DES MOINES, IOWA—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 January 30th. 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. 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 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.