BATON ROUGE, LA – The state capital of Louisiana was turned green and blue last Tuesday as Louisiana 4-H and FFA Capitol Day brought nearly 500 high school students from across the state to Baton Rouge for a day of learning, leadership, and civic engagement.
Dr. Matt Lee, senior vice chancellor for agriculture at Louisiana State University (LSU), welcomed the group and highlighted the many accomplishments of Louisiana’s 4-H and FFA students, including multiple national championships. He noted the continued success of the state’s shooting sports teams which have placed first in five of the past six national competitions.
Following a luncheon held in the courtyard of the historic Pentagon Barracks, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain gave opening remarks inspired by the nation’s agricultural heritage.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 250th anniversary as the United States of America this July, keep in mind that our founding fathers viewed agriculture as the backbone of America’s virtue, health, and independence as a new nation,” said Dr. Strain. “George Washington once said ‘agriculture is the most noble employment of man’, while Thomas Jefferson said, ‘agriculture is the wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness’.”
Strain then encouraged the crowd to carry that legacy forward and to become the next generation of leaders rooted in agriculture for their communities, state, and country.
This year’s luncheon was provided by USA Rice, Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, the Louisiana Egg Commission, and the LSU AgCenter.
Before departing, the attendees met with state legislators, observed committee hearings, and familiarized themselves with policymaking processes firsthand while also taking the time to thank the elected officials and advocating for continued support of agriculture and extension education in Louisiana for future 4-H and FFA members.