Atlantic School District Agriculture Instructor/FFA Advisor Eric Miller reports five members of the Atlantic FFA and other FFA members from across Iowa, converged this past Tuesday on the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism, and patriotism. Atlantic FFA members Alyssa Derby, Tate Den Beste, Corri Pelzer, Taylor McCreedy, and Craig Alan Becker attended the event. Approximately 560 high school students wearing blue corduroy from 87 schools flooded the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. The students visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom, and learned the importance of citizenship.

Left to right Craig Alan Becker, Taylor McCreedy, Alyssa Derby, Senator Tom Shipley, Tate Den Beste, Corri Pelzer

Sitting in chair Tyler Comes; middle row Taylor McCreedy,Corri Pelzer, Alyssa Derby, Craig Alan Becker and Tate Den Beste; Back row Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller and Representative Tom Moore. (Photos courtesy Eric Miller)

The event was all part of the 35th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol. During the morning, FFA members heard from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President, Craig Hill, about the important roles young agriculturalists can play in the agriculture industry. Then, Julie Kenny, Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, addressed students 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.

Governor Kim Reynolds presented and signed the FFA Week Proclamation, declaring February 22-29 FFA week in Iowa. The proclamation signing took place in the State Capitol Tuesday afternoon with the Iowa FFA state officer team. After the event, Taylor McCreedy said she was glad that she took part in the event. McCreedy said “I thought it was a lot of fun, and it was a good opportunity for kids to meet with state representatives.”

The 35th 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.