DES MOINES, IOWA— Seven Atlantic FFA members attended 31st Annual Legislative Symposium at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism, and patriotism.

Atlantic FFA members with IA (R) Gov. Terry Branstad.

FFA members Alexis Boes, Cale Pellett, Carly Westphalen, Clayton Saeugling, Haley Carlson, Heather Freund, and Josh Rossell along with 350 high school students wearing blue corduroy from more than 50 schools flooded the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines on January 26. These members exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learn the importance of citizenship. This is all part of the 31st Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol.

At the beginning of the morning session, FFA members heard from leaders in the agriculture industry at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. Libby Crimmings of the World Food Prize addressed students about the future of Iowa agriculture and the importance of being involved with statewide issues.

FFA members then had a tour of the tunnels that connect the Capital and other state offices.

Atlantic FFA members w/Rep. Tom Moore

Atlantic FFA members visited with Senator Tom Shipley and Representative Tom Moore. Senator Shipley discussed the value of being an FFA member and talked about his experiences in high school agriculture and the FFA. Representative Moore talked about the new experience he is having as he was just elected to his office. Both men also discussed the importance of education and agriculture to Iowa. Haley Carlson said, “Spending the day visiting with our legislators is an honor.

Atlantic FFA members w/Sen. Shipley

We had the chance to bring up issues that relate to us and speak for the Iowa FFA Association and Agriculture Education.”

The FFA members also had an opportunity to hear remarks from Governor Terry Branstad about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the legislative process. Governor Branstad also signed the FFA Week Proclamation, declaring February 20-27, the week of President George Washington’s Birthday, FFA Week in Iowa. The proclamation signing took place during a special ceremony at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates following legislative visits at the Iowa State Capitol Building. Alexis Boes said, “The Legislative Symposium was full of interesting information and facts and I also got to meet all sorts of new people.”

The 31st Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol is made possible with support from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation through the Iowa FFA Foundation.