The Chambersburg FFA Chapter from the Chambersburg Area Senior High School was represented at the 2026 Pennsylvania FFA State Legislative Leadership Conference (SLLC), held March 22–24 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The State Legislative Leadership Conference is a three-day leadership experience designed to help FFA members understand how government and advocacy intersect with agriculture. Throughout the conference, students develop their voice as young leaders while learning how public policy impacts the agricultural industry and their future.
Students from the Chambersburg chapter who attended the conference included: Allison Keiper, Meava Willsie, and Alyssa Fisher.
During the conference, members participated in interactive workshops focused on parliamentary procedure, advocacy, dinner etiquette, and effective communication with legislators. These sessions prepared students to confidently engage in professional settings and advocate for issues that matter to agriculture and their communities.
Students also took part in an advocacy fair experience, where they worked in teams to research an assigned service organization, set a goal of dollars and service hours needed for their organization to prosper, and present their findings to peers in hopes of gathering the dollars and hours needed to meet said goals. These presentations allowed FFA members to experience advocacy in action, further developing their communication and leadership skills.
As part of the conference experience, members engaged in the delegate process, where they discussed and presented issues to be considered by the full delegate body at the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention this June. This opportunity allowed students to actively participate in the democratic process of the organization and contribute to decisions that shape the future of Pennsylvania FFA.
Members also participated in bill discussion and debate sessions, where they explored current legislative topics such as artificial intelligence regulations, milk hauling regulations, mushroom farming and composting, and more. These conversations helped students better understand the complexities of policymaking and the impact of legislation on agriculture and their communities.
A highlight of the conference included the annual legislative breakfast, attended by more than 600 FFA members, advisors, and legislators from both the Pennsylvania House and Senate. This event provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with elected officials and further share the impact of agricultural education.
“Opportunities like SLLC give students a powerful voice in shaping the future of agriculture,” Mrs. Robertson, Chambersburg FFA Co-Advisor shared. “It’s important for them to see how their passion can translate into real impact beyond the classroom,” added Mrs. Mohler, Chambersburg FFA Co-Advisor.
The State Legislative Leadership Conference challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with purpose-skills that will benefit them far beyond their FFA experience.
The State Legislative Leadership Conference is one of several premier leadership opportunities offered through Pennsylvania FFA. Members also have the opportunity to attend conferences such as the Fall Leadership Conference and the ACES (Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success) Conference, each designed to build leadership, strengthen communication skills, and prepare students for success in agriculture and beyond.
The Chambersburg FFA Chapter would like to thank New Holland, Horizon Farm Credit, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Corteva-Pioneer, Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation, The Hershey Company, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the Pennsylvania Livestock Association, Mr. Gary Swan, Paragon and Melhorn Poultry, Seneca Resources, Fulton Bank, Masser Family of Companies and Versant Strategies for making this impactful leadership experience possible and helping to develop the next generation of agricultural leaders.
