FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2025

Arkansas FFA Hosts 2025 IMPACT Conference: “Growing Leaders” at Camp Couchdale

HOT SPRINGS, AR — From November 11–14, 2025, Arkansas FFA welcomed 657 FFA members representing 69 chapters, along with 76 chapter advisors and 18 guests, to Camp Couchdale for the annual IMPACT Conference. This year’s theme, “Growing Leaders,” aligned with the National FFA Program of Activities division focused on leadership development, complementing the organization’s broader goals of Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture.

Designed for 10th–12th grade FFA members, the IMPACT Conference provided a dynamic, full-day experience each day of the week—offering four identical one-day conferences to ensure statewide accessibility. The event is a key stop within the Arkansas FFA Leadership Continuum, giving students the opportunity to cultivate personal leadership skills that contribute directly to their home chapters and communities.

Participants engaged in an interactive curriculum centered on the topics such as:

• Pillars of Personal Growth

• Goal setting

• Identifying personal values

• Developing strong habits

• Resilience through adaptability and persistence

• And additional leadership foundations

This year’s conference was facilitated by two distinguished leaders: Kanyon Huntington, Iowa State University graduate and past National FFA Officer, and Shaun Billingsley, Animal Science major at Oklahoma State University and former Montana FFA State Officer. Their expertise, high energy, and authentic connection with students helped spark meaningful conversations and hands-on learning throughout the week.

Brittney Stengel, Arkansas FFA IMPACT Coordinator, emphasized the significance of the event:
“The IMPACT Conference gave Arkansas FFA members a meaningful space to grow as leaders through hands-on learning and authentic connection. For many, it was their first time at Camp Couchdale, and for others, their last—making the week especially memorable. Members learned to identify their values, strengthen their habits, and practice resilience, all of which will shape how they lead in their chapters and communities. I hope they return home inspired, confident, and ready to make a lasting difference.”

As one of Arkansas FFA’s premier leadership events, IMPACT continues to empower students with the confidence, clarity, and tools needed to lead effectively—today and in the future.

Photos from the 2025 Arkansas FFA IMPACT Conference can be viewed below.