Welcome

 Jeff is a fourth-generation rancher whose roots in agriculture run deep. After growing up in Arizona and New Mexico, he returned to Arizona to continue his family’s agricultural legacy. He and his wife, Suzanne, are proud parents of three sons and grandparents to three grandchildren.

A true product of FFA, Jeff was active for all four years of high school, competing in events like Livestock Evaluation, Dairy, Poultry, Horse, and Meats. His FFA experiences shaped his leadership and inspired a lifelong passion for mentoring youth. Some of his standout moments include winning the Livestock Judging Contest at the Arizona National against 74 teams from 14 states, earning Gold at the National FFA Livestock Evaluation Contest, and traveling with students to Louisville and Indianapolis, visiting places like Churchill Downs and Purdue University.

For more than 20 years, Jeff has volunteered as a Livestock Evaluation coach with the Safford FFA Chapter. He is driven by a love for working with young people, helping them grow as individuals while developing skills that prepare them for the future. Jeff often speaks of the meaningful partnership he shares with the Safford FFA Chapter and advisor Lance Fite as one of the highlights of his service.

Through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support of FFA, Jeff Menges embodies the spirit of the Agriculturalist of the Year. His dedication continues to strengthen Arizona agriculture and inspire the next generation of leaders.

This endowment was created to honor Jeff for his unwavering dedication to FFA members through livestock judging coaching and student mentorship. His commitment to excellence, leadership development, and agricultural education has inspired generations of students and continues to influence future leaders.

  Kevin Gene Rogers passed away April 13, 2022, in Laveen, Arizona at the age of 61. He attended Littleton Elementary School, Tolleson High School, and The University of Arizona.

Kevin met the love of his life, Janel, while managing a tractor dealership next to her father's contracting business and married on July 1, 1989. They raised their children, Taylor, Kevin Jr. and Morgan in Mesa, Arizona while Kevin ran the east valley portion of the Rogers Brother Family Farm. He was an active member in the Arizona Farm Bureau for over 35 years and served as their state president for 14 years. Kevin then worked as the Executive Vice President for the Arizona Cotton Growers. Kevin’s membership in Valley View Bible Church spanned his entire life. He was also a lifetime supporter of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation, the Arizona FFA, and the Maricopa County Fair. He was a member of Project CENTRL Class 7. He served on the Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation Board and was very passionate about helping youth in Agriculture.