Nicole Beckley

Austin, Dallas, New York

Writer at Freelance

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Articles

Why We Support FFA: “Ag Is Everywhere”

Dec 4, 2024 | ffa.org | Nicole Beckley

“I think any organization would be lucky to have a workforce full of FFA members,” said Doug Naylor, national director of key western accounts for Wrangler, a division of Kontoor Brands. Naylor is an FFA alum and serves on the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board. Wrangler has deep ties to National FFA and has been a corporate partner of the organization for nearly 60 years. “One of the things about FFA, and ag in general, is that it hits us from all sides,” said Naylor.
Stewards of the Land

Dec 4, 2024 | ffa.org | Nicole Beckley

In an overgrown tangle of invasive buckthorn, you can find Rocori FFA members wading in mud, garbage bags in hand, uncovering native vegetation and scrubbing graffiti off stone walls. The land they are clearing was once Cold Spring Roadside Parking Area, a 14-acre site overlooking the Sauk River in Minnesota.
John Deere’s Philanthropy Cultivates the Future of Agriculture

Jun 20, 2024 | ffa.org | Nicole Beckley

In March, John Deere announced a $3.9 million commitment to the National FFA Foundation to be distributed over three years. The gift marks an increase in support from John Deere, which has steadfastly supported FFA for 81 years. Aaron Wetzel, vice president of production and precision ag production systems at John Deere, said, “Our commitment demonstrates John Deere’s recognition of what FFA does to develop and support young leaders in agriculture.
Inspired by Her Experience, Alumna Gives Back to FFA

Jun 19, 2024 | ffa.org | Nicole Beckley

Emma Mendez (second from right) and the 2022-23 Tennessee state FFA officers represented FFA at the 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention. Emma Mendez, program manager for National FFA Alumni and Supporters, is enthusiastic about working with former FFA members and has a passion for agriculture. Beyond her full-time job with FFA, Mendez runs her own business growing, selling and arranging specialty-cut flowers.
"An Experience Like No Other" Inspires Service and Sparks Joy

Jun 19, 2024 | ffa.org | Nicole Beckley

The small town in Florida where Hope Storter lives is known for its strawberry production. It provides more than three-quarters of the nation’s midwinter strawberries, making it the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.” Storter, however, doesn’t have an agriculture background, which she said “made me question if I had a seat at the table in agriculture and FFA.”“But my amazing advisors changed that point of view for me, which is why I want to help others do the same,” said Storter.
A Cascade Caverns Guide Takes Visitors Below Boerne’s Surface

May 14, 2024 | newsbreak.com | Nicole Beckley

Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
A Cascade Caverns Guide Takes Visitors Below Boerne’s Surface

May 14, 2024 | texashighways.com | Nicole Beckley |Danielle Lopez

While there are two natural caves in Boerne, Cascade Caverns and Cave Without a Name, Brandon McClelland only knew about the latter growing up. He went on field trips in elementary school to Cave Without a Name but was introduced to Cascade Caverns in 2019 when he found it online and went for a visit. His tour guide, Lynnrae Smith, made the adventure fun and interesting, and the limestone cave itself stuck with him. “I had never seen that much water in a cave before,” he says.
A Cascade Caverns Guide Takes Visitors Below Boerne’s Surface

May 14, 2024 | texashighways.com | Nicole Beckley |Danielle Lopez

While there are two natural caves in Boerne, Cascade Caverns and Cave Without a Name, Brandon McClelland only knew about the latter growing up. He went on field trips in elementary school to Cave Without a Name but was introduced to Cascade Caverns in 2019 when he found it online and went for a visit. His tour guide, Lynnrae Smith, made the adventure fun and interesting, and the limestone cave itself stuck with him. “I had never seen that much water in a cave before,” he says.
Experience Denton in North Texas Like a Local

Apr 24, 2024 | texashighways.com | Nicole Beckley |Danielle Lopez

When Brenda Barrio moved to the “funky little town” of Denton to attend the University of North Texas in 2003, she would have never guessed she’d be the university’s assistant vice president of research and innovation 20 years later. “One of our goals is to help more students engage in research, especially those who come from marginalized communities,” she says.
Stepping Up and Paving the Way in Athletics and Beyond

Mar 28, 2024 | queens.edu | Nicole Beckley

Cherie Swarthout MSTOD ’18, Queens University of Charlotte’s director of athletics, is no stranger to leading the charge. Her background as a student-athlete and coach, as well as her positive spirit, work ethic, and leadership acumen, have aided her along the way. Swarthout first learned about hard work and overcoming challenges while growing up on her family’s centennial farm in Michigan. In farming, she said, “You have to work hard. You can’t control the weather. You can’t control the crop prices.