Iowa FFA Leadership Conference Brings Together Thousands of Students
The Iowa FFA is hosting its annual leadership conference from Sunday to Tuesday at Iowa State University. This event marks the 98th Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference, showcasing the continued growth and impact of the organization. The three-day conference brings together approximately 5,000 students at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, where they listen to speakers and participate in career development activities.
For many students, FFA is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a transformative experience. Hannah Gross, a state officer for FFA, shared her personal journey with the organization.
“I was involved in plenty of sports and extracurriculars, but FFA is what made me realize what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Gross said.
Gross has been deeply involved with FFA, and she emphasized that the organization offers much more than just agricultural education.
“It’s not only about farming, it’s not only about agriculture, but it’s also about the leadership skills you develop, the people you meet, the connections you make,” she explained.
Her perspective is echoed by many others within the FFA community. Over the past decade, the organization has seen a 40% increase in membership, with a 25% growth in the last five years. Leaders like Chloe Zittergruen, another member of the state leadership team, are focused on ensuring this trend continues into the future.
“If everything is handed to us, we are not going to be innovative and looking for new ways to do things and grow, but if we fail, we can have that mindset of, ‘OK, we failed. What can we do now and how can we do it better?’” Zittergruen said.
This emphasis on resilience and innovation is central to FFA’s mission. The organization encourages students to take initiative, lead with confidence, and think critically about the challenges they face.
Community Partnerships and Service
One of the key traditions of FFA is its partnership with Meals for the Heartland. Georgie Filber, the director of the Meals from the Heartland Event, highlighted the strong relationship between the two organizations.
“It doesn’t matter what school we go to, they’re the best kids, and so we love working with them because they’re not afraid of hard work, they’re not afraid of leadership, they’re not afraid of raising money, they want to serve, and they want to feed hungry people,” Filber said.
This partnership allows FFA members to showcase their chapter’s efforts to their school and community. It also reinforces the values of service, teamwork, and dedication that FFA instills in its members.
Through these experiences, students gain valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. They learn how to lead, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The Future of FFA
As FFA continues to grow and evolve, its focus remains on empowering the next generation of leaders. With a strong foundation built on agriculture, leadership, and service, the organization is well-positioned to inspire students for years to come.
Leaders like Gross and Zittergruen are confident that FFA will continue to thrive, thanks to the passion and commitment of its members. Their stories highlight the lasting impact of the organization and the opportunities it provides for young people to discover their potential.
Whether through career development, community service, or leadership training, FFA plays a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture and beyond.
