NASDA Foundation Welcomes 2025 NASDA’s Next Generation Cohort

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation is excited to host the 2025 NASDA Next Generation program at the 2025 NASDA Annual Meeting in Rogers, Arkansas September 14-18. This program is designed to engage college students with leaders in agricultural policy and industry, fostering professional connections and promoting exposure to state and federal policy discussions.

"As agriculture faces new challenges and opportunities, it's critical that we invest in the people who will lead its future," said NASDA Foundation Senior Director Chris Jones. "The Next Generation Program is more than a learning experience, it's a launching pad for students to find their voice, build meaningful relationships, and see how they can shape agricultural policy and innovation."

This year, the NNG Program will welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds and institutions to Rogers, Arkansas, where they will have the chance to engage with industry leaders, attend policy meetings and share their career motivations during introductory sessions with NASDA members.

The 2025 NASDA Next Generation participants:

• Mary Eichenberger - University of Arkansas School of Law
• Morgan Fisher - University of Alabama
• Drew Geiman - Oklahoma State University
• Taylor Hoover - Arkansas State University
• Chett Hudgens - University of Arkansas
• Wade Jones - Arkansas State University
• Cami Kenny - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
• Lindsey Lancaster - Arkansas State University
• Braden Letourneau - University of Minnesota
• Reese Mitchell - University of Arkansas
• Lydia Periconi - Pennsylvania State University
• Kennedy Seals - Oklahoma State University
• Brayden Selgeby - Missouri State University
• Dylan Smith - University of Arkansas School of Law
• Gracie Stephenson - University of Arkansas School of Law
• Macy Stauffer - Missouri State University
• Caroline Wingert - Kansas State University

Launched in 2015, NASDA's Next Generation Program provides an opportunity for college students to interact directly with leaders who represent state departments of agriculture from around the country. The initiative aims to educate students about NASDA's role as a convener and advocate for states while offering insights into the broader landscape of agricultural policy through hands-on participation in NASDA's annual meeting. Since its inception, more than 110 students from across the nation have participated.

###

The NASDA Foundation is the only educational and research organization that directly serves the nation's state departments of agriculture. The NASDA Foundation's mission is to enhance American food and agricultural communities through education, outreach and research. The NASDA Foundation works with states to nourish people and communities while serving as the stewards of the environment and public trust. To learn more about the NASDA Foundation, please visit nasda.org/nasda-foundation.