BOONE, Iowa—FFA members across Iowa celebrated success when they gathered for the 98th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference on April 20-21 at Iowa State University’s Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference is one the largest of its kind in the National FFA Organization. The annual conference provides agricultural education students the opportunity to participate in Leadership and Career Development Event competitions, be recognized for accomplishments in events during the past year, become inspired by motivational speakers, interact with college and business professionals, and develop leadership skills. Chapter delegates and Iowa FFA Officers conducted the annual business session to make decisions for the student-run Iowa FFA Association.
35 members from Boone High School attended the State Convention. The chapter was represented at the Business Session by voting delegates Tala Wittrock and Paisley Lautner. Four members received their Iowa FFA Degree which is the highest level of membership a student can earn from the Iowa FFA Association. Degree Recipients included: Brooklynn Elliott, Ethan Muhlenburg, Gavin Niles, and Katelyn Walters. Matthew Fitzgerald was recognized as one of six state finalists for the Ferris George Rising Star Award. Fitzgerald was selected to represent the North Central District for this award that recognizes outstanding sophomore FFA members from across the state of Iowa.
Results from LDE and CDE competitions include:
The Iowa FFA Chapter Website Leadership Development Event (LDE) was held on Monday, April 20, 2026. The top 12 chapters in Iowa participated in the state level LDE. Isaac Sorensen of the Boone A&M FFA Chapter was selected as the State Champion!
The Iowa FFA Public Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) was held on Monday, April 20, 2026. The top 12 chapters in Iowa participated in the state level LDE. Ashlyn Lovig of the Boone A&M FFA Chapter received a silver rating.
The Iowa FFA Ag Sales Leadership Development Event (LDE) was held on Monday, April 20, 2026. The top 12 chapters in Iowa participated in the state level LDE. Henderson Gustafson of the Boone A&M FFA Chapter received a silver rating.
Team Ag Sales CDE: Gold Rating
Liam Jenkins, Brayleigh Haglund, Brody McNace Thomas Williams
Marketing Plan CDE: Silver Rating
Gavin Niles, Katelyn Walters, Emersyn Zehner
Poultry CDE: Silver Rating
Jaylee Anderson, Royce Kilstron, Jennifer La Mar, Grace Merriam
Greenhand Quiz
Rylee Dilinger, Silver Rating; Abby Oostenink, Bronze Rating
Chapter Quiz
Matthew Fitzgerald, Gold Rating; Levi Sporaa, Silver Rating
Chapter Activity Exhibit Display – Bronze Rating
Izzy Majors
The Boone A&M FFA Chapter is an organization for agricultural science students consisting of over 100 students at Boone High School. The mission of FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. For more information, visit www.bamffa.weebly.com
(contributed article, Ashlyn Lovig Chapter Reporter)
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