FFA Attends Legislative Symposium

AHS represented at 32nd Annual Legislative Symposium

Braden+Bean%2C+Cale+Pellett%2C+Josh+Rossell%2C+Emily+Saeugling%2C+Ashley+Freund%2C+Senator+Tom+Shipley

Braden Bean, Cale Pellett, Josh Rossell, Emily Saeugling, Ashley Freund, Senator Tom Shipley

Five Atlantic FFA members attended the 32nd Annual Legislative Symposium on Tuesday, Jan. 31.  FFA members from across Iowa converged on the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism, and patriotism.

Over 700 high-school students wearing blue corduroy from more than 50 schools flooded the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. The FFA members visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learned the importance of citizenship.   Atlantic FFA member Ashley Freund said, “

Atlantic FFA member Ashley Freund said, “It was a great to talk to our representatives about issues that were important to us, as young adults in agriculture.”

During the morning, FFA members heard from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. Libby Crimmings of the World Food Prize addressed students about the future of Iowa agriculture and the importance of being involved with statewide issues. The FFA members also heard remarks from Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the legislative process.  FFA member Cale Pellett said, “

The FFA members also heard remarks from Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the legislative process.  FFA member Cale Pellett said, “

FFA member Cale Pellett said, “Attending the symposium provides a good way for members to meet with their legislators and bring up real concerns or problems they have within their area.”

Governor Branstad signed the FFA Week Proclamation, declaring Feb. 18-25, 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.

The symposium and FFA Day are made possible with support from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation through the Iowa FFA Foundation.