More than 700 high school students wearing blue corduroys and 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!”

During the morning, FFA members gathered at the Downtown Embassy Suites for brief greetings and tutorials. 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, delivered a message on the significance of young agriculturalists playing a role 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 the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation through the Iowa FFA Foundation.