The North Dakota FFA Foundation has announced Thomas Winders as its newest staff member, joining as the Sponsor and Program Coordinator. Winders will begin his role August 1 with the primary responsibilities of maintaining the funding sources necessary for the programming and opportunities the ND FFA provides for over 6,000 student members across the state.
For Winders, agriculture has always been a part of his life. Growing up in southern Minnesota, Winders comes from a family highly involved in the agriculture industry. Upon graduation from high school in Belle Plaine, MN, Winders attended South Dakota State University where he earned a B.S. in Animal Science. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning an M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition.
“Agriculture – and more specifically the future of the industry – is something I have been incredibly passionate about since the early years of my life,” says Winders. “With our world’s population growing faster than ever before, it is essential for the next generation of leaders in the Ag industry equip themselves to understand they’re responsible for feeding the world. Being able to play a role in preparing our members to do so is an opportunity I am thankful and excited to have.”
With his background in agriculture and extensive research experience in higher education, Winders hopes his unique set of skills and experiences will allow him to bring exciting energy to the nonprofit organization while also building on the current success of the Foundation created by those preceding him in this position.
