Three Generations of FFA: Gary’s Story
Gary Sierens’ roots run deep in Annawan, Illinois. “I didn’t just grow up on a farm—I grew up working on one,” he says. Corn, soybeans, hay, wheat, pigs, and cattle were part of everyday life.
Today, Gary still lives on family land, in the same house his grandfather once called home. He and his father still farm there too, and Gary learned early what responsibility meant. “As kids, we were expected to do more than most our age,” he recalls. That hands-on experience shaped his love for agriculture.
FFA Across Generations
Gary joined FFA as a freshman and never looked back. “It broadened my view of agriculture,” he says. He earned his state degree, competed nationally, and even met his wife through FFA. “We met at a contest and started dating during FFA Week,” he laughs. Now, the tradition continues: his daughter Paige serves as Illinois’ first-ever State Sentinel, and his son Bennett is active in their local chapter. “FFA changes kids,” Gary says. “My son went from barely speaking in a group to giving the FFA Creed in front of 100 people.”
Lessons That Last
Gary credits FFA for teaching confidence and versatility. “Our ag teacher didn’t make us the best welder or horse judge,” he says. “He taught us not to be afraid to try.” Those lessons stuck. From wiring circuits to judging livestock, Gary learned skills that built resilience and adaptability—qualities that still guide him today.
Serving Customers with Heart
As a Division Customer Support Manager at John Deere, Gary covers a territory stretching from Michigan to Kansas. His job? Helping customers through tough days. “I thrive on finding solutions that make their life better,” he explains. His approach mirrors FFA values: empathy, capability, and trust. “It’s less about telling them what we’re doing and more about showing them,” Gary says.
Decades of Support
Through a current $3.9 million, three-year investment, the John Deere Foundation is helping FFA reach more students and strengthen leadership development across communities. As the longest-running corporate partner of 82 years for the National FFA Organization, John Deere’s support reflects a shared commitment to growing the next generation of leaders through education—leaders like Gary, Paige, and Bennett.