The 96th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference was held in Ames Apr. 14-16, and it was a memorable one for the Lynnville-Sully FFA Chapter. Three senior FFA members received the prestigious Iowa FFA Degree, among other highlights.
Nearly 7,000 FFA members and guests from across the state gathered at the annual conference to learn about careers in the agriculture industry, compete in various events, and shape the future of the Iowa FFA Association. Mr. Jarret Horn, FFA advisor and ag teacher, accompanied 24 students to the conference.
On Tuesday, Apr. 16, Conover, Jansen, and Utech were honored with their Iowa FFA Degree, the highest degree that can be bestowed upon an FFA member by the Iowa FFA Association each year. Only 5% of FFA members in Iowa receive the degree each year.
Reaching the level of an Iowa FFA Degree recipient is no easy task, which is why only a small number of FFA members are honored each year. FFA members must meet the following standards to receive the Iowa FFA Degree: 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 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.
Conover, Jansen, and Utech each received a certificate and the golden State FFA Degree charm, which was made possible with support from Corteva Agriscience Pioneer Brand Seeds through the Iowa FFA Foundation.
Four L-S FFA members competed in the Iowa FFA State Farm Business Management Contest. FFA teams from 101 chapters participated in this year's Career Development Event designed to provide the student an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Farm Management. The 375 individuals who participated in the event each completed an objective test, which had three sections: Economic principles, records and analysis, and risk management. All team members – Hackert, Jansen, Lowry, and Smead – worked together to solve a problem related to break even analysis. Lynnville-Sully placed 10th overall out of the 101 teams present, and Jansen placed ninth overall.
Also at the 2024 conference, the Lynnville-Sully FFA Chapter was recognized as a Gold Level sponsor of the Iowa FFA Foundation. Utech also took part in the Iowa FFA Teach Ag Signing event. This event is for all seniors in FFA who plan to teach agriculture to future generations. Davis received a certificate and a t-shirt for his participation in this event. He plans to major in ag education at Dordt University.
With contributions by Lori Yoder
