TOP Priority:  

****Reminder Ag Legislative Seminar is this Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.  to approximately 5:30 p.m.  PLEASE join us!  Please click here to sign your chapter up to attend the 2021 Ag Legislative Virtual Seminar.  This event is a great opportunity for students to learn about current issues facing agricultural education and the importance of advocacy. Additionally, students will feel better prepared for their legislator visits on Ag Legislative Day. 

Click here to sign up for your chapter to meet virtually with your local legislators for the virtual Ag Legislative “Day” next week March 22-26, 2021. Without a thousand blue corduroy jackets in the hall of the state Capitol this spring, it is crucial that we get as many chapters as possible making these connections with legislators to continue their support of Illinois FFA and agricultural education during these challenging times.

**** Due to scheduling conflicts, the official divisions of Dairy Cattle Evaluation will be Friday, April 9, 2021 from 8am-5pm (previously scheduled for 4-10-21) and Food Science will remain Saturday, April 10, 2021.

Items in this listserv:

****NEW Information****

1.  JOHN DEERE FFA WEEK RECORDINGS

2. Dairy Cattle Youth Showmanship Clinic

3. 2021 AgDiscovery Program

1.  JOHN DEERE FFA WEEK RECORDINGS

• Wanted to celebrate FFA Week with John Deere but couldn't get things to work in the schedule? No problem!

• The live programs presented by John Deere for Iowa FFA during FFA Week were recorded and recently shared with us, now available here

2.  Dairy Cattle Youth Showmanship Clinic

The Illinois Purebred Dairy Cattle Association will be hosting a youth showmanship clinic before the PDCA Calf Sale on April 10th.  The clinic will be from 9 AM to 12 PM on April 10th and hosted by Mill Wheel Show Clinics.  The showmanship clinic and the calf sale will be at the Livingston County Ag Fairground in Pontiac, IL.

Please use the following link to preregister for the clinic: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=23350

3.  2021 AgDiscovery program

The 2021 AgDiscovery program is currently accepting applications through March 25, 2021!

AgDiscovery is a FREE national summer outreach program designed to introduce 7-12 grade students to the exciting world of agricultural sciences!  The APHIS Office of Civil Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion provides administrative leadership over AgDiscovery nationwide.

The program is a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand view of many fascinating career paths available in the agricultural sciences field, including plant and animal health and sciences, wildlife management, biotechnology, environmental science, forestry, entomology, food safety and food production, as well as managing the business aspects of agriculture.  AgDiscovery challenges students to consider the importance of American agriculture, and the role USDA plays in this critical mission.  The program educates students about career opportunities within USDA, by stimulating and promoting advanced interest in, and knowledge of agriculturally-related fields of study.  The program exposes students to the interconnections of agriculture in both rural and urban communities, and the diversity of career opportunities offered in the field of agricultural sciences.  Students encounter USDA staff in action, while visiting a variety of USDA facilities, research centers, and farming environments.  USDA employees conduct a variety of workshops, classes, and hands-on activities for the students, allowing them to practice innovative and advanced agricultural technologies, and to interact and network with agricultural professionals.   AgDiscovery students also take part in several career development activities organized by APHIS and learn about the training required for various career paths, affording them a realistic view of practical experiences in the field.  Additionally, AgDiscovery students gain valuable information and tools to become competitive college applicants.  There are 21 universities hosting AgDiscovery in 2021.  For more information, and to apply, please visit:  www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery.

**If you are opening this message using Microsoft Outlook, click the link below or copy and paste the text into the address bar of Internet Explorer to access the SharePoint site. You may be required to enter your Windows user name and password.**

2021 AgDiscovery Flyer.pdf

** If you require assistance with accessing the web link, please contact the CEC Helpdesk or your program's IT Customer Service technician. **

Phone - 877-873-0783, option 1 - US toll free

Email - CECHelpdesk@usda.gov

CLICK HERE to view - **** PREVIOUS Information Shared - WORTH Sharing Again****

***DATES & DEADLINES - Remember***

• March 20, 2021 - Selection Committee Process Round 1

• March 27, 2021 - State Proficiency Awards Day - Click here to sign up to judge.  

• April 1, 2021 - Honorary State FFA Degree Application DUE 

• April 15, 2021 -  2021 Illinois FFA State Convention Talent Application

• April 15, 2021 - 2021 Illinois FFA Agriscience Fair Registration Due

• April 17, 2021 - Selection Committee Process Round 2

• May 1, 2021 - Chapter President Award Application DUE 

• May 1, 2021 - ALL/FINAL membership must be received by this date

• May 15, 2021 - Eldon Witt Scholarship Application DUE

• Click here to view a summary of spring virtual contests, registration deadlines, date and time of events, etc.