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
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
VOLCANO HOT, HOT, HOT - No Fair Contracts due at this time. Stay tuned until further notice.
HOT, HOT, HOT - Complete FFA Membership
Here is a link to the roster instructions 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
WARMER
Complete the Camp Health Profiles before school ends. Due by July 6, 2026. Outstanding Camp Health Profiles Spreadsheet
****NEW Information****
2026 Illinois - National FFA Scholarship Winners
Revised 2026 IAVAT Service Awards
Pollinator Habitat Grants
Albertsons Companies Nourishing Neighbors Foundation
Illinois Native Plant Sale
2026 Illinois - National FFA Scholarship Winners
CONGRATULATIONS to the Illinois FFA - 2026 National FFA Scholarship Winners.
Revised 2026 IAVAT Service Awards
Pollinator Habitat Grants
Are you an educator looking for a hands-on pollinator habitat project for your students?
Sand County Foundation now offers two educational opportunities: Seed Starter Activity for grades K-12, and Pollinator Habitat Grants for high school students.
We are now accepting applications for Pollinator Habitat Grants for the 2026-2027 school year. Please visit this link for more information. Applications are due on Friday May 22nd 2026, by 5pm.
Please feel free to contact Haley Mikkelsen at hmikkelsen@sandcountyfoundation.org with questions.
Albertsons Companies Nourishing Neighbors Foundation
Fully funded by the Albertsons Companies Nourishing Neighbors Foundation, this free program gives students a way to turn the projects they’re already doing into grant funding (up to $5,000) and national recognition.
No need to start something new — students can submit work they’ve already completed or build on a current project.
The process is simple, and we’re happy to host quick submission sessions if it’s helpful for students or advisors who want a little support getting everything entered.
The deadline is May 15. More info is at exploreacttell.org.
Illinois Native Plant Sale
The Nature Institute is the location of this sale on May 16.
Godfrey, IL (May 22, 2026)—Native plants beautify landscapes and help support songbirds and other cherished wildlife. A wide variety of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs, trees and other native plant products supplied by four Grow Native! professional members will be available for purchase at a Grow Native! native plant sale held in partnership with The Nature Institute at 2213 S. Levis Ln., Godfrey, IL 62035 on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Vendors at this event include Green Thumb Nursery, River City Natives, Sam’s Native Nursery, and The Nature Institute.
Some vendors accept cash, check, or credit cards; some only cash or checks. Shoppers may begin picking up pre-orders, perusing wares, and making purchases from each vendor at the advertised start time. “Early birds” will be asked to wait until the advertised start time to begin shopping. Volunteers will be available to assist customers.
“We encourage homeowners to plant natives because they are important to the health and biodiversity of the environment. Native plants benefit everyone. They serve as a vital food source for pollinators, provide great habitat for fireflies and native bees, and are beautiful, which is a benefit for homeowners. The missions of The Nature Institute and the Missouri Prairie Foundation run parallel, just like the river between us. The work we do is important because it informs the public about the importance of our native habitats and provides opportunities for the public to work alongside us in the effort to bring nature back,” said Ramona Pollard, Director of Outreach with The Nature Institute.
The following vendors are accepting pre-orders. When placing your pre-orders, please include your phone number and note that the order is for The Nature Institute sale on May 16.
River City Natives- Order online (www.rivercitynatives.com) or via email (rivercitynatives@gmail.com). Visit www.rivercitynatives.com for available selections.
Vendors will donate a portion of their sale proceeds to benefit the Missouri Prairie Foundation.
The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a 60-year-old prairie conservation organization and land trust. In addition to its prairie conservation work, the Missouri Prairie Foundation also runs Grow Native!, a 26-year-old native plant marketing and education program, and administers the Missouri Invasive Plant Council.
-- Mindy Bunselmeyer
Illinois FFA Center
Phone: 217-753-3328
Cell: 217-412-5646
Email: mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org
Address: 3221 Northfield, Springfield, IL 62702