Ashley Butler
Where Are They Now? | September 2025 | By Samantha Henderson
Meet Ashley Butler,
Ashley is an Alumni Member from the Canyon View FFA Chapter. She now works for USU Extension as the Program and Communications Coordinator for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.
Her favorite part of her job is supporting the amazing county agents across the state through behind-the-scenes work. She says, “USU Extension offers incredible programs that make a big impact in communities across Utah, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be even a small part of that”. She also genuinely loves the people she works with and says, “you won’t find better people than those in Extension”. As she’s worked with Ag agents and everyone involved in Extension, she’s seen how they put so much heart, hard work, and dedication into serving their communities. “It's incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by people who care so deeply about making a difference.”
FFA made a huge impact on Ashley’s career path. She joined FFA because her mom was involved in FFA in Arizona. Ashley’s mom encouraged her to give FFA a try and Ashley couldn’t be more grateful that she did!
While in FFA, Ashley dabbled in a little bit of everything – Horse Evaluation, Floriculture, Ag Issues, Ag Communications, and Parliamentary Procedure. By participating in a wide variety of events, Ashley learned how valuable it is to step outside of your comfort zone. This is something that has served her incredibly well, not just in college, but through job interviews and in her career.
After graduating high school, Ashley attended Southern Utah University (SUU) for a year to complete her general education requirements. Then she transferred to Utah State University (USU), where she majored in Agricultural Communications and Journalism.
Participating in the Ag Communications CDE in high school—winning state and competing at nationals—was the moment everything clicked for Ashley. It opened her eyes to the many different directions available in communications and solidified her decision to pursue a degree in agricultural communications.
Ashley says, “I always knew I wanted to be involved in the ag industry, but I wasn’t interested in teaching ag, going into ag business, or majoring in animal science like many others. Agricultural Communications was the perfect fit for me. It allowed me to use my skills and interests while still contributing to the industry I care about.”
Through FFA Ashley learned that the connections you build, the networking you engage in, and the experiences you gain can have a lasting impact on your future success. She says, “As a high school student, those are some of the greatest gifts you can give yourself before stepping out into the world after graduation.”
Ashley also runs a freelance business where she supports small businesses with admin tasks, design, and media. One of her favorite parts is getting to connect with business owners across a wide range of industries. No matter how different their work may look on the outside, she’s found that their motivation is almost always the same, to make a difference in their communities and in the lives of others. She says, “It's a regular, powerful reminder of the impact small businesses can make.”
Ashley continues to support Utah FFA! She is always willing to help with officer interviews and judging contests. She also makes it a point to support local FFA chapters, whether that’s buying from greenhouse sales or participating in fundraisers. She says, “Even small gestures like these can go a long way in supporting the next generation of FFA members.”
Ashley’s advice for a student thinking about joining FFA is, “The connections and network you build through FFA will benefit you long after graduation—more than almost anything else you’ll do in high school. Whether it’s friendships, leadership experience, or career opportunities, FFA opens doors in ways you might not expect. If you truly apply yourself, the experiences and lessons you gain through FFA will pay you back tenfold.”
“Even if agriculture isn’t your thing, don’t overlook FFA. At its core, it’s about leadership, personal growth, and preparing you for success—no matter what career path you choose.”
