HOT TOPICS:

94th Annual Illinois FFA Convention, June 14 - 16, 2022

Registration is OPEN!  Teachers register for the State Convention just like any other event by going to the www.ilaged.org website, login and begin your process in Event Registration.  94th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention agenda.  

Illinois FFA State Business Session on Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Please click here for the Delegate registration form.  NOTICE:  Even if your delegates will be in person for ELECTIONS on June 17, 2022, ALL DELEGATES MUST be registered via our google form.  ALL delegates will be using their own electronic device for voting again this year, we WILL NOT have clickers for voting during elections.  

• Click here to view the 2022 Committee Reports to be approved in the Business Session.  

• 2022 Honorary State FFA Degree to be approved and voted on June 1, 2022. 

• 2022 Illinois FFA State FFA Degrees to be approved in the Business Session on June 1, 2022.  

IAVAT Conference, June 21-23, 2022

Registration is OPEN!  Teachers register for the IAVAT Conference just like any other event by going to the www.ilaged.org website, login and begin your process in Event Registration.  Registration Questions or need to update submitted registrations, contact Patti Davis pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

Food Allergies - If attending any of the meals at the IAVAT Conference and you have food allergies, please complete this form by June 1, 2022.

*****NOTICE - IL FFA Leadership Camp - LOTS OF SPOTS OPEN!!!

IL FFA Leadership Camp, July 25-28, 2022

Registration is OPEN!  Teachers can register your students for the IL FFA Leadership Camp just like any other event by going to www.ilaged.org website, login and begin your process in Event Registration.  Registration closes on June 1, 2022.  Here is the listserv with more information about camp.  Registration Questions or need to update submitted registrations, contact Patti Davis pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

Items in this listserv:

****NEW Information****

1. Constitutional Amendment Reminder and Clarification

2. Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

3. 2022 Chapter and Section Reporter Award Results

4. 2022 Chapter President Award Results

5. 2022 Illinois FFA Agriscience State Winners

6. 2022 Illinois FFA Band, Chorus & Drumline Members

7. 2022 Illinois FFA Talent

8. Harvest for All Awards

1. Constitutional Amendment Reminder and Clarification

IAVAT Constitutional Amendment - Replace Section with Region

Whereas, outside of Illinois agriculture education, the term Section 8 is an abbreviated term for a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Whereas, this terminology creates confusion for stakeholders outside of Illinois agricultural education when individuals or programs are identified as “part of Section 8”.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers rename the current 25 sections to 25 regions.

Constitutional Amendment #1 exact wording updates

Illinois FFA will vote on this FFA Constitutional Amendment to Replace Section with Region

Due to the proposal of Constitutional Changes for IAVAT to change the name of Section to Regions, Illinois FFA will have one Constitutional Proposal as well, which will be up for a vote on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the 94th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention business session.  

Proposed Constitutional Change:  Illinois Association FFA rename the current 25 sections to 25 regions.  

Do you have any questions or concerns about this proposal?  If so click here to let us know and hopefully we can answer your questions and address your concerns prior to FFA Convention and IAVAT Conference.  

2.  Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is calling on young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2022 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which encourages students to share their vision of agriculture in our state. The contest entry deadline is June 22.

“Illinois takes pride in its farming and agricultural diversity,” Frerichs said. “This contest provides students the opportunity to showcase the strength and beauty of our state’s rich agricultural landscape.”  The treasurer’s office is accepting electronic submissions for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest at www.CreamoftheCropContest.com. Top photographs will be chosen in three age-based categories: ages 8-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Each student may submit up to two photos by June 22, 2022.  Now in its 10th year, the photo contest offers Illinois students an opportunity to showcase their most innovative or scenic pictures that depict their vision of agriculture in our state. Over the years, more than 500 students have participated, submitting nearly 1,000 photos. The Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is part of the Ag Invest program in the treasurer’s office. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material, as well as at the 2022 Illinois State Fair.  Ag Invest, one of the nation’s largest agricultural linked deposit programs, helps hundreds of Illinois farmers and agriculture professionals. Through Ag Invest, the treasurer’s office partners with eligible financial institutions to offer farmers and ag businesses annual and long-term, low-interest loans that can be used for operating costs, equipment purchases, construction-related expenses, and livestock purchases. 

OFFICE OF ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER

MICHAEL W. FRERICHS

To read the rules, terms, and legal conditions associated with this contest, visit our website at www.CreamoftheCropContest.com or contact Teri Whitfield at 217.900.0075

3.   2022 Chapter and Section Reporter Award Results

Congratulations to the 2022 Illinois FFA Reporter Award Winners!

2022 Illinois FFA Top Section Reporter Rankings

2022 Illinois FFA Top 10 Chapter Reporters 

2022 Illinois FFA Chapter Reporter Rankings

4.  2022 Chapter President Award Results

Congratulations to the 2022 Illinois FFA Outstanding Chapter Presidents!  

The Illinois Farm Bureau Family of Companies would like to extend a warm congratulations to the following individuals for their efforts as a chapter president! This award recognizes chapter presidents who have excelled in their role over the past year.

2022 Illinois FFA Top 10 Chapter Presidents

2022 Illinois FFA Chapter President Rankings

2022 Illinois FFA Top 10 Section Presidents

• Elaina Allaman, Section 4

• Kate Colgan, Section 5

• Levi Maierhofer, Section 7

• Rachel Hood, Section 11

• Dennis Wollin, Section 19

• Julianna Berg, Section 20

• Derek Sample, Section 21

• Haley Bode, Section 22

• Emma Wiseman, Section 23

• Dani Rubenacker, Section 25

5.  2022 Illinois FFA Agriscience State Winners

Congratulations to the 2022 Illinois FFA Agriscience Fair State Winners!

We were thrilled to have 55 IL FFA members compete with their 44 projects in the 2022 IL FFA Agriscience Fair. 

The winners in each category and division are listed below. These students will be submitted as the National Finalist Candidates from Illinois for the 2022 National FFA Agriscience Fair. 

Category: Animal Systems

Division 1 - Drake Slutz, Sycamore

Division 3 - Brody English, Mt. Carmel

Division 4 - Drew Mickey & Jay Bliler, Taylorville
Division 5 - Olivia Alka, Mt. Carmel

Category: Environmental Sciences & Natural Resource Systems

Division 2 - Ayden Miller & Tristen Hester, Southeastern
Division 3 - Megan Baker, Neoga

Division 4 - Greyson Applebee & Gehrig Bunselmeyer, Maroa-Forsyth

Division 5 - Samantha Alvarez, Central Burlington

Category: Food Products & Processing Systems

Division 1 - Deacon Waner, Southeastern

Division 3 - Allie Brach, Cisne

Division 5 - Cooper Lee, Southeastern
Division 6 - Charles Breed & Alexi Haas, Stockton

Category: Plant Systems 

Division 2 - Kenzi Griswold & Riley Smith, Southeastern

Division 3 - Lainie Clark, Fairfield

Division 5 - Blake Twenhafel, Wesclin

Division 6 - Kevin Hyder & Isabella Cline, Cisne

Category: Power, Structural & Technical Systems

Division 3 - Hadley Walker, Cisne

Division 4 - Liliana Weese & Gracie Arthur, Southeastern

Division 5 - Elaan Bader, Litchfield

Category: Social Systems

Division 3 - Olivia Shike, Unity-Tolono

Division 4 - Abby Norris & Abby Erlenbush, Taylorville

Division 5 - Allyson Yoakum & Lorelei Darlak, Sycamore

SPECIAL “SHOUT OUT” and THANK YOU to Jennifer Waters for coordinating this event and being our state expert!  

We would also like to thank the following judges for the event: 

• Lucas Allen, FCAE

• Rachel Brown, Farm Credit Illinois

• Megan Coy, FCAE

• Emily Gartner, Farm Credit Illinois 

• Grant Grebner, Illinois Central College

• Kelsey Handy, Greenview Nursery

• William Harmon, Lincoln Land Community College

• John Heiser, FCAE

• Penny Lauritzen, Illinois Agriwomen

• Amy Lefringhouse, John Wood Community College & University of Illinois Extension

• Justin Lewis, John Wood Community College

• Nathalie Schmidt, Schmidt Family Farms/Illinois Agriwomen

• Jay Solomonson, Illinois State University 

• Allyson Smith, Spoon River College

• Deanna Thomas, Thomas Family Farms

• Jenny Wold, Somonauk-Leland Agriculture Instructor

• Haley Underwood, Corteva

• Kelsey Vance, Syngenta/Illinois Agriwomen

• Claire Weinzierl, Illinois Soybean Association 

6.  2022 Illinois FFA Band, Chorus & Drumline Members

Congratulations to the 2022 Illinois FFA Band, Chorus & Drumline Members!  And THANK YOU, these members not only entertain us during the convention session, but they also make convection run smoothly and are an integral part of the success of the convention.  Band, Chorus, Drumline Schedule.

2022 Illinois FFA State Convention Band 

2022 Illinois FFA State Convention Chorus

7.  2022 Illinois FFA State Convention Talent

Congratulations to the 2022 Illinois FFA Talent!  And THANK YOU, these members not only entertain us during the convention session, but they also make convection run smoothly and are an integral part of the success of the convention.  We had a lot of great talent submitted this year, it was a tough decision!

8.  2021-2022 Harvest for All Results

For the past 19 years, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Harvest for All campaign has been uniting the agriculture industry in the fight against food insecurity across the nation through fundraisers, food drives, and volunteer initiatives. The Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders could not make the significant impact they do without the help of Illinois FFA chapters. This award recognizes FFA chapters who have excelled in their Harvest for All efforts to meet the needs of those in their own communities. 

As a friendly reminder, next year’s tracking period will run May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023. 

Thank you for joining Illinois Farm Bureau in the fight against food insecurity in Illinois and keep up the great work! 

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

• CLICK HERE to view

***DATES & DEADLINES - Remember*** 

2022 - State FFA Convention & IAVAT Conference Registration, IAVAT Dues, Exhibitor Information, Hotel Room Block Links, and Additional Hotels  

Instructions on How To Register for Events, CDE's-Adding/Editing Participant Names, and Waiver Uploads for Events

CDE/LDE Calendar & General Information

Trading Post  

• May 18, 2022 - IAVAT Board Meeting - Virtual at 3:30 p.m.

• May 24, 2022 - Illinois FFA Board Meeting - Virtual at 3:30 p.m.

• May 25, 2022 - Delegate Registration REQUIRED - DUE

• May 25, 2022 - Illinois State FFA Convention Registration Closes at 11:59 p.m.

• May 27, 2022 - Illinois FFA Center closing at 2:30 p.m.

• May 30, 2022 -  Mandatory Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. for Ag Communications & Ag Issues CDE.  Once the registration closes, please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDEs at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• May 30, 2022 - Ag Issues Materials DUE

• May 30, 2022 - Illinois FFA Center CLOSED

• May 31, 2022 - Public Speaking & Job Interview Materials DUE

• May 31 - June 1, 2022 - Illinois FFA State Officer Meeting - Illinois FFA Center

• June 1, 2022 - Registration closes for IL FFA Leadership Camp at 11:59 p.m.  Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations. 

• June 1, 2022 - Illinois FFA State Business Session at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.  See the May 10, 2022 Listserv for Zoom Link/Sign-On.

• June 1, 2022 - Scrapbook Intent DUE

• June 1, 2022 - State FFA Convention Registration - No Refunds Starting      June 1, 2022, for cancellations. 

• June 1, 2022 - FY23 Section Fair Contracts DUE

• June 1, 2022 - IAVAT Conference Registration $50 Late Fee Begins.

• June 1, 2022 - Food Allergies/Vegetarian Forms final day to be completed for State FFA Convention and IAVAT Conference.

• June 10, 2022 - Ag Communications Materials DUE

• June 13, 2022 - Agricultural Issues CDE - Springfield, IL 

• June 13, 2022 - Agricultural Communications, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703 

• June 14, 2022 - Public Speaking & Job Interview LDEs - President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701.  Starts at 10:00 a.m. (by appointment only)

• June 14 - 16, 2022 - Illinois FFA State Convention - Bank of Springfield Center 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, IL 62702

• June 15, 2022 - Greenhand Quiz Bowl, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 10:00 a.m.

• June 16, 2022 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters John Deere Gator Raffle Drawing at 1:00 p.m., Bank of Springfield Center. Do not need to be present to win.

• June 21 - 23, 2022 - IAVAT Conference - Bloomington, IL

• June 23 - 25, 2022 - 2022-2023 Illinois FFA State Officer Team meeting - Bloomington

• June 28 - 30, 2022 - Region IV NAAE Conference, Thelma Keller Convention Center, 1202 N Keller Dr, Effingham, IL 62401.

• July 1, 2022 - Illinois FFA Center - Closing at 12:30 p.m.

• July 4, 2022 - Illinois FFA Center - OFFICE Closed for the 4th of July Holiday

• July 5 - 7, 2022 - Illinois FFA State Officer Team Meeting - SIUC, Carbondale, IL

• July 8, 2022 - Illinois FFA Day with the Normal Cornbelters, Normal, IL  - Fundraiser for the Illinois Foundation FFA - Payment of tickets goes directly to the Cornbelters.

• July 11 - 14, 2022 - Illinois FFA State Officer Team to National Corn Congress with Illinois Corn, Washington D.C. 

• July 11, 2022 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp - Contact/Signature Form & Health Insurance Card Upload DUE for all attendees.  

• July 22, 2022 - IAVAT Administrative Council Meeting, FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• July 25 - 28, 2022 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp, 4-H Memorial Campgrounds, Monticello, IL (Monday-Thursday) 

• July 25, 2022 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Council Meeting & Cooking Pork Chops/Corn at the Illinois FFA Leadership Camp

• August 1, 2022 - FFA & IAVAT Joint Board Meeting, Springfield, IL

• August 2, 2022 - IAVAT Section Chairs Meeting, Springfield, IL

• August 9 - 11, 2022 - Illinois FFA State Officer Team Meeting, Springfield, IL

• August 11, 2022 - Illinois FFA State Fair Parade, Springfield, IL

• August 11 - 21, 2022 - Illinois FFA Center State Officer Team and Staff work the Illinois State Fair Barnyard

• August 12, 2022 - Illinois Foundation FFA St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Registration Closes at 11:59 p.m.

• August 26, 2022 - DuQuoin State Fair Parade, DuQuoin, IL

• August 29, 2022 - DuQuoin State Fair Farmyard Follies, DuQuoin, IL

• August 30, 2022 - District IV Star Conference, Lake Land College, 5001 Lake Land Blvd, Mattoon, IL 61938

• August 31, 2022 - District II Star Conference, Joliet Junior College Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 W Laraway Rd, Joliet, IL 60433

• September 1, 2022 - District I Star Conference, Black Hawk College East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Rd, Galva, IL 61434

• September 2, 2022 - Illinois FFA Center Closing at 2:30 pm

• September 3, 2022 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Horse CDE.  Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• September 4, 2022 - Illinois FFA Day with the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis, MO - Fundraiser for the Illinois Foundation FFA

• September 5, 2022 - Illinois FFA Center CLOSED

• September 6, 2022 - District V Star & Greenhand/COLT Conference, Southern Illinois University, College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901.

• September 7, 2022 - District III Greenhand Conference, Western Illinois University, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455.

• September 8, 2022 - District III Star Conference, Western Illinois University, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455,

• September 9, 2022 - ICAE Meeting

• September 10, 2022 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Forestry CDE.  Registration will continue at the regular rate. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• September 17, 2022 - State Horse CDE, Black Hawk College East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Rd, Galva, IL 61434. Registration 7:00-8:30, Event starts at 9:00 am.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• September 24, 20022 - State Forestry CDE, Southern Illinois University, SIU College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901. Registration 8:00-9:30 a.m., Event Starts at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• September 27, 2022 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Land Use CDE.  Registration will continue at the regular rate. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• September 28, 2022 - IL FFA Center CLOSED, Office Cleanout Day

• October 10, 2022 - IL FFA Center CLOSED

• October 11, 2022 - State Land Use CDE, Illinois State University, 100 N University St, Normal, IL 61761.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• October 17, 2022 - Illinois Foundation FFA Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• October 19, 2022 - IAVAT Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• October 26 - October 29, 2022 - National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, IN

• November 1, 2022 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Washington Leadership Scholarship Application DUE

• November 1, 2022 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Ground Zero Application DUE

• November 1, 2022 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters BUILD Conference Application DUE

• November 5, 2022 - State Ag Sales CDE Results DUE

• November 5, 2022 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Council Meeting, IL FFA Center

• November 11, 2022 - IL FFA Center CLOSED

• November 19, 2022 - State Ag Sales CDE, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703.  By Appointment Only

• November 24-25, 2022 - IL FFA Center CLOSED

• November 26, 2022 - Mandatory Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. for State Dairy Foods CDE.  Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• November 26, 2022 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m for State Agronomy CDE.  Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• December 2-5, 2022 - Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

• December 10, 2022 - State Dairy Foods CDE, Parkland College, 2400 W Bradley Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• December 10, 2022 - State Agronomy CDE, University of Illinois, Stock Pavilion, 1402 W Pennsylvania Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00-9:30 a.m. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• December 22 - January 3, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for the Christmas Holiday

• January 6, 2023 - American FFA Degree Mandatory Intent DUE

• January 6, 2023 - Joint IL FFA & IAVAT Board Meeting, IL FFA Center

• January 7, 2023 - IAVAT Section Chairs, IL FFA Center

• January 16, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED

• January 27-28, 2023 - Ground Zero Conference, Southern Illinois University, College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901.

• February 3-4, 2023 - Ground Zero Conference, I-Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820.

• February 10-11, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Annual Meeting and Auction, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701.

• February 16-17, 2023 - IACTE Conference

• February 18, 2023 - Parent/Candidate Orientation Meeting, IL FFA Center

• February 18, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE.  Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• February 18, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Veterinary Science CDE.  Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• February 18, 2023 - Lesson Plans DUE for State Ag Ed CDE

• February 18 - 25, 2023 - National FFA Week

• March 1, 2023 - Sam Taylor Scholarships Application DUE

• March 1, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters FFA Leadership Camp Scholarship Application DUE

• March 3, 2023 - Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference