Daleville High School FFA officers have been busy promoting the school's organization and preparing for National FFA Week, during which they will be teaching younger students about the importance of agriculture.
The 2018 National FFA Week is Feb. 17- Feb. 24, according to the National FFA website.
"National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to host activities that raise awareness about the role the FFA plays in the development of agriculture’s future leaders and the importance of agricultural education," the website states. "National FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington’s birthday."
Leading up to the beginning of FFA week, DHS officers attended FFA Day at the Alabama State Capitol on Feb. 8, where Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation recognizing the event.
Around 200 FFA members and advisors from Alabama attended the event, which is sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation, according to DHS FFA Advisor Franky Jackson.
The officers that attended were Student Advisor Tyler Shirley, Sentinel Shakyra Pollard, Reporters Sky Hamlett, Treasurer Torrey Hobdy, Vice President Sierra Lindsey and President Lauren Dorminey. Advisors Jackson and Scott Yelverton also attended the event.
Dorminey said the FFA members met with Reps. Joe Lovvorn and David Sessions and Sens. Gerald Dial and Tom Whatley, who spoke about current legislation that could affect future farmers.
According to Jackson, agriculture is the number one industry in Alabama.
"They actually were telling us about a bill that applies to us," she said. "It has to do with taxes, and there's one that if you're renting the land (for farming), even though you don't own it, they still won't tax it if you're the one that planted it and harvested it.
"So, it's kind of making it easier for people our age that are coming up to become farmers and get more involved due to the fact that we don't have to go out and purchase these things on our own. We can rent them and still get the advantages that older farmers have."
Following their meeting with legislators and Gov. Ivey, Dorminey said the officers also watched legislative proceedings, providing the members with real-life examples of parliamentary procedures.
"I think we all really enjoyed seeing the Senate," she said. "The Senate proceedings were very interesting. They were actually talking about school buses, when they should retire them and when they shouldn't. I think it was more interesting because it was something that applied to some of us."
On Thursday, Feb. 15, Mayor Jayme Stayton also signed a proclamation naming Feb. 17-24 as FFA Week in the City of Daleville. DHS FFA officers attended the signing.
The proclamation states that FFA's "education provides a strong foundation for the youth of America and the future of food, fiber and natural resources systems."
It also states, "FFA promotes premier leadership, personal growth and career success among its members" and "citizenship, volunteerism, patriotism and cooperation."