Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley on Des Moines FFA: “Education is a local issue”

In a call with reporters on Tuesday, RFD-TV News reporter Lily Raby asked Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his opinion on Des Moines school leaders’ decisions to halt ag education programs, which also threatens the future of the city’s FFA chapter.

Headshot-Grassley-Chuck.png

The Des Moines Public School (DMPS) Board recently decided to pause the Agriscience Academy program for a year to reconfigure the curriculum. In a statement to students, the school district cited several problems with the ag education program, including a lack of student interest and diversity, and outlined their plan to correct it.

In response, current and former students from the program are asking for help to keep their ag education program running without a pause since ongoing ag education is a requirement for participation in the National FFA Organization.

In a call with reporters on Tuesday, RFD-TV News reporter Lily Raby asked Senate Ag Committee member Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his opinion on the issue.

As a federal leader representing the State of Iowa, Sen. Grassley immediately emphasized that “education is a local issue.” He continued: “Washington D.C. will not interfere with what the local school district is doing with their education program—whether it deals with agriculture or anything else.”

However, he expressed the importance of ag education and supporting farmers — “especially new and beginning farmers” — and pledged to support FFA and 4-H programs “when we pass the five-year Farm Bill.”

He also said it would be a shame if local leaders decided the FFA program wasn’t worth the effort, but he wouldn’t interfere or “question” a local decision.

“If they decide they don’t think FFA programs are worth their effort, " Grassley says, “I just say I’m sorry to hear that, but I wouldn’t question their local decision.”

Here’s Sen. Grassley’s statement regarding the Des Moines FFA program and DMPS’ decision to pause its Agriscience Academy:

“Education is a local issue. Washington D.C. will not interfere with what the local school district is doing with their education program – whether it deals with agriculture or anything else. I’m aware of efforts to pause the Central Campus Academy program.

In regard to that—I think ag education is very important; farmers need our support, especially new and beginning farmers, and I don’t presume to think that people involved in the FFA in the Des Moines School District would necessarily want to go into agriculture, but probably some form of non-farm agriculture and I think the more we can invest in farmers and ranchers, the better off we are.

When we pass the new five-year Farm Bill, we’re going to be very active in supporting the 4-H and FFA authorizations, as we have for decades. Some of this stuff goes back to now—I’ll bet 105 years old—the Smith-Hughes Act of the World War 1 era that set up some of this stuff that we do in agriculture with federal government support. But I don’t know.

This Central Campus used to be called Des Moines Tech when I was in the state legislature 60 years ago, and they were very innovative at that time. And I wouldn’t question them. They’re just as innovative today. If they decide they don’t think FFA programs are worth their effort, I just say I’m sorry to hear that, but I wouldn’t question their local decision.”

- U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

The legislation Grassley mentioned, The Smith-Hughes Act, passed in Feb. 1917 and established federal funding for vocational education programs like agriculture, home economics, and other trades. The act also outlined requirements for participating states and schools, such as matching federal funds, ensuring public control of schools receiving funding, and allocating funds to vocational teachers with vocational experience.

RFD-TV News has requested additional comment from the DMPS School Board and Central Campus leadership on this matter but has not heard back.

Related Stories
Liam Wade, a North Pole High School senior and the 2025-2026 Alaska FFA State Vice President, isn’t just dreaming about farming in one of the country’s most extreme environments — he’s doing it.
Mike Vanmaanen, president of the Livestock Marketing Association, joins us Friday on the Market Day Report for a closer look at the Heritage Act.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wholesale egg prices decreased by 64% from their peak in late 2024, while retail prices have dropped by 27%, according to a recent USDA update.
This cast-iron Meat Lover’s Pizza is loaded with beef, sausage, ham, pepperoni—and ALL the cheese. It’s deep-dish, crispy-edged, and unapologetically extra.
All your cheeseburger faves—on a pizza! Beef, bacon, pickles, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s bold, beefy, and totally crave-worthy.
Crispy crust, creamy Gorgonzola, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula make this pizza fancy, fast, and full of flavor!
Paula pays tribute to Savannah’s rich Irish history by making a traditional Shepherd’s Pie with a twist! She mixes ground beef and lamb in this ultra decadent dish.
Toss this cucumber, onion, and tomato salad recipe together in minutes!
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Dailey & Vincent are BACK ON RFD-TV for another great season, brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms. Join them as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests!
First introduced to RFD-TV on Larry’s Country Diner, The Malpass Brothers, modern day troubadours, bring you their very own, brand-new show to RFD-TV. Viewers can enjoy traditional country music from the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass, a featured celebrity guest on each episode, and loads of clever humor.
Ray’s Roadhouse is a weekly program featuring the music of Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Ray and his band Asleep at the Wheel has had a more than 50 year career in the music industry and over the years have earned nine Grammy Awards. The program also will feature guest performers such as Pat Green, Stoney LaRue and Kelly Willis.
Discover the untold stories of farm families across the United States as they face tough decisions, adapt in unexpected ways, and fight to secure a future — for the next generation to carry on the farm. This unscripted documentary-style TV show follows the lives of ambitious farmers from diverse backgrounds across the US, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and unique stories of these farmers as they navigate the world of agriculture.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.