DES MOINES, IOWA— Six FFA members from Atlantic FFA and other FFA members from across Iowa converged on the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism, and patriotism. Atlantic FFA members Tyler Comes, Katie York, Tate Den Beste, Craig Alan Becker, Hannah Carlson and Taylor McCreedy. Approximately 300 high school students wearing blue corduroy from 51 schools flooded the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines on February 14th. The students visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learned the importance of citizenship.

Legislative Symposium Tom Shipley

Legislative Symposium Tom Moore

Legislative Group

The event was part of the 34th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol. During the morning, FFA members heard from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, about the importance of agriculture in Iowa and abroad. Kelsey Tyrrell of the World Food Prize addressed students about the future of Iowa agriculture and the importance of being involved with statewide issues. Later that day, FFA members also heard remarks from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President, Craig Hill, about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the agriculture industry.

Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg presented the FFA Week Proclamation, declaring February 16-23, the week of President George Washington’s Birthday, FFA Week in Iowa. The proclamation signing took place during a special ceremony at the Embassy Suites downtown following legislative visits at the Iowa State Capitol Building. “I learned more about the agriculture laws that go through the house and the senate and the process behind it,” Senior Tyler Comes said.

The 34th 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.