Kupper and Carbone Champion Buckeye FFA Students During National FFA Week

During National FFA Week, Arizona State Representatives Nick Kupper and Michael Carbone, both representing District 25 — with Carbone serving as Majority Leader — welcomed Buckeye FFA students to the Arizona State Capitol for a day centered on agricultural advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement.

The visit began in a House conference room, where Representatives Kupper and Carbone met with the students for an in-depth discussion about public service and policymaking. The students, who are preparing for an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., to study agricultural advocacy at the federal level, were eager to understand how state legislation directly impacts Arizona farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

To prepare for the meeting, the representatives gathered past agricultural legislation for the students to review, including bills related to lab-raised beef and food labeling requirements. By walking through real examples of proposed laws, Kupper and Carbone helped the students see how technology in agriculture intersects with regulation, consumer transparency, and economic sustainability.

The conversation expanded beyond agriculture as students asked thoughtful questions about how to get involved in politics, what it takes to run for office, and how citizens can influence policy decisions. They also discussed other legislative topics, including traffic enforcement cameras, SNAP benefits, and policies centered on family values. The representatives provided candid insight into how bills are introduced, debated in committee, amended, and ultimately voted on.

After the conference room discussion, the group moved to the House floor, where the learning experience became hands-on. Students participated in a mock debate and vote on a proposal to raise the driving age to 18. They presented arguments, practiced respectful debate, and cast their votes — with the measure ultimately failing. The exercise offered a realistic glimpse into the legislative process and demonstrated how debate and consensus-building shape outcomes.

In a thoughtful show of appreciation, the Buckeye FFA students left FFA magnets and handwritten thank-you notes on the desks of all 60 Arizona House representatives, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit during National FFA Week. The gesture reflected the leadership and service values that FFA instills in its members.

By investing their time and sharing their experience, Representatives Kupper and Majority Leader Carbone reinforced their commitment to Arizona agriculture and to preparing the next generation of civic leaders. As these students head to Washington, D.C., they carry with them a deeper understanding of advocacy, public service, and the importance of informed participation in government.