FFA Sentinel

THE ALABAMA FFA GOES TO WASHINGTON

When the 2022-2023 Alabama State FFA Officers were elected in June, they embarked on two months of exciting training and personal growth opportunities. A highlight among these is the annual National FFA Summit for State Officers, which was held in Washington D.C. July 17-21. The event, which brings state officers from all 50 states and Puerto Rico together, focuses on teaching these state leaders how to properly advocate for agriculture. The students begin their weeklong training with National FFA Officers who facilitate training to ensure the officers better understand how government affects agriculture and education in the United States. Officers are then given the opportunity to meet with their congressmen and senators to discuss important topics.

The Alabama FFA State Officers enjoyed seeing historic sites such as the U.S. Capitol while visiting D.C.

The Alabama FFA Officers had the honor to meet with Congressman Barry Moore, as well as representatives of Senators Richard Shelby and Tommy Tuberville. The officers began by delivering an update on exciting things going on back in Alabama such as changes coming to FFA membership this year and Sweet Grown Alabama. They then took time to learn more about the upcoming Farm Bill which will be revised in 2023. The officers encouraged each office to look for ways to better support agricultural education in the upcoming bill. The officers also took the time to educate and encourage each legislator to join the recently formed bipartisan FFA Caucus which seeks to bridge the gap between legislators and agricultural education. Congressman Moore, as a former FFA member, is a proud member of the caucus and also took time to address the over 300 FFA members in attendance.

After a long day of visits, the officers are afforded the chance to further practice what they have learned as they begin working on delegate business that will be presented at the National FFA Convention in October. Officers serve on committees to review proposals that have been submitted from across the country, bringing the experience full circle. The officers were also treated to a Q & A session with United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack.

The Summit is not all work though. Officers were allowed time to explore the many historic sites of D.C. including the Smithsonian Zoo, Museum of American History, Museum of Natural History, and a night tour of the many monuments that make up the National Mall. Overall, the greatest experience for the Alabama FFA Officers was making memories with their counterparts from across the country. The new friendships made and time of bonding with their teammates will certainly be a highlight from their year of service.

Mike Albares and Clay Parker took time on behalf of Senator Tuberville to discuss the Farm Bill with officers.

Congressman Barry Moore took time to tell the officers how his time in FFA has influenced his career and how excited he is to be a part of the FFA Caucus.