From the Fields to FFA Leadership: Brandon Moctezuma’s Journey in Agriculture

At just 17 years old, Brandon Moctezuma, a senior at Foothill High School in Bakersfield, already carries with him a story that reflects the strength, perseverance, and promise of the next generation of agriculture. 

Agriculture has surrounded Brandon for as long as he can remember. His parents, immigrants who have worked in the fields for decades, set the foundation for his appreciation of farm labor and its importance. “Whether I had freshly picked grapes in my fridge or some tasty cuties in the fruit bowl, I never really knew where they came from until I went out with my family to harvest,” Brandon recalls. That first day picking oranges under the relentless sun, carrying a heavy sack across his shoulders, shifted his perspective. What started as a tough introduction to fieldwork grew into a lifelong respect for the people and labor behind every meal.

Brandon’s early experiences weren’t limited to harvest work. He also explored agriculture in other ways, like showing market hogs at the Kern County and Ridgecrest Fairs. These opportunities deepened his appreciation for the industry and showed him that agriculture is as much about passion and perseverance as it is about hard work.

Finding a Voice in FFA

Ironically, Brandon didn’t join FFA with big expectations. “I joined to show my parents that agriculture isn’t all that bad,” he admits. His parents often warned him against a lifetime in the fields, but Brandon wanted to prove that agriculture could be more than manual labor—that it could open doors to leadership, science, and business.

Through FFA, he discovered exactly that. Competing in Creed, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Parliamentary Procedure helped him develop confidence in public speaking. Serving as Chapter President gave him firsthand lessons in leadership, responsibility, and community service. Now, as San Joaquin Regional Secretary, Brandon represents more than 26,000 FFA members across California. “Those contests gave me the confidence to use my voice and share my perspective on agriculture and leadership on a deeper level,” he says.

His success is marked by milestones: placing fourth in the state Creed contest as a freshman, challenging himself with Extemporaneous Speaking, and finding his favorite competition in Parliamentary Procedure. Each step helped shape the leader he is today.

Lessons From Family and Community

Growing up with farmworker parents taught Brandon his most important lesson: perseverance. Watching them wake up before sunrise and work tirelessly in all conditions instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, and respect. “Farm laborers may not always get recognition, but without them, food wouldn’t make it to anyone’s table,” he says. From his broader community, he learned that agriculture is not just a job—it’s a lifestyle built on traditions, shared effort, and resilience.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Brandon sees his generation as the key to agriculture’s future. With technology, science, and new ideas at their fingertips, young people like him can bring innovation to the industry while still honoring the traditions of their families. “We are the bridge between tradition and innovation,” he explains. “Protecting the roots of agriculture while moving it forward with biotechnology, sustainable practices, and stronger advocacy.”

Overcoming Challenges

Balancing school, FFA leadership, and family responsibilities has been one of Brandon’s greatest challenges. Late nights spent catching up on homework after chapter meetings or regional events often left him exhausted. On top of that, navigating assumptions about his background as the son of farmworkers added another layer of difficulty. But instead of letting doubts hold him back, Brandon turned them into motivation. “I’ve realized that where you come from doesn’t define where you can go—it gives you the strength to keep climbing.”

Mentors and Motivation

Brandon credits much of his growth to his parents, who modeled sacrifice and resilience, and his FFA advisors, who encouraged him to take risks and seize opportunities. A simple phrase, “sí se puede”—yes, you can—has become his guiding mindset. Whether preparing for a speech contest, stepping into the show ring, or managing responsibilities at home, those three words remind him that perseverance can break through any barrier.

Looking Ahead

While agriculture will always remain at the heart of his story, Brandon has his sights set on a career in political science or international relations. His goal: to become a diplomat or politician who advocates for farmworkers and agricultural communities. He hopes to champion policies that ensure fair wages, better working conditions, and access to education and healthcare for farmworker families.

Beyond labor rights, Brandon is also passionate about food security and sustainable farming practices. “Too many people in this country and across the world go hungry while food is wasted or stuck behind barriers of inequality,” he says. His vision is to bridge the gap between policymakers and the people who grow the food, ensuring agriculture always has a seat at the table in conversations about climate change, trade, and global relations.

Advice to the Next Generation

For students considering FFA or agriculture, Brandon’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to try. “You don’t need to come from a long line of farmers or own land to find success in agriculture. Agriculture is for everyone,” he says. By stepping out of their comfort zones—whether raising animals, competing in contests, or serving in leadership—students can gain lifelong skills and discover hidden strengths.

Even for those who don’t pursue a career in agriculture, Brandon believes the lessons of FFA prepare young people for any path: confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and responsibility.

A Story Bigger Than Himself

Looking back, Brandon sees his journey as part of something much larger. Agriculture, he says, is more than just work in the fields—it’s family, culture, innovation, and resilience. From carrying sacks of oranges under the hot sun to serving as a regional FFA officer, his experiences have given him a voice, a passion for leadership, and a deep commitment to advocacy.

“My hope is that through my journey, others—especially young people who may not see themselves as ‘ag kids’—can realize that agriculture isn’t just about where you start, but about where it can take you,” Brandon reflects. “It’s about growth, resilience, and the power to make a difference.”