YOU are the future

Minnesota FFA Agricultural Policy Bootcamp kicked off for the first time on Monday afternoon. Twenty-seven FFA members from seventeen chapters across the state came together to learn more about agricultural policy, our state government, and how they can be involved.

On Monday afternoon they spent time visiting with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Hamilton and Senator Magnus. The FFA members and four of my teammates had the pleasure of spending time with Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton. Students commented that the governor took time to answer their questions and didn't seem in a rush to move on to the next item in his agenda.

After meeting with the governor the group headed to a hotel where we had a reception with Minnesota legislators. The reception was a great opportunity for all of us to not only talk to, but get to know our legislators and others within the state government. We all had the opportunity to ask questions according to our personal interests and gain information about our government that we truly value. I personally had the opportunity to talk to my legislator, Chris Swedzinski, about renewable energy and biofuels.

Tuesday morning we started the day strong with encouraging advice and a question and answer session with two former Minnesota legislators who work with agriculture. We headed to the State Capitol building to meet with "mentors" for the day who showed us the capitol. Many of us headed into the Minnesota House of Legislators Agriculture Committee. After observing their order of business, all FFA members present were invited to share their agriculture and FFA experiences with the committee. It was exciting for us to share how agriculture and FFA have truly impacted our lives. Those who spoke went down in the books as an official testifier.

As we finished up our bootcamp, I remembered the potential of FFA members. We had countless legislators and staff people comment on how FFA members are the hope for the future leadership in our government and communities. They commented on the experience and professionalism of FFA members. They commented on how they believe in our futures.

WE ARE the future of agriculture and our communities. WE ARE the people that can achieve our future dreams. WE ARE Minnesota FFA. And YOU are the future.

Beneath the Rising Sun,

Hillary Kletscher