In preparation for National FFA Week, the Iowa FFA Association hosted their 23rd Annual FFA Day at the Capitol and Legislative Symposium on Monday, January 28, 2008. The symposium is sponsored in part by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation through the Iowa FFA Foundation.

The event is designed to build character and promote citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism. More than 250 members from across the state of Iowa gathered at the state capitol to learn more about the legislative process discuss agricultural issues and promote Agricultural Education and FFA.

The day’s event included comments from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Lang, exhibits in the capitol by FFA chapter’s from across the state, and visits with legislators.

The following members of the Centerville FFA Chapter attended the state activity: Hilary Morris, Bridgette Richmond, Jessica Acheson, Andrew Bankson, Justin Schoolcraft, Taisha Naill, Brooke Bige, Dany Clark, Chelsea Garretson along with chaperones, Sandy Conn and Julie Kulmatyscki. The Centerville Chapter was one of the chapters having displays in the Capitol. The chapter had their Stop the Bullying program on display. They were able to answer questions and talk with others about the program which has been conducted for three years now in the third grade. Members also met with Keith Kreiman’s clerk and were able to tour to the top of the Capitol.

The Iowa FFA Association has 229 local FFA chapters with over 12,000 FFA members. FFA is a national organization of more than 500,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in science, business and technology of agriculture.