State FFA President Will Graves, who led the Pledge of Allegiance in the State Senate, said he was grateful to learn about state government and public policy.
"In FFA we use the same processes in our organization that the Alabama Legislature uses," the Wallace State Community College-Hanceville freshman said. "It's clear the skills we are learning in FFA will be useful to us in the future, and I hope we continue to have great turnouts like this every year. In FFA, we're proud to be Americans and proud to be a part of agriculture."
Students started the day in the Capitol Auditorium to hear from Alabama Agriculture & Industries Commissioner John McMillan, State Treasurer Young Boozer and State House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Chairman Rep. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay.
"This is an opportunity for students to speak with their legislators and remind them of the important role agriculture and its related fields play in our state and national economy," said Jennifer Himburg of the Alabama Farmers Federation. "The future will belong to those who can work with their hands and provide essential services beneficial to a modern economy."
FFA students were acknowledged by the Senate and House of Representatives as they watched from the gallery. State officers also met with Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey and Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn.
