On this episode of Dirt and Bull, we sat down with Case Gardner, a freshman at Tennessee Tech and a rising leader in agriculture. Growing up in Robertson County, Tennessee, with deep family ties to farming, Case found his calling through FFA. From advocating to start a chapter at his high school to serving as president and competing in public speaking events, his journey reflects a strong foundation in leadership and purpose.

Faith and work ethic are central to Case’s story. He credits FFA with not only helping him grow in confidence and communication but also reinforcing his Christian values and commitment to service. “It’s one of God’s greatest gifts that we get to feed America,” he shared, pointing to farming as a high calling rooted in responsibility and gratitude.

At Tennessee Tech, Case is diving into ag engineering with a focus on sustainable practices and emerging technologies like GPS, GIS, and drone applications. He’s passionate about rebuilding soil health and reducing chemical inputs, and believes new tools can help farmers move past the fear of failure and embrace innovation.

Beyond the classroom, Case is a vocal advocate for the future of farm country—speaking with lawmakers, attending policy meetings, and encouraging others to stay informed and involved. His message is clear: “If you're in FFA, stick with it. If you're not, learn about it.” Agriculture needs more voices like his.

Words of Wisdom

Whether you're a student, a grower, or just curious about agriculture, Case’s message is simple: “If you're in FFA, stick with it. If you're not, learn about it. It's one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.”

What are your thoughts on the future of the agricultural industry?

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