Illinois Agricultural Education

Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS - MUST KNOW:  

HOT, HOT, HOT - How HOT, you ask???  SUNBURN HOT - So HOT you gotta get the aloe from the fridge HOT.  

• 2025 - 2026 Chapter Strategic Plan - DUE October 1, 2025 - REMINDER

• Illinois FFA 100th Anniversary Memorabilia Submission Form - 📋 Click here to complete the form

• IL FFA Center CLOSED for Office Clean-out & Calendar Day on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

****NEW Information****

1. 2026 American FFA Degree Process for Illinois FFA Members

2. 2026 State FFA Convention Room Blocks Now Open

3. 2025-26 State CDE/LDE Event and Registration Instructions

4. National FFA SAE Grants - Now available. Due November 15th

5. Illinois Farm Bureau's Actively Engaged Student of the Month

6. Agriscience Fair Throughout the Year Professional Development Series

7. Illinois FFA Roster

8. Internship Opportunities - Mariani Landscape

   1. 2026 American FFA Degree Process for Illinois FFA Members

       

            AMERICAN FFA DEGREE CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCEDURES

For ILLINOIS FFA MEMBERS

It is important that all advisors and American FFA Degree applicants study the procedures carefully and familiarize themselves with the deadline dates.

AGAIN, THIS YEAR***** The Intent to Apply form is MANDATORY and DUE on January 5, 2026.  

Use the American FFA Degree Intent to Apply form link found on www.ilaged.org  or click here.  

The intent form also includes a section where you can indicate what date and time work best for your interview. Please understand, we will do our best when coordinating the schedule, and that these preferences are not final; they simply give us an idea of when you prefer to interview. If you do not complete the intent by January 5th, you cannot apply for the American FFA Degree. This procedure allows the FFA Center to set the interview schedule and make groups of applications for the reviewers to begin evaluating once all degrees are submitted on or prior to January 15. 

·       Membership issue? - Contact Tammy Yard, tyard@illinoisffa.org, BEFORE January 5, 2026, to ensure Tammy has time to get the issue addressed before the application is due.

·       BIG ITEM to DOUBLE CHECK - Student EMAIL that is in their profile - DO NOT have an old high school email address that they no longer have access to. PLEASE make sure they UPDATE their EMAIL address PRIOR to completing the American FFA Degree application.

Application: The American FFA Degree application must be obtained by the student/candidate logging into www.theaet.com.

DEADLINE DATES FOR THE CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS

REMINDER:  Teachers, you MUST complete the following steps to SUBMIT your American FFA Degree applications:

1.     Login into AET

2.    Go to Degree Application Manager and at the top is the State Submissions Lists and Feedback

3.    Click on State Submissions Lists and Feedback  - Green rectangle box in the top middle of the page.  

4.    Then it will open up a page with options, go to the 2026 American FFA Degree 

5.    Then click on Edit List 

6.    Another page will appear

7.     If the application is there, then ADD them to the list

8.    If not, then click on BROWSE and then ADD them to the list

NOTICE:  If the application doesn’t show up after you click on BROWSE, the application probably has some NOT MET issues to be addressed in the application.  REMEMBER, the student has to have ZERO NOT METS and save their application as a PDF.  Then you can submit it.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let me know - mbunslmeyer@illinoisffa.org

FAQ: 

How do we apply to be nominated for the Star Candidate from Illinois for Farmer, Placement, Agribusiness, and Agriscience?  

All candidates MUST submit a standard application, and the committee reviews all applications and notes who would be our strongest candidates for Star in their area.  The committee then meets, discusses, reviews, and votes on who will be the best candidates for the Illinois Stars.  We then email those Star potential candidates and ask them if they are willing and able candidates to complete the Star Battery application and represent Illinois FFA at the National level.  So long answer short - you DO NOT have to complete the Star application until you are selected for the process.  We then give those Star candidates a deadline of March 15 to submit their Star application. It is reviewed by a team of reviewers, and feedback is provided. Then we ask that the newly revised Star American FFA Degree application be submitted by May 1.  

     2.    2026 State FFA Convention Hotel Room Blocks Now Open

The State FFA Convention Hotel Room Blocks are now open. Please plan to book hotel rooms earlier than usual due to the Midwest Horse Show, which is the same week as our convention.  If you have any questions, please email pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

     3.   2025-26 State CDE/LDE Event and Registration Instructions

We have created an all-in-one document of the State CDE/LDE Event and Registration Instructions to help with Judging Card, Trading Post Changes, Event Addresses, and other important information.  Please note that this is a work in progress; check back for added CDE/LDE Information throughout the year.  Questions/Changes: pdavis@illinoisffa.org

4.  National FFA SAE Grants - Now available. Due November 15th

SAE Grant Applications are now open through November 15. Apply here.

5.  Illinois Farm Bureau's Actively Engaged Student of the Month

Do you know an actively engaged student participating in FFA, 4-H, IHSA, and a student activity, club, or organization? Nominate them by clicking here for the Illinois Farm Bureau's Actively Engaged Student of the Month form. The student must participate in ALL of the defined areas to be considered. Nominations are good for the entire 2024-25 school year and do not reset each month. Winners will be selected each month, starting in September. Nominations should come from an FFA advisor, a coach, a club or activity sponsor, and/or 4-H or county fair rep. Nominators may also include a letter with further details at the end of the form. If you have any questions, contact JTaylor@ilfb.org.

6.  Agriscience Fair Throughout the Year Professional Development Series

A team of agriculture teacher educators from across the country has joined forces to present an awesome professional development opportunity. The Agriscience Fair Throughout the Year professional development series. This will provide a series of live workshops throughout the year on topics ranging from how to teach agriscience in your classroom to how to guide students through the competition process. Signing up for the workshop also gives you access to the workshop recordings and the accompanying resources and materials. All for the low, low price of FREE!

To register, please follow this link and create a Canvas Catalog Profile. The link will be live before the first session.  https://ifas.catalog.instructure.com/courses/agriscience-fair

            The live sessions will include:

Introducing the scientific method in your classroom (September 22nd, 7:00 PM Eastern)

o   Team Members- Dr. Brooke Thiel, North Dakota State University, and Dr. Hannah Scherer, Virginia Tech

Helping students come up with Research-Based SAE ideas (November 18th, 7:00 PM Eastern)

o   Team Members- Dr. Rebekah Epps, University of Kentucky & Dr. Christa Steinkamp, Georgia Ag. Ed.

Conducting a research study (January TBD)

o   Team Members-Dr. Katrina Alford, University of Florida  & Dr. Katrina Swinehart Held, Central State University

Writing the manuscript (February TBD)

o   Team Member- Dr. Dana Wise, North Carolina A & T University, Dr. Gaea Hock, Kansas State University, Dr. Jacon Englin, South Dakota State University, & Dr. Anna Warner, Washington State University

Presenting and sharing your work (March/April TBD)

o   Team Members-Dr. Kameron Rinehart, Austin Peay State University, Dr. Misty Lambert, North Carolina State University, & Dr. Shannon Arnold, Montana State University

____________________________________________________________

Tre Easterly, Ph.D. | Associate Professor, Teacher Education Coordinator

Agricultural Education and Communication | University of Florida 

307C Rolfs Hall, PO Box 110540, Gainesville, FL 32611-0540 

Phone: 352.273.4052 | Fax: 352.392.9585 

7.  Illinois FFA Rosters

Illinois FFA Rosters are due October 1st in order to get credit for the FFA portion of the Incentive Funding Grant.  Rosters will be completed via the AET this year.  Below is the teacher guide and editable student worksheet to help you complete the roster process.

·       Teacher Roster Directions

·       Student Roster Directions

Transferring Students - If you have a student who is transferring either to your chapter or out of your chapter, you will need to contact Tammy Yard (tyard@illinoisffa.org) in order to transfer their FFA membership.  The transfer function in The AET will transfer the member’s record book information, but not their FFA membership at National FFA.  So, please be sure to contact Tammy Yard when you have a transfer student.

8.      Internship Opportunities -Mariani Landscaping

Both positions are offered through Mariani Landscaping, Lake Bluff, IL, for students pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a landscape-related field. 

• Residential Production Manager Internship

• Residential Account Manager Internship

*** PREVIOUS Information Shared - WORTH Sharing Again****

• PREVIOUS LISTSERVS - CLICK HERE to view - 2025 - 2026 School Year

• PREVIOUS LISTSERVS - CLICK HERE to view - 2024 - 2025 School Year

• CLICK HERE to view - the 2023 - 2024 School Year Previous Listservs

New Information for 2025-26 (Added 9/9/25):

• 2025-26 State CDE/LDE Calendar & State CDE/LDE Event and Registration Instructions

• All Conference Event Information, Flyers, Required Forms, Registration Information

• 2026 State FFA Convention Room Blocks

*Please NOTE that clicking on Dates & Deadlines will take you to the www.ilaged.org calendar.  

• September 15 - 19, 2025 - Chapter Visits - Sections 5, 18, 20

• September 19, 2025 - Elite Conference, Richland Community College

• September 22 - 26, 2025 - Chapter Visits - Sections 4, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24

• September 24, 2025 - IL FFA Center CLOSED, Office Calendar/Cleanout Day

• September 25, 2025 - 100th Committee Meeting at the Illinois FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• September 27, 2025 - State Forestry CDE, SIU College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

• September 29 - October 3, 2025 - Chapter Visits - Sections 10, 12, 14, 16, 17

• October 1, 2025 - FFA ROSTERS DUE

• October 1, 2025 - 2024-25 FFA Chapter Strategic Plan DUE

• October 1, 2025 - IL FFA Alumni and Supporters Letter of Intent DUE

• October 1, 2025 - Early Bird Registration ENDS for State Land Use CDE 

• October 1, 2025 - Special Accommodation Form DUE for State Land Use CDE

• October 6, 2025 - Illinois Foundation FFA Board Meeting, Illinois FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• October 6, 2025 - Illinois FFA State Officer Team Virtual Meeting at 3:30 p.m.

• October 6, 2025 - Illinois FFA State Delegate Training for National FFA Convention at 6:30 p.m.

• October 6 - 10, 2025 - Chapter Visits - Sections 2, 6, 9, 11, 25

• October 7, 2025 - National Convention Prep Day, IAA Building, Normal, IL

• October 8, 2025 - IAVAT Board Meeting, Illinois FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• October 10, 2025 - State Job Interview LDE Results DUE

• October 13, 2025 - Illinois FFA Center CLOSED

• October 14, 2025 - IL FFA Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• October 15, 2025 - State Land Use CDE, 4415 1725 E St, Bradford, IL 61421 (New Address)

• October 16 - 17, 2025 - IACCAI Conference, Parkland College, Champaign, IL

• October 21, 2025 - 100th Committee Virtual Meeting at 3:30 p.m. 

• October 23, 2025 - PAS Fall Conference Registration ENDS

• October 24, 2025 - State Food Science CDE Mandatory Registration ENDS

• October 24, 2025 - Special Accommodation Form DUE for State Food Science CDE

• October 24, 2025 - State Job Interview LDE Materials DUE

• October 25, 2025 - State Ag Sales Results DUE

• October 25, 2025 - State Ag Ed Lesson Plans DUE

• October 27, 2025 - LLCC Fall Middle School Registration & Food Allergy Form ENDS

• October 29 - November 1, 2025 - National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, IN

• October 31, 2025 - IAVAT & NAAE Dues DUE

• October 31, 2025 - Richland College Fall Middle School Registration & Food Allergy Form ENDS

• November 1, 2025 - Administrators' Approval of FFA Rosters DUE

• November 3, 2025 - Belonging & Engagement Virtual Meeting at 3:30 p.m.

• November 3, 2025 - IL FFA Alumni WLC & Ground Zero Conferences Scholarship Applications & Letter of Recommendations from Teachers DUE

• November 5, 2025 - 100th Committee Virtual Meeting at 3:30 p.m. 

• November 6, 2025 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00

• November 7, 2025 - State Food Science CDE, Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 

• November 8, 2025 - IL FFA Alumni and Supporters Council Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• November 8, 2025 - State Ag Education, Ag Sales, and Job Interview LDEs, Illinois State University, Normal, IL

• November 11, 2025 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• November 10, 2025 - BUILD Conference Registration & Food Allergies Form ENDS

• November 10, 2025 - Fall Middle School Conference, LLCC, Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL

• November 13, 2025 - Fall PAS Conference, Illinois State University, 100 N University St, Normal, IL

• November 14, 2025- Fall Middle School Conference, Richland Community College, 1 College Park, Decatur, IL

• November 17 - 21 , 2025 - Chapter Visits - Sections 1, 3, 7, 8, 19

• November 22, 2025 - Mandatory Registration for State Dairy Foods CDE ENDS

• November 22, 2025 - Early Bird Registration ENDS for State Agronomy CDE

• November 22, 2025 - Special Accommodation Form for State Dairy Foods & State Agronomy CDEs DUE

• November 24 - 25, 2025 - BUILD Conference, Illinois State University, Bone Student Center, 200 N University St, Normal, IL

• November 26, 2025 - IL FFA Center Closes at 12:30 p.m.

• November 27 - 28, 2025- IL FFA Center Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

• December 8, 2025 - Agricultural Skills Showcase Written Reports DUE

• December 12, 2025 - 100th Committee Virtual Meeting at 3:30 p.m. 

• December 23, 2025 - Illinois FFA Center Closes at 12:30 p.m. for Christmas/New Year’s Holiday

• December 24-1, 2026 - IL FFA Center Closed for the Holidays

   

-- Mindy Bunselmeyer

Illinois FFA Center

Phone: 217-753-3328

Cell: 217-412-5646

Email: mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org

Address: 3221 Northfield, Springfield, IL 62702