State & National Activities

National Convention

From October 29th to October 31st, members Kinze Lacaeyse, Macey Heishman, Drew Thys, Serenity McClenathan, Madelynn Doty, Kaylia Fuchs, and Connie Schott traveled to Indianapolis, IN to attend the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. Along the way, we visited RDM Shrimp Farm and learned more about aquaculture. On Wednesday, at convention, we attended the first general session and listened to keynote speaker, A’ric Jackson. On Thursday, we went to convention and walked through the expo where we were able to talk to representatives from many different colleges and ag related businesses. Some members even participated in the service project, making leashes for a local humane shelter. After convention, we went duckpin bowling! On our way home on Friday, we went to a goat dairy and creamery. There we got to see how dairy goats are raised and milked. We also got to try some goat cheeses that were made right on the farm! That day, we also visited a honey farm. There we got to try honey from all over the world and learned more about honey production and bees.

CCA Livestock Judging Contest

Participants in the CCA Livestock Judging Contest held at Kirkwood Community College include: Ty Thompson, Brooks Dolmage, Cohen Roberts, Jason Johnston, Katie Newquist, Charlotte Kovar, Ella Van Thournout, Emma Weeks, and Emma Toman. Congratulations to Ella Van Thournout for placing 9th, Emma Weeks for placing 12th, and Ty Thompson for placing 20th as an individual out of 120 FFA members and to to Emma, Brooks, and Ty as they placed 4th as a team.

AG Exploration Day

Members: Raelene Hawkins, Mira Beaderstadt, Emma Toman, Haeley Garringer, Ty Thompson, Ella Van Thournout, and Emma Weeks traveled to Crawfordsville to participate in Ag Exploration Day! They learned about many careers and colleges. They also learned about calving simulator, edge-of field water quality practices (bioreactors), yield estimates/ combine yield calibration, ventilation trailer, and cut flowers/flower arrangements.

IAT Conferences

On Saturday, December 6th, nine members of the BGM/HLV FFA chapter attened the IAT Conferences in Ankeny at the FFA Enrichment Center. Students from across the state came together to participate in workshops led by current and past State Officers. In these workshops they were able to connect with other members, gain new skills, and to bring back what they learned. 8th and 9th grade members attended the IGNITE conference where they explored opportunities in agriculture, FFA pathways and opportunities, how to manage diversity and find common ground, and how to lead with integrity. 10th and 11th grade members attended the AMPLIFY conference where they learned how to connect, care, and create. They were able to develop a personal purpose statement, identify their own talents, understand the difference between purpose and tasks and serve others through purposeful leadership. 12th grade members attended the TRANSFORM conference where they learned how to prepare elevator speeches, how to dress appropriately in a future job, how to interact and brainstorm with others, and how it is important to ask for help

Iowa Youth Swine Judging Contest

On Thursday, November 6th, 11 members attened the Iowa Youth Swine Judging Contest where members were able to test their knowledge. Members in attendance: (front) Charlotte Kovar, Gracie Waterbeck, Ty Thompson, and Katie Newquist (back) Laney Blomme, Annie Balvin, Ella Van Thournout, Kolt Van Otegham, Cohen Roberts, Leyton Lacaeyse, and Haeley Garringer.

Legislative Symposium

In January, our officer team attended Legislative Symposium at the Iowa State Capitol. Officers were able to meet with other members of the FFA and Representative Dean Fisher to directly discuss issues in agriculture and agricultural education, as well as other current issues that are being discussed this session. Students learned a lot about behind the scenes of passing laws and bills.

World Food Prize

Lilly Wonick participated in the 2025 Iowa Youth Institute. She wrote and presented a paper to other members about malnutrition in Somalia. She explored the causes and possible solutions to this issue. In April, she got to go to Des Moines and present her paper.

Kirkwood Ag Day

On May 14th, 2025 members Adelyn McDonald, Calyn Egerton, Kinze Lacaeyse, Leyton Lacaeyse, and Ralene Hawkins attended Kirkwood Ag Day where they toured the major's offered through Kirkwood's Ag department. They heard presentations from professors and current students learning more about each major. They also listened to industry professionals speak about careers that are related to each major offered.

State Convention

Members attended and competed at the 97th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames. They got to meet other FFA members from across the state, listen to guest speakers, and attend the career expo.

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