If you walked through the crowded concourses of the National FFA Convention & Expo held last week inside the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, and you witnessed a sea of blue corduroy—a living tapestry woven from the hopes and ambitions of tomorrow’s agricultural leaders. But for Jack Kelsay, a senior at Whiteland Community High School, that blue jacket isn’t merely a uniform or a rite of passage. It is a family heirloom, steeped in tradition, purpose, and a deep-rooted love for the land.
For many farm families across Indiana, agriculture is a family affair. But for the Kelsays of Johnson County, FFA is a family calling.
A Legacy Written in Blue and Gold
To understand Jack Kelsay’s passion for agriculture, one must look at the soil he comes from—and the family lineage that has nurtured it. Jack represents the seventh generation on his family’s farm near Whiteland, where fields of corn and soybeans stretch across the Johnson County countryside.
Yet, the family’s commitment to agriculture extends far beyond the fence line. Jack’s father, Joe, and his sister, Jenna, both served as Indiana FFA State Officers. His sister, Josie, was an active member and leader in the Whiteland FFA chapter. Go back another generation, and you’ll find his grandfather also served as an Indiana FFA State Officer—making Jack part of a proud three-generation legacy of state leadership.
“My grandpa was also a state officer, so we have three generations of state officers,” Jack reflects, reflecting on the deep connection his family shares with the organization. “I bleed blue and gold, that’s for sure. I was born into it, but I love what FFA has done for me. Despite all of us having our experiences with FFA, everyone’s been a little different. It’s been great to lean on them and bounce off what they’ve done to build my own legacy.”
That legacy is also on full display at Kelsay Farms, an agritourism venture managed by Jack’s mother, Amy. Every autumn, the operation opens its gates to thousands of visitors, connecting non-farming families with the story of modern agriculture. For Jack, working the admission desk and greeting guests has been more than a side job—it has been a proving ground for his lifelong passion: connecting with people.
Equipping the Toolbox for Tomorrow
That innate ability to communicate and connect was put to the ultimate test on the national stage during the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Competing in the Employment Skills Leadership Development Event (LDE), Jack stood toe-to-toe with the top FFA communicators in the nation.
Designed to simulate real-world job search and hiring processes, the Employment Skills LDE tests participants across every phase of career preparation—from crafting tailored cover letters and resumes to navigating intense, multi-round in-person and virtual interviews with industry professionals. Jack selected a mock application for a sales internship with a local feed brand, tapping directly into his background in row-crop farming and agritourism.
His preparation was relentless, involving countless hours of mock interviews with advisors, teachers, and his family.
“It’s hours of mock interviews, talking to parents, and building what we call the toolbox,” Jack explains. “With every interview question, you always have your toolbox of all your life experiences that you can use in those answers. Building that toolbox and finding those things to put in there… helps so that on days like today, I can be comfortable and excel.”
That dedication paid off. Demonstrating poise, professional acumen, and authentic Hoosier hospitality, Jack earned a prestigious Silver Emblem placement at the national level, cementing his standing as one of the country’s premier young ag communicators.
Bridging the Past and the Future
While the silver medal is a triumphant milestone, Jack views the skills he has gained through FFA not as trophies for a display case, but as essential tools for the road ahead.
Like many young leaders who grow up in the shadow of strong role models, Jack’s journey hasn’t been about replicating the past, but forging his own path. He recalls being quiet and reserved in middle school—a contrast to the charismatic chapter and District 13 president he is today.
“In middle school I was shy, I was quiet, I didn’t like talking to people,” Jack admits. “Now I would say my sport, what I love to do, my passion, is talking to people and making connections. FFA has shown me that whether you come from a farm or you come from a neighborhood, there’s a path for you. You’ve just got to step up and take it.”
As he finishes his senior year at Whiteland, Jack’s eyes are set on Purdue University, where he plans to major in Agricultural Economics with a focus on ag finance and sales. He also has his sights set on running for Indiana FFA State Office, aiming to follow in the footsteps of his father, sister, and grandfather.
Beyond college, his heart remains firmly anchored in Johnson County. Whether he is analyzing grain markets, working in ag sales, or sitting high in the cab of a tractor during harvest season, Jack is determined to keep the family farm strong for the next generation of Kelsays.
In an era of rapid change across the agricultural landscape, the future of farming depends on young leaders who possess both a respect for tradition and the dynamic skill set to navigate tomorrow’s challenges. With a rich family heritage beneath his feet and a well-stocked toolbox in hand, Jack Kelsay is proving that the future of Indiana agriculture is in very good hands.
