By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Nearly three years after graduating from Zeeland West High School, Lilly Nyland has found her voice as an advocate for agriculture in her community and her country.
Nyland last October was elected to the position of National FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) Secretary at the organization’s 98th annual convention, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. She is one of just six student members across the country who were elected to serve as FFA officers for 2025-26.
“I want to continue telling the truth and advocating for the agricultural industry,” Nyland said in a video interview with FFA shortly after she was elected.
FFA is described as the premier youth organization in the U.S. that prepares members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.
So how did Nyland get to this role? It starts back in her junior year at Zeeland West. She was unsure what type of career path she wanted to go on. She was intrigued by Careerline Tech Center’s agriculture/animal science course, and a friend encouraged her on a bus ride to school to give the program a try.
Nyland soon joined the FFA chapter at Careerline and got an opportunity to do an FFA-supervised agricultural experience at GDW Farms, a turkey-raising operation in Olive Township. She became more involved in local and regional FFA programs, and eventually was elected Michigan FFA secretary for 2023-24.
As Michigan FFA secretary, Nyland facilitated more than 90 hours of educational programs, represented more than 8,850 members, and built key relationships with lawmakers and agricultural leaders.
Sarah Rice, a former teacher of Nyland’s at West, isn’t surprised by the success of her former student.
“Lilly was an impressive student because of her diligent effort and the care she brought to her work, but what truly made her stand out was her humble spirit paired with an incredible ability to lead others,” Rice said.
“Many have described Lilly as a light, and I wholeheartedly agree. Her passion for the world of agriculture, along with her genuine character and the way she truly knows and values the people around her, is what has set her apart.”
Nyland says she is committed to helping FFA evolve by reducing barriers and ensuring every member experiences the full potential of agricultural education. She is using her background in animal science and Spanish immersion to help students find their place within FFA.
Nyland was encouraged by state FFA leaders to run for national office. Each state FFA association can submit one individual for national office each year. Candidates go through an extensive interview process with an officer nominating committee consisting of student FFA members. Six people are elected to serve as national officers – a president, secretary and four regional officers.
Michigan FFA State Executive Secretary Tiffany Rogers-Randolph was thrilled to see Nyland elected as a national officer.
“Watching Lilly step into the role of National FFA Secretary is incredibly meaningful,” Rogers-Randolph wrote in an email to the Zeeland Record. “She brings a genuine light to her leadership and encourages others to show up as their authentic selves. I know she will represent members nationwide with care as she highlights the opportunities and belonging found within agriculture, food, and natural resources.”
In January, Nyland and her fellow FFA officers traveled to Japan for a cultural and agricultural experience, her grandmother, Diane DeVries, told the Zeeland Record.
Then last month, Nyland visited the Michigan FFA state convention at Michigan State University’s Wharton Center, giving several presentations to state FFA members. She encouraged students to continue to grow as leaders and met with students who were running for state offices.
During her video interview after being selected as a national officer, Nyland spoke of her desire to meet fellow FFA members and help them see their potential.
“When we’re authentic, we can reach our biggest potential, and when we’re continuing to follow that and lean into our values, that’ll take us exactly where we need to be,” she said.
While not currently in college, Nyland says she plans to go to college to study agricultural communications after she completes her year of service as a national FFA officer.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
