🎙️ On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Erin Alejandro sits down with Melissa Rosen Bush Spicer, a lifelong educator and champion of agricultural science. 🌱

👩‍🏫 Melissa shares her journey from growing up in a family of ag teachers to shaping lives as a 29-year ag educator, and now carrying her passion into her work with Bloom for Good.

✨ What you’ll learn:

• Why faith, family, and purpose are the foundation of lasting leadership.
• How agricultural education builds life skills that go far beyond the classroom.
• The leadership traits every student—and professional—should practice: communication, work ethic, dependability, and compassion.

💡 Melissa’s mission is clear: to pour into the next generation so they can grow their future with confidence, character, and heart.

👉 Tune in to be inspired by the power of ag education and the mentors who make it possible.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kade and Morgan Hodges, owners of Hodges Livestock, to share their inspiring journey from meeting in college to running a thriving family ranch.

You’ll hear how they:
✅ Turned major setbacks—like losing half their leased land—into breakthrough opportunities
✅ Pivoted into innovative solar grazing with 1,300 sheep
✅ Built their business on faith, resilience, and creativity
✅ Lead with purpose as stewards of God’s creation

💡 What you’ll learn: Practical leadership tips, how to adapt in challenging markets, and why relationships and persistence are game-changers in agriculture.

🌱 Their mission: To be faithful stewards of God’s creation, producing profitable, productive livestock for consumers and fellow ranchers while preserving the ranching way of life.

🎧 Tune in for a story of grit, vision, and purpose that will inspire anyone chasing a dream.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Dr. Arquimides Reyes shares his inspiring journey from a small farm in El Salvador to becoming an associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His story exemplifies how agricultural education, mentorship, and the FFA can transform lives and create leaders who give back to their communities.

• Grateful for family, God, teaching opportunities, and the FFA which instilled purpose and passion for agriculture
• Grew up on a small dairy and beef farm in El Salvador before coming to the United States at age 11
• Initially viewed agriculture as "the job of the poor" until FFA showed him the true potential of agricultural careers
• Nearly dropped out of high school to work full-time and support his family
• The FFA jacket became a symbol of opportunity that "levels the playing field" for all students
• Graduated as valedictorian and pursued higher education at Texas A&M and Colorado State University
• Identifies adaptability, communication skills, and integrity as keys to success in agriculture
• Currently serves as an associate professor and volunteer firefighter, committed to giving back to his community
• Believes "when your values are clear, your choices are easy"

Go out and do something great for somebody – encourage them, equip them, empower them. Plant great seeds and grow an incredible future.

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org