FFA
State Vice President - District II
​What's up New Mexico FFA! My name is Brandon Larranaga and I am your 2019-2020 District II President/State Vice President. It is an incredible privilege to be serving as one of your state officers this year and I cannot wait to see what the coming months have in store for the members of New Mexico FFA. I have lived my entire life surrounded by agriculture. Born in the rolling hills of Washington, moving to the potato farms of Idaho, and growing up in Northeastern New Mexico where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, I have been surrounded by all forms of agricultural livelihoods. Throughout my time in FFA, I have met countless individuals and made memories that will stick with me for years to come. Everything I've gotten out of this Association made me realize that it was my turn to give back to New Mexico FFA by serving on the next level. My goal as a State Officer is to help every member find the same passion and love for this organization that I have grown to have, the FFA is our second home. Let's make it an awesome year, New Mexico FFA! 
Koelle Brandenberger
Capitan FFA
State Vice President - District III
Hey New Mexico FFA! My name is Koelle Brandenberger and I am from the Capitan FFA chapter. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve you in this amazing organization. I live on a cattle ranch and began showing cattle at the age of nine. The drive, tenacity, motivation, confidence, and energy that showing and judging has instilled in me sculpted me into the FFA member that I am today. When I first walked into the ag classroom for the creed competition as a nervous and insecure ninth grader, I was completely unaware of the future this organization would have in store for me. This first experience helped me realize the hundreds of amazing opportunities that FFA possesses and the millions of experiences that I would have during my six years of membership. However, FFA did more than just create a competitive edge, it taught me life long lessons, memories that are unforgettable, and unending friendships. This year, I cannot wait to watch each of our members grow through the experiences offered by this amazing organization. 
Kaysen Queener
Texico FFA
State Vice President - District IV
Hey, New Mexico FFA! My Name is Kaysen Queener and I am from the Texico FFA Chapter. FFA has been a significant part of my life since I first became a member five years ago. Competing in speaking contests, CDE's, and showing livestock as my SAE project has allowed me to develop a passion for this organization. Wearing the blue jacket, creating genuine relationships with other members, and gaining leadership skills has sparked my love for this organization and what it has to offer. New Mexico FFA, I am ready to serve you, work with others who have the same goals, and make this organization great! 
Ty Mitchell
Artesia FFA
State Vice President - District V
Hello New Mexico FFA! My name is Ty Mitchell and I am incredibly gratified by the opportunity to serve New Mexico FFA as the District V President/State Vice President. I started my FFA career five years ago and immediately found comfort in the company of friends and advisers sharing a similar enthusiasm for agriculture. One of the most valuable lessons I have come to understand in the past few months is that everyone, not just a few, EVERYONE has more potential than they realize. Regardless of our backgrounds or experiences, we all have talents and capabilities that are unique and individualized to us. I am extremely excited to discover and further unlatch the potential in us all as we further our goal of premier leadership, personal growth, and career success! 
Kara Clement
Hot Springs FFA
State Vice President - District VI
What's up New Mexico FFA! My name is Kara Clement and I am incredibly honored to serve as your District VI President/State Vice President this year. I am from the Hot Springs FFA chapter and have been an active FFA member for the past five years. I remember at my first FFA State Convention, I saw firsthand the huge impact that State Officers had on myself and the rest of my chapter. I distinctly remember watching the team give their retiring addresses and hang up their FFA jackets; in that moment, I realized that was what I wanted to do. Ever since then, I have wanted to have the impact on New Mexico FFA that my predecessors have had on me. FFA is such a huge part of my life and I love every minute that I get to spend in FFA, in or out of the blue jacket. This year, I want to show the world what New Mexico FFA can do, and, with your help, carve a new path in the agricultural industry.