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Dr. Al Snyder

This veterinarian-turned-hypnotist got his start in FFA

Dr. Al Snyder

Dr. Al Snyder, former FFA member and hypnotist, encourages a few national FFA convention attendees to feel “very sleepy.” Photo by Todd Bennett



November 2008

Dr. Al Snyder first found his interest in veterinary medicine as a Casper FFA member in Wyoming. For his supervised agricultural experience program, he worked at a veterinary
clinic and on his family’s cattle ranch.

Snyder served as an FFA state officer, and while in that role, he realized his passion for motivational speaking, which ultimately led to a career balancing all of his interests – veterinary medicine, public speaking, hypnotism and, of course, FFA.

QMany of our members probably know you best for your stage hypnotism shows during the national FFA convention. How did you get involved in hypnotism?

ARight after my second year as a Wyoming FFA state officer, I started the Wyoming State FFA Leadership camp. That truly has been one of my proudest accomplishments.

After directing it for a few years, I had a hypnotist whom I had met previously at a state convention come do a show at camp. I was not convinced that hypnosis was “real,” but after watching people I knew and their reactions, there was no doubt. I knew I had to learn more about it.

That entertainer was Dr. Jim Wand. We became great friends, and a few years later, I was able to take a couple years to travel with him and learn the art of stage hypnosis.

QDo you find yourself using your FFA skills in your current career?
AThe skills I learned in FFA affect me every day of my life – from the public speaking to the record keeping to the organizational and life skills. There is truly no way to describe what an impact the organization had; that’s why I continue to remain involved and committed to its continuation and success. 

QHow does it feel to now perform each year at the national FFA convention?
AI remember very clearly the first year I went to the national FFA convention in Kansas City as a sophomore in high school. I remember being in the giant auditorium – dreaming that I might do something like that someday, but never really believing that it could happen. But it did, and it can happen to you, too! 




Web Extra

More Q & A with Dr. Al Snyder

QDo you have any tips for FFA members who might be interviewing for summer positions?

AFirst impressions are very crucial. Look your best, speak clearly and have a firm handshake. Those are definitely “must do’s” in my book. Don’t forget about your résumé. It also needs to be eye appealing, well structured and clean. I also think it’s equally important to know something about the company you’re interviewing with. Check out their website and do some research. 

QWhat college activities do you think prepared you for a career in agriculture?

AA personal passion for agriculture is first needed. Then join any team environment that challenges you to develop professionally and personally. I’ve enjoyed my experiences with Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority, my university’s Little International Ag Exposition, Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and I’ve served as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Biological Science. There are so many more organizations to choose from on any campus; the key is to pick some you like and get involved!



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