It is that time of year once again. Six accomplished individuals have been named Idaho FFA state officers for the 2026-27 school year.
Liberty Simper. Image by Melissa Sherman, Idaho FFA Association.
Liberty Simper, president
Liberty Simper, daughter of Kelly and Nancy Simper, will be graduating from Kuna High School this spring. She then plans on attending the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) to earn an associate of arts in agribusiness management and a second associate of arts in agriculture education. She would then like to transfer to University of Idaho to pursue a bachelor of arts in agriculture economics, with a minor in market analytics.
What first drew Simper to join FFA were the competitive opportunities; however, the connections she made with so many people were what really inspired her to stay involved. “This organization builds a support system between peers that can last lifetimes,” she claims.
An FFA memory that Simper is particularly fond of is attending Idaho Summer Outdoor Leadership Retreat (SOLR), where she had the chance to meet and work with FFA members from across the state. During this retreat, FFA members developed leadership skills and overcame obstacles that come with working in teams. “It’s always hard to narrow four years into a favorite memory, but moments like SOLR are truly unforgettable and have shaped me into the leader I am today,” Simper states.
Some advice Simper would like to share with students thinking about joining FFA is, “One of the most important steps when starting anything new is opening yourself to any possibility that presents itself. It’s important to understand that nobody’s FFA journey is the same, so be open to the unexpected.”
Simper is excited to continue her FFA journey and looks forward to participating in chapter visits as a state officer.
Samantha Smith. Image by Melissa Sherman, Idaho FFA Association.
Samantha Smith, vice president
Samantha Smith, daughter of Kasee and Randy Smith, graduated from Moscow High School in 2025 and is attending her first year of college at University of Idaho, where she is studying agricultural science communications and leadership.
Smith credits former FFA members for influencing her decision to join the program. “FFA members were always my heroes growing up,” she states. She joined the Moscow FFA chapter as a freshman, claiming, “That decision has taken me further than I could have ever imagined, and I am grateful for every moment I have had in the jacket my childhood heroes wore.”
Smith is excited for many of the opportunities that come with being a state officer; however, she is most looking forward to making connections with members and stakeholders. “I love getting to know people and hearing their stories,” Smith explains.
James Little. Image by Melissa Sherman, Idaho FFA Association.
James Little, secretary
Currently a junior in high school, James Little, son of Dwight and Jamie Little, will be a senior at Sugar-Salem High School while serving as a state officer. After graduating, Little plans to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) – Idaho, pursuing a degree in biology and working toward becoming a family medicine physician.
Growing up with a father who served as a former Idaho State FFA vice president and a mother who is an FFA advisor, Little was surrounded by individuals with significant FFA experience, which greatly inspired him to get involved in the same program.
One of Little’s favorite memories so far in FFA is representing Idaho while competing at the national level in the Marketing Plan event. “That experience pushed me to grow both personally and as a leader, and it’s something I will always be proud of,” he states.
Grateful to have this opportunity and see his hard work pay off, Little is looking forward to helping FFA members throughout the state grow as leaders and create a positive impact on others’ FFA experiences.
Jacee Fuller. Image by Melissa Sherman, Idaho FFA Association.
Jacee Fuller, treasurer
Jacee Fuller, daughter of Luke and Jenny Fuller, graduated high school last spring as a homeschooled student and is a part of the Filer FFA chapter. After serving as a state officer, she plans to further her education and pursue a degree in agricultural education, in hopes of becoming an ag teacher and FFA advisor.
One of Fuller’s favorite memories involving FFA so far is attending the National FFA Convention. She had the opportunity to meet numerous members from across the country, compete, bond with members of her chapter and learn a great deal. She “experienced the raw power and potential present in our amazing organization,” she claims.
Fuller is beyond excited to have the opportunity to serve as a state officer. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to encourage and build up other FFA members, just like they did for me,” she states.
Sienna Stairs. Image by Melissa Sherman, Idaho FFA Association.
Sienna Stairs, reporter
Sienna Stairs, daughter of Jennifer and Shane Stairs, will be graduating from Homedale High School this spring. In the fall, she plans to attend University of Idaho to study agricultural education.
Not having an agricultural background, Stairs joined FFA during her eighth grade year because of an ag class she attended. Her advisors encouraged her to experience various competitions, which led Stairs to developing a love for the learning, teaching and leadership aspects of FFA.
Stairs made the decision to apply for a state officer position due to the strong impact FFA has made on her. “FFA has truly changed my life. I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives and give back to an organization that has given me so much,” Stairs states.
A piece of advice Stairs would share with younger FFA members is, “There are so many opportunities for you if you just take the chance! Be willing to embrace each moment and don’t be afraid to try new things.”
Ethan Cowell. Image by Melissa Sherman, Idaho FFA Association.
Ethan Cowell, sentinel
Ethan Cowell, son of Willie Cowell and Amanda Cristler, will be graduating from Bonners Ferry High School this spring. After graduating, he plans to attend University of Idaho to pursue a degree in agricultural biotechnology.
Not originally interested in joining FFA, advisors encouraged Cowell to give the organization a try. Now, thankful for the opportunities FFA has provided, he recalls one of his favorite memories so far as being when his chapter hosted Friendsgiving and invited last year’s state officers. The experience “really just made FFA feel like family,” claims Cowell.
Looking to his year of service, Cowell states, “I am most looking forward to chapter banquets across the state.” He is excited for the opportunity to make connections and interact with other Idaho FFA chapters, members and advisors.
Idaho looks forward to watching these six individuals continue to be successful leaders while they serve as Idaho state FFA officers. During their year of service, the state officers will be traveling all around the state, visiting other FFA chapters. Anyone who would like to support the team directly, please visit the website. Any support is always greatly appreciated.
