AMES, Iowa — According to Scott Johnson, Iowa FFA executive director, state officer candidate interviews occur the week before state convention, and consist of seven rounds.

“Candidate speeches and elections take place at the beginning of the conference and the officer team is announced at the end of our state conference,” he said. “The 94th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference was held at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. Nearly 6,600 members, advisors, and guests were in attendance at the conference this year.”

Following are the  2022-2023 Iowa FFA officers: President Sam Martin; Secretary Holly Schmitt; Reporter Rachel Teunissen; SC Vice President Kate Schaefer; NW Vice President Sam Philips; NE Vice President Ryan Wolf; SW Vice President George Martin; SE Vice President Annie Bower; NC Vice President Mary Ann Fox.

Raised on her family’s dairy farm near St. Lucas, Iowa, Secretary Holly Schmitt, her parents and seven siblings milk nearly 600 Holsteins, raise dairy steers and heifers, and manage 1,500 acres of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.

“Growing up, I showed dairy calves and horses at the Winneshiek County Fair, and raised my own flock of ducks,” said the 2022 graduate of South Winneshiek High School in Calmar. “Through the South Winneshiek FFA, I served as chapter president and secretary, and earned my Iowa Degree in 2021.”

As the new 2022-2023 Iowa FFA State Secretary, she said her role on the state officer team is to create social media content for the Iowa FFA, keep an accurate record of board and team meetings, and support her other team members with their events.

“I will represent the Iowa FFA at events throughout the year and interact with members across the state,” she said.

Currently, one of her big roles is to work with the Iowa FFA’s State Reporter to create the monthly video newsletter called the “Iowa FFA Today.”

“Each month, we report on the events and activities members participate in,” she said. “Additionally, our team is currently prepping for the Iowa State Fair in August, and we have recently attended the National State Officer Summit in Washington, D.C.

She said FFA has helped her grow in confidence and communication skills, which helped her identify what career pathway she wanted to pursue.

“Participating in Leadership Development Events (LDEs) such as public speaking and job interviews have allowed me to practice speaking and interview skills,” she said. “I believe my experiences in FFA have set me up for success in my future and make me a more marketable, hard-working person.”

This fall, she will be attending Iowa State University to study agricultural and life sciences education, and event management, with the career goal becoming an agricultural teacher in northeast Iowa.

“We only grow by stepping outside of our comfort zones and trying new things,” she said. “When I joined FFA, I was unsure of what it would be like and how I would fit in. After attending my first state convention, I realized FFA was for everyone, and the opportunities were endless. By giving something new a chance, you can grow and learn infinitely.”

Ryan Wolf was raised next to my uncle’s dairy farm, outside of Bankston in northeast Iowa.

“Currently, the farm is home to 250 dairy cows of all types of breeds,” said the 2022 graduate of Western Dubuque High School, located in Epworth, who received his Iowa FFA Degree his junior year at the state convention.

Currently, he serves as the Iowa FFA Northeast State vice president, which doubles as the Northeast District president.

“I work with members of my district and throughout the state to build leadership and career readiness skills,” he said. “I do this through chapter visits, leadership workshops, and competitions. I also represent the opinions of my district on the board of directors.”

Right now, he’s helping the rest of state officers prepare for the state fair where Iowa FFA has a booth dedicated to promoting the organization, and the benefits it provides its members.

“During my time in FFA, I have been able to ripen and hone in on my speaking abilities,” he said. “This organization prepared me to be an advocate, and I’m choosing to use those skills to promote agriculture.”

This fall, he will be attending Iowa State University to study animal science.

“Join FFA,” he said. “This organization is truly amazing at preparing its members to be a part of the workforce. Many of the industry leaders who I have been able to meet tell me that seeing FFA on a resume is always a plus when it comes to hiring. FFA strives to build their members up, and that’s why I’m here continuing to work with the Iowa FFA.”

George Martin grew up on a farm in Shenandoah, Iowa, where he and his family raise corn, soybeans and cattle, and have a custom anhydrous business.

“I am currently serving as the southwest district vice president, and I will be serving the southwest district, helping to put on conferences and contests throughout the year, as well as visiting chapters in my district,” said the 2022 graduated of Shenandoah High School.

In April, he received his Iowa FAA degree at the state convention in April.

“Currently, we are working on getting ready for the Iowa State fair and district livestock judging,” he said.

This fall, he plans to attend Iowa State University to major in agricultural systems technology, with a minor in turf grass management.

“Take every opportunity that FFA has to offer and don’t be afraid to try something new,” he said. “FFA has so many opportunities to grow and learn, as well as possibly helping you find your future career choice.”