FFA members across the state of Iowa celebrated success when they gathered for the 93rd Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference on April 18-20 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference is one the largest of its kind in the National FFA Organization.
National FFA Secretary Anna Mathis kicked off the conferences with a keynote address on Monday, April 19. State officers from 13 other states were in attendance interacting with Iowa FFA members and providing various workshops. Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also addressed members at the conference.
The Greene County FFA had 18 members attend the conference along with their advisor Raelyn Harris and student teacher Annika Koppes. The annual conference provides agricultural education students with the opportunity to participate in Career Development Event competitions, be recognized for accomplishments in events during the past year, become inspired by motivational speakers, interact with college and business professionals, and develop leadership skills. Chapter delegates and Iowa FFA officers also conduct the annual business session to make decisions for the student-run Iowa FFA Association. Students engaged in a service project with Meals from the Heartland and worked to pack over 250,000 meals.
The Iowa FFA Degree is the highest degree that can be bestowed upon an FFA member by the Iowa FFA Association each year. Only 5 percent of the FFA members in Iowa receive the degree each year. Two Greene County members, Tieryn Tucker and Kayla Muir, each were a recipient of this degree and received a certificate and the golden State FFA Degree Charm
To receive the Iowa FFA Degree, FFA members must meet the following standards: 1) Have been an active FFA member for at least 24 months; 2) Have completed at least two years of systematic instruction in agricultural education; 3) Have earned and productively invested at least $1,500 or worked at least 375 hours in a supervised agricultural experience program; 4) Have a satisfactory scholastic record; 5) Have demonstrated leadership abilities from a specific list of activities; 6) Have completed 25 hours of community service; and 7) Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the local level.
Additional accomplishments chapter members received included Kayla Muir receiving a gold rating on her chapter exhibit of the FFA Crop Plot. In this event, participants were asked to create an exhibit that displays information on one chapter project or activity. The information had to include how this one feature of the annual program was organized, conducted and what results were accomplished.
New 9th grade FFA members were tested on their FFA knowledge by competing in the Greenhand Quiz. Greene County FFA members Trey Schilling and Cody Stephenson both partipated and each received a silver rating for their scores.
Career Development Events (CDEs) help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market. Mallory Prescott, Madison Grow, Carmyn Paup, and Victoria Peterson competed in the Agricultural Communications CDE contest demonstrating skills and problem solving in web design, video production, journalistic writing, and opinion writing, as well as presenting a team media plan. The team received a bronze rating.
Ag Sales CDE included Max Riley, Mason Stream, Emma Stream, and Logan Higgins. Participants were asked to complete an objective test, make a sales presentation, and perform a customer relations practicum. As a group they received a bronze rating.
The Ag Biotechnology team receiving a gold rating included Lauryn Killion, Kendall Fecher, Haylee Duckett, and Kayla Muir. Participants completed several activities including a general knowledge exam and an identification activity. The team also collaborated in a team activity relating to biotechnology principals.
Farm Business Management CDE is designed to provide students an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Farm Management. Each participant completed an objective test which had three sections: economic principles, records and analysis, and risk management. All team members worked together to solve a problem related to break even analysis. This year’s team included Analynn Baugh, Emma Halterman, Grace Curtis and Kaitlin Fields receiving a bronze rating.
Other activities students participated in were Kendall Fecher performed massing of the flags, Emma Halterman and Grace Curtis represented the chapter as state delegates, and all participated in Meals from the Heartland.
