The new Minnesota FFA President is Ben Olander from the Staples-Motley FFA Chapter. Olander has waited a long time for the opportunity to lead. “It was a dream back in the ninth grade when I started the FFA. I never believed it would become reality, but it has and that’s an incredible thing,” says Olander. “I grew up on a 300 acre crop farm and got involved with FFA through a beef project. I have a love of agriculture.” In the FFA, Olander has a goal to overcome some challenges. “One of the biggest things we’ll have to overcome is the communication to do certain camps and conferences. Typically, students come and mingle at a camp and learn leadership skills. That’s where I found my passion for agriculture and it will be something that will be challenging to do this year in providing the same experience. Whatever innovative ways we overcome that challenge will allow us to have an impact.” Hear the interview.