Arizona Lawmakers Champion Buckeye FFA Students During National FFA Week

Representatives Kupper and Carbone host Buckeye FFA students for discussions on agriculture policy and the legislative process.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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During National FFA Week, Arizona State Representatives Nick Kupper and Michael Carbone, both representing District 25, welcomed Buckeye FFA students to the Arizona State Capitol for a day focused on agricultural advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement. The representatives met with the students to discuss public service, policymaking, and how state legislation impacts Arizona farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The students also participated in a mock debate and vote on a proposal to raise the driving age to 18, gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process.

Why it matters

This event highlights the importance of engaging young people in the political process and fostering their understanding of how government and policy decisions impact the agricultural community. By investing their time and sharing their experience, Representatives Kupper and Carbone demonstrated their commitment to supporting the next generation of civic leaders and advocates for the agriculture industry.

The details

The visit began with an in-depth discussion in a House conference room, where Representatives Kupper and Carbone, who serves as Majority Leader, met with the Buckeye FFA students to discuss public service, policymaking, and how state legislation impacts Arizona's agricultural sector. The representatives provided the students with past agricultural legislation to review, including bills related to lab-raised beef and food labeling requirements, to help them understand how technology in agriculture intersects with regulation, consumer transparency, and economic sustainability.

  • The visit took place during National FFA Week.
  • The Buckeye FFA students are preparing for an upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., to study agricultural advocacy at the federal level.

The players

Nick Kupper

Arizona State Representative for District 25.

Michael Carbone

Arizona State Representative for District 25 and Majority Leader.

Peyton Michael

A Buckeye FFA student who participated in the mock debate on raising the driving age to 18.

Buckeye FFA

A local chapter of the National FFA Organization, which promotes agricultural education and leadership development among high school students.

Arizona House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Arizona State Legislature, where the Buckeye FFA students visited and participated in a mock legislative session.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Buckeye FFA students will travel to Washington, D.C., to study agricultural advocacy at the federal level.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the importance of engaging young people in the political process and fostering their understanding of how government and policy decisions impact the agricultural community. By hosting the Buckeye FFA students, Representatives Kupper and Carbone have shown their commitment to supporting the next generation of civic leaders and advocates for the agriculture industry.