CENARRUSA DAY ON THE HILL

The Cenarrusa Day on the Hill, co-sponsored by the Northwest Agricultural Cooperative Council (NWACC), gives Idaho FFA juniors and seniors the chance to engage directly with state legislators and learn how public policy is shaped. Named in honor of Pete Cenarrusa, longtime Idaho legislator and Secretary of State, the event includes a legislative luncheon and opportunities to meet with lawmakers, tour the Capitol, and strengthen civic leadership skills.

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  • Exact dates are announced each winter through the Idaho Ag Ed Listserv and are also available on the Calendar.

    • Who Attends: Open to high school juniors, seniors, and their advisors.

    • Cost: $15 per person (students, advisors, chaperones, bus drivers). Cash or check only; no credit cards accepted.

    • Reservations: Advisors must submit reservations in advance through NWACC (office@amgidaho.com or fax). Payment is due at check-in.

    • Roster Requirement: All participants must be included in the chapter’s state-submitted roster to attend

    • Register students by the posted deadline.

    • Ensure all participants are in Official FFA Dress.

    • Supervise students throughout the trip and at the luncheon.

    • Prepare students in advance by reviewing etiquette and table manners, and by exploring current legislative issues in Idaho using the Idaho Legislature website for bill tracking, committee schedules, and discussion topics with legislators.

      Encourage students to write letters of invitation to legislators from their home district prior to the event.

    • Attire: Official FFA Dress is required for all students. Advisors are expected to dress professionally.

    • Parking: The Riverside Hotel provides free bus and van parking.

    • Luncheon: Includes awards such as the Honorary FFA Degree to legislators and the NWACC Friend of the Co-op Industry Award.

    • Capitol Tours: Chapters may arrange guided tours of the Capitol by visiting tours page on the Idaho Legislature website. Tours must be scheduled in advance.

    • Seating: Students are seated with legislators and other guests; chapters may not be seated together.

  • Results are announced at the State CDE Awards Assembly and posted afterward on the Idaho FFA website. Awards include recognition for high individuals and top teams, with state champions advancing to the National FFA Convention & Expo for nationally-recognized events.

  • For all questions, please reach out to Idaho FFA State Staff. Contact information is available here.

  • Who can attend?
    Only high school juniors and seniors, along with their advisors, are eligible to attend.

    Is Official Dress required?
    Yes; all FFA members must be in Official Dress. Advisors should dress professionally.

    How do we invite legislators?
    Chapters are encouraged to send letters of invitation to their local legislators before the event. A sample letter and legislator contact list are provided in the registration materials.

    Do students sit together as a chapter?
    Not usually; seating is arranged to mix legislators and students for conversation.

    Are Capitol tours included?
    No; but chapters may arrange tours separately by contacting the Legislative Tour Office.