PIERRE — South Dakota FFA state officers, in conjunction with 56 district FFA officers, hosted over 40 legislators and special guests for a legislative breakfast to connect about current trends in agriculture, education, FFA, and also the political process on Jan. 18 at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center facility in Fort Pierre.

State officers led a breakfast program that allowed state and district FFA officers to meet with their district legislators to share the importance of Agricultural Education and FFA programming within our state.

Through these conversations, FFA members learned about the legislative process and how their district legislatures came to their position and made their career choices.

The opportunity for members and legislators to meet allowed FFA members to share their personal experiences within agricultural education and FFA.

Laney Andrews, vice president from District 3, said “Meeting with our legislators was an experience that I will never forget. They were open, honest, and willing to listen to our concerns about the future of South Dakota and the importance of agriculture.” The FFA members also visited the Capitol and attended committee meetings.

Andrews added: “We learned about new bills being proposed and how they would be important and necessary in our lives. I made personal connections with each of the representatives and they gave me insight on opportunities I can take to voice my opinion on the importance of agricultural education in our Capitol. The experience left me with a smile on my face and I have so much gratitude for the support our legislators give to FFA.”

The Legislative breakfast was one component of the two-day district officer training. During the training, state FFA officers facilitated workshops for the 56 district FFA officers that covered topics of being a host, leading for others, practicing authentic growth, communicating effectively, and building for the future. District officers worked as a team to develop plans for the upcoming year and crafting their message to share with others during their year of service.

Brooklyn Rische, vice president from District 6, noted “District officer training is really the first time we get to meet and send time together with our whole team. Getting to learn about things like leadership and communication skills are things we can take beyond our team and FFA. It was a great time and kickoff experience that will help me and my fellow team members throughout the entire year as district officers.”