ALWAYS HERE: includes information that remains relevant from week to week. New updates are added as needed.
Illinois FFA Board Reports
98th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention - INFORMATION
HOT TOPICS = MUST KNOW
3rd DEGREE BURNS HOT, HOT, HOT - - National Chapter Award - DUE April 1, 2026, and MUST be SUBMITTED via AET - THAT’S TOMORROW - No Foolin’
HOT, HOT, HOT - SO HOT, I NEED 30 MORE - National Chapter Award Application Judges NEEDED
Speaking of the National Chapter Award, we NEED judges:
Click here if you are willing or interested in judging the National Chapter Award Applications.
SPICY - GREAT FLAVOR - GOOD TO BE REMINDED: REMINDER - Harvest for All Program for the 2025–2026 - 8/26/2025 Listserv
HOT, HOT, HOT - Complete FFA Membership
Here is a link to roster instructions that was shared at the beginning of the year when we started completing the rosters in AET, if you need it to refer to. Memberships must be submitted by May 1. If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to contact Tammy Yard, tyard@illinoisffa.org.
HOT, HOT, HOT - JudgingCard will show a zero balance on the Teacher’s Dashboard in AET for conference registrations because you must pay IL FFA for these events. Please download the invoice; it’ll show where to mail the payment. If you register for a CDE, the balance will be calculated, and you’ll pay Ewell Educational Services, Inc. Instructions for finding your invoice.
WARMER - 2026 State FFA Convention Room Blocks - Room Blocks start closing April 30th.
Applications for State FFA Convention
DUE April 15, 2026 - State Convention Band Application
DUE April 15, 2026 - State Convention Drum Line Application
DUE April 15, 2026 - State Convention Chorus Application
DUE April 15, 2026 - State Convention Talent Application
DUE May 15, 2026 - State Convention Farm Credit Newsroom App
DUE May 15, 2026 - State Convention Courtesy Corps Application
****NEW Information****
Explore Air Force Careers
Application Deadline Approaching for Next Gen: Animal Systems
Opportunities for FFA Members: Endorsed Activities
100th Work - Missing Convention Buttons
Pizza Party Opportunity - Rural Health Careers Panel Discussion
Explore Air Force Careers
Educators play a powerful role in guiding students toward meaningful, future-ready careers. For students interested in Career and Technical Education (CTE), engineering, and hands-on technical fields, the U.S. Air Force offers a wide range of career paths that combine advanced training, real-world experience, and educational support.
Air Force careers span dozens of technical specialties, ranging from aircraft maintenance and advanced mechanical systems to cutting-edge engineering and cyber technologies. These roles allow students who enjoy problem-solving, building, and maintaining complex systems to apply their skills in a dynamic and highly respected environment.
Beyond hands-on experience, the Air Force invests heavily in education. Airmen can take advantage of Tuition Assistance programs, which help cover the cost of college courses while serving. Many career fields also offer pathways to industry-recognized certifications, allowing individuals to gain credentials that translate directly to civilian careers in engineering, aviation, logistics, and other technical industries.
For educators seeking opportunities to share with students who thrive in technical and applied learning environments, Air Force careers provide a unique blend of professional development, education, and purpose-driven work.
Explore Air Force Careers today at www.airforce.com/education and help your students discover pathways that turn technical skills into impactful futures.
Application Deadline Approaching for Next Gen: Animal Systems
Do you have students interested in pursuing a career in animal systems? Next Gen: Animal Systems will be held in Kansas City, Sept. 15-19, and provides an opportunity for them to explore pathways through informational sessions, industry roundtables and tours. Applications for Next Gen: Animal Systems are due April 15. Apply today!
Opportunities for FFA Members: Endorsed Activities
We know that our members have various interests, so to meet those needs, the National FFA Organization has partnered with other organizations to create a variety of National FFA Endorsed Activities. Below are a few of our endorsed activities currently open to participants.
100th Work - Missing Convention Buttons
As we continue our work on gathering items to celebrate 100 years of Illinois FFA, the Illinois FFA Center is missing a few years of buttons. Please see the years we are missing and if any of you know anyone who has or might has that year button would you consider loaning it to Illinois FFA for the 100th Celebrations.
Missing years:
1986 - 58th convention
1991 - 63rd convention
1993 - 65th convention
1997 - 69th convention
Pizza Party Opportunity - Rural Health Careers Panel Discussion
I posted about this on March 17, 2026, and since that time, they have decided to provide a little incentive: the FFA Chapter that has the most students participate in watching the panel will win a pizza party for their FFA Chapter. DON’T miss this opportunity for your students to learn about these careers and for the chance to earn a pizza party. Think about their mission, to strengthen health systems for rural residents, this is a win-win for your students to learn more about their programming, scholarships and career opportunities.
Illinois Rural Health Association put this panel discussion together to give Jr high and high school students a better understanding of the careers available to them in the rural health arena on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is FREE, but registration is required by April 15, 2026.
Event contact information: staff@ilruralhealth.org
Click here to view the flyer for more information.
-- Mindy Bunselmeyer
Illinois FFA Center
Phone: 217-753-3328
Cell: 217-412-5646
Email: mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org
Address: 3221 Northfield, Springfield, IL 62702