Helgeson represents Marengo FFA at Global Youth Institute

DES MOINES — Iowa Valley High School senior and Marengo FFA member Shayla Helgeson represented her school and community at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines Oct. 21—24. The event, hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation, brought together top students and global leaders to explore challenges and solutions in world hunger and agriculture.

Helgeson joined students from across the United States and around the world to hear from internationally recognized speakers, including José Andrés, humanitarian and author; Kenneth Monjero, researcher with the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization; and Mashal Husain, President of the World Food Prize Foundation.

Throughout the week, attendees participated in discussions, hands-on learning and research presentations. Helgeson presented her project on animal health in Zimbabwe. She proposed a program that would send animal science and veterinary students to help improve livestock care in the country.

Participants also heard from Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture for Sierra Leone, and Dr. Mariangela Hungaria, the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate, honored for her work in biological nitrogen fixation and sustainable farming in Brazil.

Helgeson also toured the Iowa State University dairy farm, met global interns and networked with students from India, the Philippines, Jamaica and several U.S. states.

“Getting to learn from world leaders and share my ideas with students who care about agriculture was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” Helgeson said.

Helgeson described the event as life-changing and said it strengthened her passion for agriculture and her goal of making a positive global impact.