Collage of photos of Hunter Ringer

A Brentsville District High School senior has made history by becoming the first high school student in the nation to serve as chair of a county Farm Bureau Committee.

Hunter Ringer, president of the Brentsville District High Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, was selected as chair of the Prince William-Fairfax Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee after the position was left vacant for the upcoming year. The idea came from Prince William-Fairfax Farm Bureau President Stephanie Cornnell, who recognized Ringer’s growing leadership and dedication to agriculture education.

“To see Hunter’s passion for agriculture is truly incredible,” said Cornnell. “We always ask, within the Virginia Farm Bureau, how can we connect with the younger generations? He’s the future of engagement with the FFA and the Farm Bureau.”

“I reached out to him, and he was completely shocked that they wanted him to serve,” said Amy Beard, Brentsville District agriculture teacher, FFA adviser, and Farm Bureau board member.

Because Ringer is still a high school student, the appointment required approval from the Virginia Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, and Virginia FFA. According to Beard, the request marked the first time any of the organizations had been asked to approve a high school student for the role, confirming Ringer as the first in the country to achieve the distinction.

The selection process moved quickly ahead of the Prince William-Fairfax Farm Bureau annual meeting. After receiving state and national approval, Ringer became a producer member, meaning an active farmer, of the Farm Bureau — a requirement for board service — and was nominated by a current board member. His name was then placed on the ballot for a membership vote at the August annual meeting.

Ringer’s leadership has also been recognized at the state level. In January, Delegate Elizabeth Guzman commended Ringer and the Brentsville FFA chapter from the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates for his leadership in the chapter, community and Farm Bureau.

Beard said Ringer’s rise to leadership reflects significant personal growth.

“As a freshman, he was reluctant to get involved,” she said. “Once he started, he gained confidence and began bringing out the leader that was already there. The other students gravitate toward him.”

Ringer said his connection to agriculture began early through his grandfather’s cattle farm in Nokesville but deepened after an unexpected experience with FFA, during his freshman year, when he served as an alternate for the crosscut saw event at the Forestry Field Day contest at the Virginia State Fair.

“That experience sparked my interest,” he said. “It became my entry point into FFA.”

Ringer dedicated himself to the FFA, becoming its chapter’s president. His selection as Young Farmers Committee chair has brought new opportunities that he describes as both overwhelming and motivating.

“As the first high school student to hold this position, I knew there would be high expectations,” Ringer said. “It motivated me to prove that young people can lead and make an impact.”

Ringer hopes his involvement encourages other students to engage in agriculture organizations, particularly as Prince William County becomes more urban.

“Preserving agriculture starts with youth involvement,” he said.

After graduation, Ringer plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master’s degree in education. His goal is to become an agriculture education teacher and inspire the next generation.

Beard, who has known Ringer and his family for years, said watching his growth has been especially meaningful.

“To say I am proud of him is an understatement,” she said. “He has grown into an incredible young man and leader.”