Denison FFA members • Front, from left: Ms. Dresen (Advisor), Jaxson Henningsen (Vice President), Brady Lutz (Secretary), John Graeve (President), Calli Korner (Student Advisor), Mylie Kaub (Treasurer), Kysa Neddermeyer (Reporter), Brittany Musgrave (Sentinel), Alex Von Tersch (Officer at Large), Ms. Tucker (Advisor) • Second row: Gavin Bral, Jett Paulsen, Michael Collins, James Lemon, Kiyea Krajicek, Skyler Hartwig, Jesse Carter, AJ Dammon, Eryn Wilson, Norah Huebert • Third row: Jayden Denker, Cole Kastner, Jackson Graeve, Brock Schneider, Sawyer Sonnichsen, Ryan Slechta, Brayden Adams, Josie Koenig, Dawson Stephens, Adilyn Herbert, Isabelle Westphalen • Fourth row: Owen Fink, Trae Hartwig, Lucas Schneider, Wrynn Auen, Marley Boettger, Malana Gillmor, Kinley Wiebers, Lylian Morgan, Gracen Plagge, Alisyn Ullrich, Brayton Johannsen, Lydia Hennings • Fifth row: Hunter Wilson, Zach Koch, Tyson Hennings, Stetson Kaub, Clayton Stoppel, Chase Braasch, Haley Lutz, Grace Collins, Ann Wessel, Alliah Hull • Sixth row: Morgan Wood, Holden Wessel, Derek Jepsen Photo by Gordon Wolf

Members of the Denison FFA have been celebrating National FFA Week, February 17-24.

They participated in the following dress-up days at school.

Tuesday: Pajama Day

Wednesday: Camo Day

Thursday: America Day

Friday: Flannel Day

Information from Sen. Chuck Grassley’s Office says that there are 257 FFA chapters in Iowa composed of approximately 18,600 members. As of 2024, there are nearly 945,000 FFA members nationwide and 9,163 chapters spread across the country, making FFA the world’s largest agricultural youth organization.

Earlier this week, Grassley applauded unanimous Senate passage of a resolution designating February 17 through February 24, 2024 as “National FFA Week,” in recognition of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and its impact on American agriculture. Grassley advanced the effort alongside 54 bipartisan colleagues, including Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

"National FFA Week is a meaningful week for members across our country as we celebrate an organization that is welcoming to all and crucial to developing the next generation of leaders and those who will fill the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline," said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. "Not only is it an opportunity to share our message with a broader audience, but it's also an opportunity for our FFA chapters and members to celebrate agriculture and agricultural education while thanking their supporters - their local alumni and supporters chapters, agriculture teachers, or local businesses."

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Denison chapter officers tell of FFA experiences

A number of officers with the Denison FFA chapter responded to two basic questions asked by The Denison Free Press – most memorable FFA experiences and how FFA has helped them grow.

Brittany Musgrave, Sentinel

• My most memorable experience in FFA is just getting to go to the different events our chapter participates in and seeing many different people. I love getting to go back and see the people we have already met plus meet new people. I love doing this because it is something I don't normally do. We get to meet people from all around Iowa and even the country with different ethnicities and backgrounds.

• FFA has helped me grow as a person because I have learned that there is more to agriculture than farming. I have learned many of the different aspects that are involved in agriculture and FFA. I have also grown as a person because I have been able to grow my social skills. I do this by talking to new people at our different events. Another way FFA has helped me grow as a person is by giving me leadership skills. I have learned how to help lead different people in many different situations.

Kysa Neddermeyer, Reporter

• My most memorable experiences in FFA would have to be driving all the way to National Convention (which is in Indianapolis). In that car ride I found out so many different things about the individuals who were in that car with me. Going to the National Convention was one of the best experiences I have ever had in FFA. I got to see many different buildings, landscapes, and I got to meet many different people all around the U.S. that enjoy the very same thing that I enjoy, which is FFA.

• Being in FFA has helped me grow individually in many ways. Doing the contests that the FFA organization offers taught me how to grow outside of my shell, and those contests helped me become more confident in my own skin. FFA has taught me leadership and how to take action when necessary. It has taught me to be a very successful person and to never give up when you have a feeling to do so. Overall, FFA has changed my individual self in a positive way.

Mylie Kaub, Treasurer

• The competitions we participate in are what I remember most about FFA. We spend a lot of time and put lots of effort into these competitions, so entering, performing, and receiving an excellent score is really satisfying. My favorite aspect of these competitions isn't only meeting new people; it's also being placed in the top three. The state and national conventions are among my other favorites. These conventions have an incredibly uplifting atmosphere. It's an incredibly exciting experience that makes up for the sleep you lose throughout your three days there.

• I have benefited so much from FFA in numerous ways. I find it really easy to talk in front of people now that I have been in FFA. I feel more confident now as well. Your benefits from the FFA organization increase with your level of involvement. I have also made a ton of friends from throughout the nation as well as the state of Iowa because of it.

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