DES MOINES, IOWA—Atlantic FFA Advisor/AHS Ag Instructor Eric Miller reports 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 700 high school students wearing blue corduroy from 120 schools visited the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines on January 22nd. The students visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learned the importance of citizenship. This was all part of the 40th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol. Atlantic FFA President Lola Comes said, The Atlantic FFA officers had the incredible opportunity to attend the Legislative Symposium. As we met with representatives and lobbyists from the capitol, we got an insight into the agricultural projects they are working on. We explored the capitol building, and a few of us even had the chance to see Governor Reynolds!”

Left to Right
Frank Freund, Joaquin Wailes, Lola Comes, Hayden Kleen, Brooke Booth, Lily Johnson, Maddy Anderson, Caleb Lantz, Representative Tom Moore

Left to Right Hayden Kleen, Joaquin Wailes, Lauren Comes, Senator Tom Shipley, Lola Comes, Lily Johnson, Maddy Anderson, Frank Freund

During the morning, FFA members gathered at the Downtown Embassy Suites for a brief greeting and tutorial. The program provided opportunities for FFA members to hear from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, about the importance of agriculture in Iowa and abroad. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Vice President, Brian Feldpausch, then delivered a message about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the agriculture industry. Jake Swanson from High Yield Strategies then spoke about the importance of advocating for the agricultural industry. Atlantic Vice President Lily Jonhson said “While at the capital, I enjoyed talking with Iowa legislators Representative Moore and Senator Shipley. We got to discuss new laws and what their thoughts were. I also got the opportunity to speak briefly with Governor Kim Reynolds! Overall it was a great learning experience.”

The 40th 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.