DES MOINES, IOWA—FFA members from across Iowa converged on the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism, and patriotism. More than 600 high school students wearing blue corduroy from 100 schools visited the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines on February 1st. The students visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learned the importance of citizenship. This was all part of the 37th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol.

(from left to right): Logan Eilts, Malena Woodward, Bryan York, Wyatt Redinbaugh (seated) Representative Tom Moore, Aspen Niklasen, Cooper Jipsen and Dylan Comes.

Picture Left to right Malena Woodward, Bryan York, Senator Tom Shipley, Aspen Niklasen, Wyatt Redinbaugh, Logan Eilts, Cooper Jipsen, Dylan Comes.

During the morning, Atlantic FFA members Wyatt Redinbaugh, Cooper Jipsen, Byran York, Dylan Comes, Aspen Niklasen, Logan Eitls, and Malena Woodward gathered at the Downtown Embassy Suites and heard from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, about the importance of agriculture in Iowa and abroad. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President, Brent Johnson, then delivered a message about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the agriculture industry. Elizabeth Burns Thompson from Navigator CO2 then spoke about the importance of advocating for the agricultural industry.

The morning program culminated with FFA members hearing a brief message from Governor Kim Reynolds, who then presented and signed the FFA Week Proclamation. The proclamation officially declares February 19-26, the week of President George Washington’s Birthday, FFA Week in Iowa. After the presentation, FFA members traveled to the Iowa Capital to meet with legislators. Senator Tom Shipley and members of the Atlantic FFA chapter spoke about Mr Shipleys typical day and then each member had questions to ask about policy that affects students. Next Atlantic FFA members met with Representative Tom Moore and spoke to him for about 20 minutes. Mr Moore also showed our members the Iowa House chambers and his desk. York said, “ it was a very productive session where we could not only learn about the legislative process but also have our chapter’s voice heard. I was very thankful for the opportunity to talk to our representatives.”

The 37th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol was made possible with support from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation through the Iowa FFA Foundation.

(Reporting by Atlantic FFA Reporter Aspen Niklasen/ photos & story submitted by Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller)