“Urban Farmers” of Des Moines Shine at Iowa FFA
Lee Thomsen (center) became the first member of the Des Moines FFA chapter to be elected an Iowa Future Farmers of America officer.
When you think of agriculture in Iowa, Des Moines may be the last place in the state that comes to mind. But when you think of agricultural education, Des Moines Public Schools should be at the top of your list.
DMPS is home to the only urban Future Farmers of America chapter in Iowa, part of the Agricultural Sciences program at Central Campus. The program continues to grow in popularity and success, including an active campus on the south side of Des Moines for both animal and horticultural studies.
Dakota Lyddon of Hoover (center) took 2nd place in the state for his Agricultural Sales demonstration.
And now, for the first time, a student from the Des Moines FFA chapter has been elected as an officer of the Iowa Future Farmers of America. Jacob Hunter and Craig Nelson, agricultural science teachers at Central, report that it was one of many success stories featuring DMPS students at the recent 86th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference.
Lee Thomsen was elected to serve as the 2014-15 Iowa FFA Secretary, the first Central Campus alum to hold a state-wide office. She will represent over 14,200 student and 219 schools in helping to lead the organization. Lee is currently in her first year at Iowa State University majoring in Agricultural and Life Sciences Education with the career goal of being a high school agriculture teacher. After this semester she will be a junior, thanks in part to the credits she earned during her years at Central Campus.
Another DMPS student, Mikel Wright of Hoover, was also a state FFA officer candidate.
Three DMPS students also earned the Iowa FFA Degree, the highest degree that can be bestowed upon a member by the Iowa FFA Association; only 5% of FFA members in Iowa receive the degree. To receive the Iowa FFA Degree, students must meet seven standards: have been an active FFA member for at least 24 months; have completed at least two years of systematic instruction in agricultural education; have earned and productively invested at least $1,000 or worked at least 300 hours in a supervised agricultural experience program; have a satisfactory scholastic record; have demonstrated leadership abilities from a specific list of activities; have completed 25 hours of community service; and have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the local level.
DMPS students earning the Iowa FFA Degree were:
- Kaitlyn Rose Falcon
- Lee N. Thomsen
- Mikel Wright
In addition, Des Moines FFA had 15 students who competed in a variety of Career Development Events at the state FFA conference.
Dakota Lyddon of Hoover took second place in the state for his Agricultural Sales demonstration. Dakota sold a hydroponics unit to a judge and was evaluated by industry professionals.
Alexis Kurth of Roosevelt placed third in the state for her website design. Alexis designed a website to industry specifications for the local FFA chapter. Specialists evaluated the content, design, and creativity of the website.
The Marketing Plan Team placed seventh in the state for their plan to market an innovative vaccines for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. After identifying and evaluating the market, students organized an action plan to sell the vaccine to hog producers. Team members included Melissa Garcia of East, Cory Hunt of Lincoln, and Max Murphy of Roosevelt.
The Agricultural Communications Team also competed at the state event. The team developed a community service project for a community garden and public relations plan for the project. Team members are Jasmine Turner of North, Asana Zilk of Roosevelt, and Alicia Rowland of East.
Finally, the Agricultural Issues Forum Team, consisting of Mikel Wright of Hoover, Aliza Haley of Lincoln, Kaitlyn Falcon of East, Spencer Stoebner of Hoover, and Liz Hada of Valley, developed a mock debate on about breed specific legislation and presented both sides of the issue of vicious dog ownership.
