FFA Day at the Capitol

Despite the winter weather, over 80 FFA members from across Minnesota gathered at the Captiol in St. Paul to share their pride for agriculture and FFA with their local representatives on Thursday, February 26. A topic that came up often while meeting with representatives and senators was the concern over recent budget cuts in local schools. If you are an FFA member with this concern, I encourage you to do your research, talk to your representatives and to your school board. I learned that these people will listen to you and value your opinions. 

After a long day of visiting with representatives and being introduced on the House floor during session, the state officer team ventured out into the blizzard to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. We met with Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson for an hour and a half and discussed agriculture issues on the local level and internationally. It was also a nice surprise to see Robin Kinney, my mentor and Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture at the MDA as well. 

It was nice to see FFA members on Thursday. You represented Minnesota FFA and agricultural education in a very positive fashion. Thank you for coming!

Caitlin Kasper