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Mt. Pleasant FFA Chapter members expand knowledge and experience
From livestock judging victories to legislative advocacy, Mt. Pleasant FFA students are gaining hands-on experience and shaping the future of agriculture
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MT. PLEASANT — With hands-on projects, competitive successes, and civic engagement, the Mt. Pleasant FFA chapter fosters the next generation of agricultural leaders.
FFA members have actively engaged in a variety of initiatives, ranging from livestock judging to legislative advocacy. Vice President Jacie Campbell and Historian Zenlynn Lee both earned their Iowa FFA Degrees this year, a prestigious recognition for members demonstrating exceptional supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects.
Campbell’s SAE focuses on cattle and goat production, working alongside her father and grandfather on their row crop and cattle farm, as well as conducting research on reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle.
Outside of FFA, Chapter Vice President Campbell is also involved in 4H, Henry County Fair Teen Council, silver cord, Henry County Cattlemen, Midwest Old Threshers, and science fair. New opportunities and friendships are her favorite aspect of FFA.
In the future, Campbell plans to attend Iowa State University and major in large animal veterinarian medicine and minor in agriculture business. After college she would like to return to her family farms in Mt. Pleasant to work.
Lee’s SAE involves breeding and raising show cattle, aligning with her passion for livestock judging.
Chapter Historian Lee spends her time outside of FFA participating in band, earning silver cord hours, competing in trap and wrestling, and enjoying 4H and 4H Teen Council. Her favorite aspect of FFA is getting to meet new people and go to different events like livestock judging.
Beyond individual achievements, the chapter demonstrated its commitment to leadership and advocacy this past year by actively pursuing conversations with their legislators.
In January, six members, Ethan Graber, Caden Mullin, Zenlynn Lee, Tyi Alter, Kyle Campbell and Quintrie Lee, traveled to Des Moines for the Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium. While there, they met with Rep. Jeff Shipley and Sen. Adrian Dickey to discuss agriculture policy and lobbying strategies. This gave the chapter an opportunity to learn about the legislative process and advocating for agriculture.
Mt. Pleasant FFA members have also excelled in livestock judging competitions over the last year.
At the Southeast District Livestock Judging competition, a team consisting of Alexis Francy, Tyi Alter, Zenlynn Lee, and Ethan Graber won first place, with Graber earning third overall and Francy securing seventh. The chapter also placed 16th overall at the State FFA Livestock Judging contest, earning a gold rating.
Outside the competition ring, members have engaged in meaningful service projects, including a clothing and canned food drive in December. Their annual Feed a Farmer event in October provided meals to local agricultural workers during the busy harvest season, and they continued their tradition of running a food tent at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, serving elk to attendees. Campbell was also named Miss Sweet 16 at the reunion, showcasing her dedication to agriculture and community service.
Students expanded their horizons at the 2024 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, where they explored career opportunities and toured agricultural facilities, including Precision Planting, Ozark Fisheries, and Poe Sheep Farm.
With its commitment to leadership, education, and service, the Mt. Pleasant FFA chapter continues to thrive. As members prepare for future careers in agriculture, their experiences in FFA are shaping them into the next generation of industry leaders.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
