The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is excited to welcome Iowa FFA members to the Iowa State University campus in April 2027 for State Leadership Conference. CALS is pleased to offer a wide variety of educational opportunities for conference attendees. CALS Ambassadors will be guiding specialized tours and hands-on activities on campus and at our teaching farms which highlight Iowa State University and the opportunities the college provides. Please take the time to register and participate in these experiences with students at ISU.
Teachers will be able to reserve spots for their students on a first-come-first-serve basis. A chaperone is requested to attend the tour with their students. Limited spots in selected tours may still be available. If you have questions on these opportunities, please contact ffatours@iastate.edu.
Note, biosecurity measures are in place for some tours. Be sure to read communication thoroughly and share with students.
If you are unable to register for an educational opportunity due to schedule or options being unavailable, consider contacting our office for a customized visit for your class or chapter during the 2026-2027 academic year. Read the descriptions below to learn about the variety of hands-on activities and tours for ideas on what you might like to see and do.
Tour Descriptions
AGEDS 450 Farm and Lab Tour
This tour will feature the ISU AGEDS 450 Farm and Agricultural Mechanics Laboratory. Guests will learn about the courses offered at the AG 450 Farm while taking a walking tour of the facilities.
Ag Systems Technology: Focusing on Tractor Power and Ag Machinery
Step inside the labs shaping the future of the ag industry.
Animal Science Teaching Farm Tour: Beef Nutrition
Join us as we tour the Animal Science Beef Nutrition Teaching farm. Learn more about opportunities for you to gain hands-on experience working with animals and how we incorporate our farms in our programs. Note: No contact with beef for at least 72 hours prior to being on the farm. Any guests who have traveled out of the country must observe a 5-day wait for contact with livestock farms.
Animal Science Teaching Farm Tour: Poultry
Join us as we tour the Animal Science Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Facility. Learn more about opportunities for you to gain hands-on experience working with animals and how we incorporate our farms in our programs. Note: No contact with any avian species (including parrots, canaries, etc) or swine for at least 72 hours prior to being on the farm. Any guests who have traveled out of the country must observe a 5-day wait for contact with livestock farms.
Animal Science Teaching Farm Tour: Swine
Join us as we tour the Animal Science Swine Teaching farm. Learn more about opportunities for you to gain hands-on experience working with animals and how we incorporate our farms in our programs. Note: No contact with any avian species (including parrots, canaries, etc) or swine for at least 72 hours prior to being on the farm. Any guests who have traveled out of the country must observe a 5-day wait for contact with livestock farms.
College of Veterinary Medicine Tour
Learn more about your path to veterinary medicine. You will see our classrooms, labs and teaching hospital.
Digital Ag: Turning High-Tech Ideas into Real-World Results for Farmers
Explore how we develop the technology driving Iowa farms and get hands-on experience on how we teach farmers to make the perfect furrow.
Farm to Finance Marketing Decisions
During the workshop students will learn: (a) ag production costs reported in production budgets and how to use these budgets to make production decisions; and (b) ag marketing options and how to make pricing decisions.
FFA and Leadership: Career Ready Tips
This session will help you learn more on how you can highlight and sell the relevant skills, knowledge and experience you gain in FFA with employers and colleges.
From the Bench to Application: Research that Benefits Human and Animal Health
Take a tour of Dr. Mellata's Molecular Microbiology lab, where research is conducted on developing treatments to combat bacterial diseases and antimicrobial resistance in food animals and humans.
Horticulture Hall Teaching and Research Greenhouse Tour
Tour of greenhouse facilities and discussion of facility and horticultural crop management.
ISU Creamery Tour
Come learn about the history and current activities at the ISU Creamery (including how we make ice cream and cheese!).
ISU Meat Lab Tour
The Iowa State University Meats Laboratory is a federally inspected facility with the capability for slaughtering and complete processing of meat animals including cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats. It has a full complement of sausage-making equipment, mostly of small commercial production size. The lab is utilized by animal science classes, research projects, and extension programs. The following restrictions are in place in this USDA inspected facility:
- Cannot have visited a farm in the past 24 hours, this includes their home farm.
- Shoes must be closed-toed and have a back, clean with no debris on them.
- Photographs are NOT allowed, cellphones/cameras will not be allowed on the tour.
It is asked that guests bring minimal items with them, as they will have to leave them in the classroom during the tour.
Life as a College Student in the Life Sciences
Meet and greet with biology, genetics and environmental science undergraduate peer guides and tour facilities in and around Bessey Hall.
Opportunities in Agronomy
Learn about the Agronomy major including curriculum, scholarships, clubs, study abroad and careers after graduation. We will also tour the teaching greenhouse & new growth chambers in Agronomy Hall.
Shark Tank - Investing in Agricultural Technology Startups
In this interactive experience, participants will evaluate and make investment decision for 3 agricultural technology startups. There will be prizes for the best performing investors.
Sick Plants? Plant Doctors to the Rescue!
Explore the exciting world of plant pathology and microbiology through the lens of a plant doctor! Get some hands-on experience investigating plant health problems and using diagnostic tools to identify pathogens making plants sick.
Understanding Your Communication Style to Level Up your Communication with others
In this workshop you'll find out your personal communication style and explore what it means to work with folks with other communication styles through activities and discussion.
What does it take to care of Jack Trice Stadium?
This tour will allow participants to learn how the playing surface at Jack Trice Stadium is cared for and who cares for it. We will also discuss what happens when a concert is held on the playing surface.