On the cusp of the 1980s farm crisis, Mark Hanna’s rookie years of farming were tough. Through relentless effort to pay down debt while investing in improvements to his operation, Hanna’s career has been one of perseverance and success, making him a 2025 Top Producer of the Year finalist.

His senior year of high school, Dalton Dilldine’s dad unexpectedly passed away, leaving a limited succession plan and a teenager with a big decision: take over the operation, start his own farm or go to college. He chose all three.

After a surprisingly smooth succession, the fifth generation of Clearwater Farms in Idaho is successfully building a new side business to increase profitability.

Here’s a look at some familiar faces in the pork industry who credit FFA with helping them find their way and changing their lives.