FFA chapters from across Ohio attended the Ohio Legislative Leadership Conference.
Agriculture has drastically changed since FFA was founded. From new machines in the corn field to the evolution of the iconic FFA jacket, FFA will continue to change as time goes on. With that, the importance of agricultural advocacy grows as the world around us becomes more modernized and urbanized.
Fort Frye FFA members pose with Senator Brian Chavez’s assistant.
The Ohio Legislative Leadership Conference
The Ohio Legislative Leadership Conference (OLLC) is an event that was created between the Ohio FFA Association and the Ohio Legislature to educate Ohio FFA members about advocacy regarding agricultural issues.
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, another installment of OLLC took place at the Ohio House of Representatives. During this event, FFA members participated in a mock lobby session hosted by the Ohio Farm Bureau. Groups of lobbyists proposed a bill to groups of representatives, then lobbyists gave their reasons why they should vote “yes” on the bill.
Representatives then had the opportunity to ask questions about the bill and ultimately decide whether to vote “yes” or “no.” The activity’s goal was to teach FFA members about the lobbying process and how to better market a bill and themselves.
After the activity, chapters met with representatives directly to discuss agricultural issues. One of the main issues many chapters brought up was the national drought — a crisis that has affected the world of agriculture and forced farmers’ hands into different habits and approaches.
Fort Frye FFA members pose with Ohio Representative Don Jones.
One chapter in particular, Fort Frye FFA of District 10, used its voice to talk with Senator Brian Chavez and Ohio Representative Don Jones of the 95th District about this issue. Julia Silvus, Kyla Britton, Alexis White, Christy Willis, Parker Burris and FFA advisor Abby Campbell used personal experiences and research findings to communicate potential solutions for the drought. Jones and Chavez also discussed the policies and activities they’re trying to set in place for future climate issues.
One quote from Jones stood out to Fort Frye FFA Secretary Alexis White: “Listen to understand, not to respond.”
Overall, the OLLC’s purpose is to educate youth and promote advocacy in younger generations. The conference was a success this year, as chapters from across the state attended.
