(Atlantic) Each year, the Southwest District and Iowa FFA officers plan and facilitate Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) Conferences for FFA members in the Southwest District. On June 3, 2025, Atlantic welcomed FFA chapters from across the Southwest District. This year, 196 members from 32 chapters participated in this unique leadership training experience.
During the event in Atlantic, district and state officers led four interactive workshops for FFA chapter leaders, many of whom are officers. The workshops focused on various aspects of local FFA chapter programs, including advocating for the agriculture industry, connecting with stakeholders, recruiting for the local chapter, and fostering teamwork. FFA leaders also received training specific to their officer duties within their local chapters.
Iowa FFA President Chloe Zittergruen stated, “The COLT Conference provides an opportunity for FFA members to learn more about their responsibilities as local leaders and to connect with state, district, and other chapter officers.”
The COLT Conference program is designed with a two-year rotation of training for local leaders. Next year’s focus areas will include agricultural literacy, time management, professionalism, and self-confidence. The goal is to equip FFA members with the necessary tools to succeed in high school and beyond. Atlantic FFA President Lauren Comes said, “The day was a lot of fun. The officer team learned a lot about our responsibilities as officers and how we can enhance our abilities in this area.”
The COLT Conference is made possible with support from Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa through the Iowa FFA Foundation. Additionally, Atlantic Bottling provided drinks for all participants.
Picture left to right: Keston Schmitt, Frank Freund, Hayden Kleen, Lauren Comes, Claire Schroder, Lily Johnson,
Maddy Anderson
Maddy Anderson
