Oskaloosa FFA Legislative Symposium

Oskaloosa FFA – Oskaloosa FFA Legislative Symposium (submitted photo)

by Jordan Bemis

The Oskaloosa FFA Chapter went to the Des Moines area to attend the 29th annual Legislative Symposium on Monday, January 27, 2014. First they went to the Iowa FFA Enrichment Center located in Ankeny where Rachel Hurley who is the Executive Director of the Iowa Biotechnology Association, talked to them about how to approach our senators and she explained briefly about how the capitol building runs.

Next, they went to the Capitol to meet Senator Ken Rozenboom. The members talked to Ken about different agricultural problems and he taught them more about how the Capitol building is run. The members also talked to him about the importance of FFA.

Lastly, the members went to the Historical Building where Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, and Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds talked to us about various agricultural and political topics. Following that, the FFA Week Proclamation was signed by Governor Branstad.

Even though it was a cold and early day for members, all 6 members were very eager to have such a great opportunity to learn new things and to spread the FFA word.