Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS:  

NEW Year REMINDERS:  

• Spanish Creed Speaking LDE 

We are very excited to be offering a Spanish Creed Speaking LDE in conjunction with the Public Speaking Finals held during the State FFA Convention. Please click here for the Spanish Creed Speaking LDE Rules.  

• It was properly moved to have a Spanish Creed Speaking LDE competition at the state level with no limit of participants from each chapter.  An FFA member can only enter the State Spanish Creed Speaking LDE or the Section Creed Speaking LDE.  With an intent to sign up due on February 1 and final registration due  May 1. 

Our goal is to post this intent due by February 1, 2023, to get an idea of how many preliminary brackets we will need at the state level.  So, if you have any students who would be interested in the State Spanish Creed Speaking LDE, please click here to complete the intent to participate in the State Spanish Creed Speaking LDE.  In the intent, we are asking if you know of any potential judges who are fluent in Spanish.  

****NEW Information****

1. Sam Taylor Scholarship

2. Eldon Witt Scholarship

3. Honorary Illinois FFA State Degree

4. Reporter Awards

5. Day of Service at Ground Zero Conferences

6. 2023 American FFA Degree Interview Schedule

1.  Sam Taylor Scholarship Application - DUE March 1

Know any students with interest or potential to be a GREAT Ag teacher?  Encourage them to apply for the Sam Taylor Scholarship. 

Sam Taylor Memorial Scholarship:  One or more $500 - $1,000 scholarship(s) established by the family in memory of Sam Taylor, 1991-92 State FFA President.  Sam was an agriculture education major at the time of his death, he served Illinois with a great enthusiasm for FFA, agriculture education and his Hereford cattle.  Available to any Illinois FFA member who is a graduating senior planning to major in agriculture or is a student already enrolled in an agricultural program at a two or four year college or university.  Preference will be given to applicants majoring in agriculture education,but all agriculture majors are encouraged to apply. Many of our current agriculture teachers have been awarded the Sam Taylor Memorial Scholarship.  It is also still awarded by Sam’s family at the Illinois FFA State Convention.  

DUE March 1.  Sam Taylor Scholarship Application.

2.  Eldon Witt Scholarship Application - DUE May 15

Know any agriculture education majors about to student teach?  Encourage them to apply for the Eldon Witt Scholarship. 

Mr. Witt served as the Executive Director for IAVAT starting in 1970 until retirement.  He then served the Illinois Association FFA as Executive Secretary from 1973 until his retirement in 1989.  The Eldon Witt Scholarship has been awarded to numerous future agriculture teachers throughout Illinois.

DUE May 15.  Eldon Witt Scholarship Application.

3.  Honorary Illinois FFA State Degree

Honorary State Degree Applications - DUE April 1 

Teachers interested in applying or nominating someone for the Honorary State FFA Degree - those applications are DUE April 1.  

Teacher Application

Non Teacher Application

4. Reporter Award Applications

Each year the top ten chapter and section reporters in Illinois are selected and recognized by the Illinois AgriNews on stage at the State FFA Convention and invited to serve as part of the State Convention Farm Credit Newsroom. Click here for the Chapter Reporter Award application.

***  AGAIN THIS YEAR - ATTENTION Chapter/Section Reporters: 

The top 25 applicants for the Chapter and Section Reporter Award will have the opportunity to be a flag bearer in the First Opening session of the 95th Illinois FFA Convention on June 13, 2023.  Fill out the application to be considered. You will receive an email if you have been selected after the selection process. 

5. Day of Service at Ground Zero Conferences

We are SUPER excited to share that during all three Ground Zero Conferences, participants will be invited to be a part of our 2023 Illinois FFA Day of Service Project.  Please click here for more information and the fun details.  

6.  2023 American FFA Degree Interview Schedule

Please click here to view the 2023 American FFA Degree Interview Schedule, all of the students on this list have applications currently being reviewed and will be interviewed based on this schedule.  Please don’t hesitate to contact Mindy Bunselmeyer, mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org with any American FFA Degree questions, schedule concerns or other issues.  Please note this schedule was designed based on the intents of the American FFA Degree candidates, while we can work with you on rescheduling, the judges who are interviewing the candidates are reviewing those applications therefore schedule changes are NOT encouraged.  

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

• CLICK HERE to view

***DATES & DEADLINES - Remember*** 

Please NOTE, that if you click on Dates & Deadlines it will take you to the www.ilaged.org calendar.  

2023 IL FFA State Convention Wyndham (Downtown) Springfield Hotel Room Link

2022-2023 CDE Calendar and General Information-Updated 12-5-22 & 2022-23 Trading Post

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

Start/Reactivate an Alumni with Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters

2022-23 C.A.R.E.S Waiver Form Listserv with Instructions - Required for all students attending conferences, the leadership camp, and conventions.

• January 23-27, 2023 - American Degree Applicants will be notified of any issues or errors to correct and address in their application prior to their interview.  Applicants will be notified of their scheduled interview date

• January 27, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Annual Meeting Hotel Room Block closes at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Springfield, IL.

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

• January 28, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Annual Meeting Registration for Full Conference Registration Fee increases to $135.

• February 1, 2023 - Spanish Creed Speaking LDE  intents DUE

• February 3-4, 2023 - Ground Zero Conference, I-Hotel & Conference Center Champaign, IL.

• February 3-4, 2023 - Ground Zero Conference, Western Illinois University, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455

• February 6-8, 2023 - Virtual American FFA Degree Interviews

• February 7, 2023 - Illinois FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• 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 - State Ag Ed CDE - Lesson Plans DUE 

• February 18, 2023 - Parent/Candidate Orientation Meeting, IL FFA Center, Start Time 1:00 p.m., Conclude by 4:00 p.m.

• February 18 - 25, 2023 - National FFA Week

• March 1, 2023 -  CREW Meeting - Virtual - 3:30-4:30 p.m.  Please click here to provide your testimonials or submit your question.  

• March 1, 2023 - Illinois FFA State Officer Candidate Applications & Resumes Due to Illinois FFA Center - click here for more information.

• March 1, 2023 - Sam Taylor Scholarships Application DUE

• March 1, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters FFA Leadership Camp Scholarship Application DUE - Freshmen & Sophomores get Priority Judging, Juniors can apply but will be considered after the Freshmen & Sophomores.

• March 2, 2023 - Illinois FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

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

• March 4, 2023 - State Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00-9:30, Event starts at 10:00 am.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• March 4, 2023 - State Vet Science CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00-9:30, Event starts at 10:00 am.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• March 4, 2023 - State Ag Ed CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801. By Appointment Only.

• March 8, 2023 - District Proficiencies

• March 11, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Council Meeting, IL FFA Center, 10:00 a.m.

• March 13, 2023 - Top 10 Section President Award Application DUE

• March 14, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• March 15, 2023 - Selection Committee Applications DUE  - click here for a flyer

• March 17, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Dairy Cattle/Handlers 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).

• March 18, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 pm for State Food Science 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).

• March 31, 2023 - State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 1, 2023 - TENTATIVE State Food Science CDE, Site TBA. Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 6, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSING at 12:30 for the Easter Holiday

• April 7, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Livestock Reasons 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).

• April 7, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Horticulture 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).

• April 7, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Livestock Non-Reasons CDE - Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration A

• April 7, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Poultry 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).

• April 7, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• April 12, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting at the IL FFA Center

• April 14, 2023 - Chapter President Application DUE

• April 17, 2023 - IL Foundation FFA Board Meeting at the IL FFA Center

• April 18, 2023 - IL FFA Board Meeting at the IL FFA Center

• April 19, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Ag Business Management 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).

• April 20, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. and Results are Due for State Ag Mechanics 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).

• April 20, 2023 - Results Due for Parliamentary Procedure LDE

• April 20, 2023 - Results Due for Conduct of Chapter Meetings

• April 21, 2023 - State Livestock Reasons/Non-Reasons CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 21, 2023 - State Poultry CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  The event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 21, 2023 - State Horticulture CDE, Parkland College, 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  The event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• May 3, 2023 - State Ag Business Management CDE, District Sites TBA.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• May 4, 2023 - State Ag Mechanics CDE, Illinois Central College, 1 College Drive East Peoria, IL 61635.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• May 4, 2023 - Parliamentary Procedure LDE, Illinois Central College, 1 College Drive East Peoria, IL 61635.  By Appointment Only

• May 4, 2023 - Conduct Chapter of Meetings LDE, Illinois Central College, 1 College Drive East Peoria, IL 61635.  By Appointment Only

• May 15, 2023 - Eldon Witt Student Teaching Scholarship Applications DUE

• May 17, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• May 26, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSING at 2:30 p.m. for the Holiday

• May 29, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• May 30-31, 2023 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center

• June 13 - 15, 2023 - Illinois FFA State Convention, Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, IL 62702

• June 20 - 22, 2023 - IAVAT Conference, Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Rd, Lisle, IL 60532, 

• July 24 - 27, 2023 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp, 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello, IL 61856

• August 1, 2023 - Joint FFA & IAVAT Board Meeting, IL FFA Center