The Marshalltown High School FFA Chapter has received a $1,500 donation from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) in support of the continued growth of agricultural education and FFA leadership opportunities for students.
In 2023, IFBF pledged $1 million to support the All in for Ag Ed initiative and the Iowa FFA through the Iowa FFA Foundation. The initiative is designed to expand Agricultural Education programs, strengthen FFA chapters across Iowa, and support the recruitment and retention of Agricultural Education instructors.
The Marshalltown High School FFA Chapter, established in 2022, continues to bring leadership development, personal growth, and career exploration opportunities to students. Since the launch of the All in for Ag Ed initiative two years ago, 23 new FFA chapters have been established across the state.
As part of their pledge, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is presenting $1,500 to every new FFA chapter established since 2023. Chapters may use the funds to purchase essential items such as FFA jackets, a chapter banner, officer station markers, or other materials that strengthen programming and student involvement.
“The class of 2026 will be our first graduating class to have four years of FFA,” said MHS FFA Advisor Tara Gray. “It is crazy to think that in their freshman year we had eleven FFA members on our roster, just enough to qualify for a chapter, to this year with fifty FFA members. This growth is directly related to sponsors and supporters like the Iowa Farm Bureau. Our chapter continues to grow and become more active in contests, conferences, and conventions that are offered with the FFA association.”
“With the tremendous growth in FFA Chapters, the need to recruit and retain Ag Education Instructors is vital,” said Alan Spencer, Agricultural Education Consultant at the Iowa Department of Education and State FFA Advisor. “The commitment by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to support these new FFA Chapters is of great benefit for that local Ag Teacher to create a positive environment for learning.”
The Iowa FFA Association represents more than 20,600 student members across 270 chapters statewide. Nationally, FFA includes over 1 million members from more than 9,400 chapters. The organization is approaching its 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2028.