BROKEN BOW, Neb.— When Logan Bell was named a Nebraska FFA State Officer this past weekend, it marked the realization of a goal he had set years ago.. in addition to the start of a very busy year ahead.
Bell, a member of the Broken Bow FFA chapter, was selected as one of seven state officers for 2026-27, earning a position as Vice President. The selection came after an intense and highly competitive process meant not just for evaluation, but for preparation to serve as a leader and representative.
“In Nebraska, we have five vice presidents, a secretary, and then the president. Between those different positions, the roles aren’t necessarily that much different,” Bell said. “But for the most part, all seven of us were decided on based on how well we can represent Nebraska FFA and how well we can have an impact on the next generation.”
Nebraska FFA’s expectation of its officers is that they serve as advocates for agriculture, as mentors for younger members, and as leaders in their communities.
Out of 34 statewide applicants for the seven officer spots, only 12 advanced to the final round before selection. The process included dozens of interviews, workshops, and evaluations designed to test each candidate’s communication, leadership, and resilience.
“So psychologically, they were definitely testing us,” said Bell. “I know one of the interviews in prelims was like a 15 hour day. So it was long days, a lot of mind games, definitely seeing how we handled stuff like that, but it was definitely fun.”
Bell said his desire to be a state officer began when he was a freshman.
“I saw a bunch of old seniors just speaking up on stage and I could see how influential they were and I thought that was really cool,” Bell said. “Fast forward.. I got to really interact with the former state president. He really took me under his wing and showed me the importance of a leadership role.”
The year ahead will be a demanding one for Bell and his fellow officers with extensive travel, leadership conferences, the visiting of FFA chapters across the state, connecting with agricultural industries, and representing Nebraska at events.
When asked what he hopes to gain from the experience for his plans going forward, Bell said he hopes it supports his current plan, but understands the experiences ahead could lead him down a completely different path.
“I want to go into advertising and public relations with a minor in ag communications, primarily working on ag issues,” explained Bell. “But these connections I’ll be building in the next year could take me down so many more routes that maybe I’m doing something completely different than I planned on.”
The commitment doesn’t stop after the year ahead. The state officer commitment continues long after his vice president duties.
“I joked with the team after we got announced on stage, we did a big group hug and I was like ‘Guys, I think our lives kind of just changed. We’re going to be kind of wearing this blue jacked for the rest of our lives,” Bell laughed.
Bell encouraged youth involvement in FFA, including those who may not see themselves as fitting the traditional mold of agriculture.
“FFA will change your life if you choose to be as involved as you can be, whether it’s ag or not. There’s career development events that will prepare you for a future,” Bell said, citing networking and various competition categories like ‘job interview’.
As he steps into his new role, Bell has his sights set on making an impact with youth across the state by keeping his calendar full and putting in miles on the road.
“I want to be like that senior that I looked up to my freshman year,” said Bell. “I want to be that person and that individual that they can come to for literally anything, FFA related or not. Just want to be that friend and build those connections with youth and agriculture, one of the most important industries in the country.”
View our full interview with Logan Bell below.
