Illinois Agricultural Education

CONVENTION TIP of the DAY - Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - Welcome National FFA Officer, Claire Woeppel

WELCOME to Illinois, Claire!

Claire’s Bio

Hometown and State:

• Chambers, Nebraska

FFA Stats: 

Chapter | Chambers FFA 

Enterprise | Claire’s Clucker’s — Poultry Production

State Office | 2024-25 Nebraska FFA State Vice President

College Stats: 

Major | Agricultural Education

School | University of Nebraska — Lincoln, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Activities | Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program

Claire Woeppel views her FFA journey as a legacy. Her grandpa and dad were active FFA members. It was her older brother who inspired her to become involved in FFA. “I joined FFA because I knew I would find my passion there, and I knew it would be something special,” she said. “I couldn’t wait to get involved.”

Growing up in the Sandhills of Nebraska, Claire couldn’t be prouder to represent her family’s production beef operation. She shares that doing her chores taught her the importance of hard work, dedication, independence and perseverance. “One of my favorite times of the year when I was younger was branding season. I wasn’t much help at that age, but it was about being surrounded by my family and learning about our operation,” she said. Her favorite FFA memory was attending the Washington Leadership Conference between junior and senior year, as the experience brought her new perspectives and the best of friends. “I learned how to truly serve my community through an advocacy living to serve plan,” she said. As a national officer, Claire hopes to make every person she talks to feel like they are the most important person in that moment. “We want nothing more than to be seen and heard, and that is my desire. For every one to be seen, heard and loved by me,” she said.

Claire will be with us throughout the week at Convention. She will serve as the keynote speaker on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the 4th General Session, which begins at 2:00 p.m.   In addition to her keynote, Claire will be actively engaged across the convention; leading workshops, speaking at meal functions, and jumping in to support events throughout the convention center. Please join us in giving Claire a BIG ILLINOIS WELCOME and helping her feel right at home during the 98th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention!