Items in this listserv:
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
SURFACE of the SUN HOT, HOT, HOT - 3rd Degree BURNS - Applications for State FFA Convention - DUE TOMORROW!!
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
SURFACE of the SUN - HOT, HOT, HOT - Pizza Party Opportunity - Rural Health Careers Panel Discussion - 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
HOT, HOT, HOT: REMINDER - Harvest for All Program for the 2025–2026 - 8/26/2025 Listserv - Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on either Jan. 1 or May 1
HOT, HOT, HOT - Complete FFA Membership
Here is a link to the roster instructions that were shared at the beginning of the year when we started completing the rosters in AET, if you need it for reference. 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 - Below the calendar highlights for the month, we have added a 2026 Event Calendar Link that includes application links and the full address for events for easier use.
HOT, HOT, HOT - 2026 State FFA Convention Room Blocks - Room Blocks start closing April 30th.
WARMER
DUE May 15, 2026 - State Convention Farm Credit Newsroom App
DUE May 15, 2026 - State Convention Courtesy Corps Application
****NEW Information****
Build Connections. Share Experiences
2026 National FFA Week Brief
Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grants - Apply Now
American and State Degrees - List of approved applications
Agriscience Student Request
Horse Judging Opportunity - Indiana 4-H
Build Connections. Share Experiences
Support FFA members in building lasting networks and essential life skills. The 2026-27 National FFA Chapter Connect program will bring together 30 FFA chapters from across the country to build meaningful connections and share experiences. It also allows advisors to network and learn from one another. Grants are available to help offset travel and participation costs. Applications are due by Friday, April 24. Learn more and apply today!
2026 National FFA Week Brief
National FFA surveyed FFA advisors about the activities FFA members hosted and participated in during the 2026 National FFA Week. They compiled this report, highlighting examples of FFA Week activities, the National FFA Officer team’s travels, Give FFA Day, and resources available for planning an engaging National FFA Week experience.
Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grants - Apply Now
Grants are now available for students attending Next Gen Agribusiness, Animal Science, and New Century Farmer Conferences. Learn more about these grants and apply by the April 15 deadline.
American and State Degrees - List of approved applications
Click here to view the list of all approved American and State Degrees. American Degree applicants should have received a letter from the FFA Center with information for State Convention Recognition. Additional information will come from National FFA to the email listed in AET in the next few months.
State Degree applicants should be receiving a letter from the State Office this week with additional information for State Convention Recognition. These applications still need to be approved by the Illinois FFA Board and the Illinois FFA Delegates at the Business Session in May.
Agriscience Student Request
Dear FFA Members and Advisors,
My name is Ehren Ganley, and I am a member of the Red Bud FFA Chapter in Illinois. I am currently conducting an agriscience research project focused on understanding why some students participate in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs and why others do not.
I would greatly appreciate your help by sharing my survey with members of your chapter. The survey is short, anonymous, and should only take a few minutes to complete. Honest responses will help me better understand how to make SAE programs more useful and engaging for students.
If you are willing to participate or share with your chapter, please use the link below:
Thank you for supporting student research and agricultural education!
Sincerely,
Ehren Ganley
Red Bud FFA Chapter
Horse Judging Opportunity - Indiana 4-H
Click here to view the flyer for the Indiana 4-H Invitational Horse Judging Event on May 30th, 2026 at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds in LaPorte, IN. Questions - Email kristychambers@hotmail.com
-- Mindy Bunselmeyer
Illinois FFA Center
Phone: 217-753-3328
Cell: 217-412-5646
Email: mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org
Address: 3221 Northfield, Springfield, IL 62702