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Beyond The Blue

Beyond The Blue

By: Raine W
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Summary

Hosted by Iowa FFA Association member Raine Wheeler, Beyond the Blue covers several topics surrounding both the FFA organization and agricultural literacy.

The origin behind the name "Beyond the Blue", stems from my own experiences these past few years. It has come to my attention that many do not understand the significance and strong impact agriculturally-centered youth organizations have had on our younger generations. We all know that it's more than a "blue corduroy jacket", it's late bus rides with your jacket acting as a blanket, confidence on contest days, and a rush of pride when you finally tuck in your tallywacker. The purpose of our FFA-focused episodes is to inspire all members and alumni by introducing them to people who are/were part of the organization themself, and ignite a passion for agriculture and personal growth.

As our world continues to change, our populations continue to rise. It's crucial that our consumers and youth are educated on how their food travels from a farm, to their table. To assist with bridging that gap between our consumers and producers, I interview various members, agriculturalists, and more to help others become more knowledgable about where their food comes from.

Agriculture doesn't just feed, it clothes, shelters, and provides globally. The next steps taken are by the young agriculturalists strengthening their skills so they are ready to show what's "Beyond the Blue".

 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Opening Doors for The Next Generation with Will McKenna

    Opening Doors for The Next Generation with Will McKenna
    Mar 19 2026

    In this episode, we are joined by Vinton-Shellsburg FFA president Will McKenna!

    Will and I are both incredibly passionate about the importance of teaching agricultural literacy to our youth and supporting our newer, and older generations of agriculturalists. In this episode, we discuss the recent changes in our schools ag. education program which opened up "new doors" for our middle schoolers. Along with that, we talk about the decrease in land used for agriculture and why understanding between our younger and older farmers is so vital.

    So take a seat, zip that jacket, and dive into what's Beyond the Blue!
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Working With the Uncomfortable with Izzie Birker

    Working With the Uncomfortable with Izzie Birker
    Feb 13 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Blue, Izzie and I are going head first into getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.

    More specifically, how to get the most out of your involvement, even if the awkward parts are holding you back. Along with that, we are talking more about how she has been able to utilize those skills in her career endeavors now. Lastly, we talk about her major in agricultural studies and how she's been able to apply her agricultural knowledge in college!

    You don't wanna miss this!
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    47 mins
  • Finding Yourself within FFA

    Finding Yourself within FFA
    Jan 15 2026

    In this episode, we are joined by my chapter's vice-president Ciara Dods!

    Ciara joined FFA after being influenced (passive-aggressively forced...) by her sister who was also enrolled in ag classes. Initially, she wasn't as active. However, after signing up for her first LDE, she began to get more involved within the chapter.

    In this sixth episode of Beyond the Blue, we talk about how FFA and our ag classes have impacted us and pushed us to be where we are today. Even though we both don't come from agricultural backgrounds, we both have found places for ourselves within the organization! Listen to this episode to hear more about our recollections from freshman year, advice to those who are thinking about joining, and some of our favorite– and not so favorite LDE's and CDE's!
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    22 mins
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