Rep. Johnny Shaw Named Recipient of FFA’s Highest Honor
Three Tennessee leaders have been selected to receive the Honorary American Future Farmers of America (FFA) Degree, the highest honor the National FFA Organization can bestow upon an individual.
Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt and Rep. Johnny Shaw were each selected for the national recognition.
The Honorary American FFA Degree recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education or FFA. To qualify for the honor, an individual’s impact must extend beyond the local, regional or state level.
The National FFA Board of Directors makes the final decision on recipients.
Tennessee FFA Director Ryan Inman nominated Lee, Holt and Shaw for the honor.
“Gov. Lee, Commissioner Holt and Representative Shaw have each made a lasting investment in the future of agriculture by creating opportunities for young people to learn, lead and prepare for careers in our industry,” Inman said. “Their support of FFA and agricultural education has had an impact well beyond the classroom and beyond Tennessee. These leaders have earned this recognition through their commitment to strengthening agriculture and preparing the next generation to lead it.”
Rep. Shaw has championed agricultural innovation, education and workforce development throughout his legislative career. He sponsored the Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative, later named the Representative Johnny Shaw Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative, supporting agricultural education, innovation and workforce development.
He has also supported programs that advance priorities such as food security, agricultural literacy and rural economic development.
Shaw was named the Tennessee Forestry Association Legislator of the Year in 2016 for his work in forestry, conservation and natural resource management and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association Legislator of the Year in 2021 for his support of veterinary medicine and animal agriculture. He was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in 2022 as a Tennessee State Black History Month Honoree for his work supporting rural communities and economic opportunity. He also received the Tennessee Education Association Presidential Award for Meritorious Service for his commitment to student success and educational opportunity.
The three Tennessee leaders join a distinguished group of individuals recognized by the National FFA Organization for service that has helped advance agriculture, agricultural education, and the FFA mission of premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
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