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 118 schools visited the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines on Jan. 30. The students visited with legislators, exhibited skills learned in the agriculture classroom and learned the importance of citizenship. This was all part of the 39th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol.

During the morning, FFA members gathered at the Downtown Embassy Suites and enjoyed a brief message from Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, who then presented the FFA Week Proclamation. The proclamation officially declares February 17-24, the week of President George Washington's Birthday, FFA Week in Iowa.

The morning program provided opportunities for FFA members to hear from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, about the importance of agriculture in Iowa and abroad. The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President, Brent Johnson, 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.

The Mid-Prairie FFA then met with Senator Dawn Driscoll (District 46), Representative Heather Hora (District 92) and Representative Brad Sherman (District 91). They covered topics ranging from current legislation to how to contact legislators.

Members attending from Mid-Prairie FFA were Elliott Debler, Peighton Ford, Callie Huber, Blake Peck, Gabi Robertson, Olivia Utzinger, Allie Whetstine and Brynn Younge along with their advisor Elsa Schmidt.

The 39th 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.