Feenstra visits FFA students at Akron-Westfield

(Sentinel Photo by Sarah LaBrune-Jongeling) Representative Randy Feenstra spoke to Akron-Westfield High School FFA students on Wednesday. Feenstra discussed the upcoming Farm Bill, along with ways students can get involved in politics and the future of farming.

AKRON — U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) visited Akron-Westfield High School on Wednesday. Feenstra spoke about the Farm Bill, which is up for renewal in 2023, along with the importance of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and the future of farming technology.

Feenstra said conservation, insurance and CRP (conservation reserve program) are the main immediate impact areas of the Farm Bill. He said incentivizing farmers to do cover crops is key.

Students asked questions about the recent bird flu outbreak, how Covid affected the farming industry and how he went from a candy salesman to a United States Congressman from Hull.

“I wanted to be a voice,” said Feenstra. “I represent you, meaning I take your thoughts and ideas and take them to Washington, D.C.”

Students were very interested in precision farming and spot spraying fertilizer.

“There are better and cleaner ways to do things,” said Feenstra. He said the future will be drones, including for spraying crops.

Feenstra encouraged students to not sit on the sidelines, but to voice their opinions, and to remain in the Midwest.

“Stay in Iowa,” Feenstra said. “I’ve been all over the world and (Iowa) is such an awesome place.”

Earlier in the day, Feenstra hosted a town hall with local farmers, producers, and constituents in Sanborn to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill and other issues. 24 people attended the event.