WACO high school students involved in agriculture had the opportunity to meet with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on Thursday morning. During the laid-back meeting, 10 students shared their input on the WACO FFA program, the new facility, and national convention. 
Mr. Fetzer, the Ag advisor and teacher, started the program in 2021 when he first came to the district as a teacher. Just three years later, the program has grown substantially. According to the student reporter, there are around 100 students involved in the FFA program, which is close to ½ of all 7th-12th graders at the school.
The new Ag facility has a scheduled groundbreaking in the spring of 2025, with construction to wrap up by the beginning of the next school year. Students shared information on that facility, which will consist of 2 classrooms, locker rooms, areas for rabbits and cattle, and a green house. Mike Naig believes this is a great thing and will provide opportunities to those who don’t have a farm. A student mentioned that they are very fortunate for both Eichelberger Farms and Chem Gro due to their involvement and support.
The FFA National Convention is right around the corner and students are excited. A poultry team of 4, with one alternate, will be going to Indianapolis, Indiana, but will stop at different universities, such as Purdue and Illinois State University, to tour the facilities.
Mike Naig congratulated the students and teacher on the great program that they run. He has been the secretary of agriculture since 2018 and has met with many different programs. He believes there are a few hallmarks to the really good programs, which include having a great teacher, a supportive administration, and a great community, to which he stated that WACO has all three.