Summer started with a chance for local FFA students to connect at the Southeast District Conference at Muscatine Community College. The meeting on June 2nd, is defined as a Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT), and is geared toward peer led activities with district and state officers directing four interactive workshops for FFA chapter leaders. Topics for the workshops included advocacy for the agriculture industry, connecting with stakeholders, recruiting for the local chapter and working as a cohesive team. Those in state and district leadership positions also trained those from individual chapters regarding their officer’s duties within their local group.

Mid-Prairie FFA Chapter Advisor Elsa Schmidt tells KCII News that the goal of the conference is to engage FFA members in learning about the tools that would allow them to be successful through high school and beyond. Two district officers helping to lead the event are members of chapters within the KCII listening area. Columbus’ Emma Humphreys serves as District Reporter and Mid-Prairie’s Marissa Cline is District Secretary. Other officers include President Annie Bower of West Branch, and Treasurer Sydney Divoky from Cedar Rapids Prairie.

The Southeast District for Iowa FFA includes the Washington, Mid-Prairie, Hillcrest Academy, Highland, Lone Tree, Columbus, Crooked Creek Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, Keota and Sigourney chapters.