FFA members from Sleepy Eye and Tracy stop at the Willis Tower in Chicago, IL. The members who participated included (from left to right): Front- Kamille Capacia, Dominick Swinford, Michael Pool, Jake Haynes, Ava Sellner, Madi Martinez, Mia Davila. Middle- Ruby Tauer, Ainara Tovar Garces, Kylie Fischer, Emma Bluhm, Lily Uys, JoseMaria Martinez Paredes, Elsie Trebesch, Kenley Jensen and Ella Arkins. Back- Ari Hernandez, Miah Rayas, Carson Sellner and Ethan Feucht. Submitted photo

Future Farmers of America (FFA) members from Sleepy Eye and Tracy along with advisors and summer intern attended the Summer Ag. Tour from June 22 – 24, 2026. 

Students started out the trip by stopping at Mystery Cave State Park near Spring Valley, MN where students were able to go underground and explore part of the longest cave system in Minnesota. At the cave they learned about the natural history and different formations that are found in the cavern.

The second stop for the day was spent on a river tour down the Chicago River. On the river tours students learned about the history of Chicago and the influences in the architecture of their buildings. They also learned how the city became a central hub for agriculture in the Midwest.

The second day started at Willis Tower. Here students were able to look from over 1,300 feet in the tallest building in Chicago. Part of the experience let them go out on “The Ledge”, glass balconies that let you look directly beneath your feet onto the city streets. 

The next stop for the day was at Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest and most visited aquariums in the world. Here Sleepy Eye FFA members were able to explore both freshwater and saltwater fish from around the world. They were also able to pet stingrays and sturgeons, and watch a beluga whale show.

The last stop for the day was at Navy Pier where students were given the chance to visit one of the city’s most visited destinations. Members were able to walk the length of the pier to view out over Lake Michigan.

On the last day of our trip FFA members stopped at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI to visit one of their greenhouses. Students got the chance to work with one of the college professors and help with a tomato experiment. 

Before heading home we stopped in Wisconsin Dells for some fun at Mt. Olympus Theme and Water Park before visiting Timbavati Wildlife Park. At Mt. Olympus students were able to ride roller coasters, race on their go-karts, or go down one of their many waterslides. At Timbavati, members first went on a train ride where they were able to feed some of the animals including a giraffe. Afterwards they were able to walk through the rest of the park to see the other animals they house including, lions, tigers, monkeys, and a bird enclosure.

The Summer Ag. Tour is partially funded by the Sleepy Eye Ag. & FFA Program Boosters. The Summer Ag. Tour was a chance for students to learn about different areas within agriculture.