From Student to Steward: Teaching and Trailblazing with Stacy Young

In this inspiring episode of Modern Farming, we sit down with Stacy Young, a powerhouse educator and advocate for agricultural literacy and hands-on learning. Stacy is the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Branford High School, where her influence stretches far beyond the classroom. As a National FFA Teacher Ambassador and Agriscience Ambassador, she brings national-level insights to a local program that’s shaping the future of farming in Suwannee County, Florida.🌱 In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Stacy’s journey from high school FFA member to becoming Branford’s first female ag teacher, and how her own teacher sparked a lifelong career. • The dynamic, student-driven programs she leads—including greenhouse and aquaponics systems, a full shop for ag mechanics projects, and job training tied directly to real-world agricultural careers. • How her students stay busy through summer managing family farms, research projects, and tending to 4.5 acres of maize and peanuts, plus barnyard animals like sheep, pigs, donkeys, and ducks. • Her use of tools like the AEST Smart Growing System and GPS-integrated planting methods to prepare students for the future of ag technology. • The remarkable stat that 1 in every 3 students at Branford High School is enrolled in the ag program—and how Stacy has expanded offerings all the way to the middle school level.Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just passionate about the future of food and farming, Stacy’s story will inspire you to see agriculture as a powerful platform for leadership, innovation, and legacy.🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe!