USDA Secretary Rollins Questions National FFA Decision on Convention Expo Policy

October 1st, 2026 | RRN Staff

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has raised concerns about a National FFA policy that resulted in the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) being denied exhibitor space at the 2026 National FFA Convention and Expo.

The issue gained national attention after Secretary Rollins shared a Sept. 28 letter from National FFA CEO Scott Stump addressed to FCFI Executive Director Dan Janzen. In the letter, Stump explained that FCFI’s appeal of an earlier decision denying its application for exhibit space had been reviewed and declined.

According to National FFA, the decision was based on an organizational policy that does not allow exhibit space for groups with political or religious affiliations. Stump stated that the policy applies broadly and that FCFI was not being singled out.

“The policy is intended to maintain National FFA’s neutrality toward political and religious affiliations,” Stump wrote. He also noted that there is no appeal process and that the decision is considered final.

Secretary Rollins publicly questioned the policy, citing the values that have long been associated with the FFA organization. In her comments, she referenced a well-known line from the FFA Creed:

“…with a faith born not of words but of deeds.”

Rollins, who has spoken frequently about the impact FFA had on her own life, expressed concern over the decision, calling it “wrong” and “deeply troubling.”

“Those words from the FFA Creed represent the Future Farmers of America organization that changed my life and the lives of generations of young Americans,” Rollins wrote. She concluded her statement by saying, “I’m looking into it. Stand by.”

The correspondence indicates that FCFI’s original application for exhibit space was declined on Aug. 27. After receiving the decision, Janzen submitted a request for reconsideration on Sept. 17. National FFA responded on Sept. 28, reaffirming its decision and denying the appeal saying that FCFI was excluded because of policies that prohibit religious organizations.

As discussions continue, the situation has sparked conversations across the agricultural community regarding organizational policies, faith-based groups, and participation in agricultural education events. FCFI remains committed to its mission of sharing about Jesus Christ and serving the agricultural community through outreach, discipleship, and encouragement for farmers, ranchers, and rural families.