Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS - REMINDERS:  

• Spanish Creed Speaking LDE 

Please click here for the Spanish Creed Speaking LDE Rules.  Please click here to complete the intent to participate in the State Spanish Creed Speaking LDE DUE February 1, 2023.  

• Officer Candidate and Parent Orientation - Saturday, February 18, 2023

Click here to view that listserv posted on 11/15/2022.  Click here to RSVP to the orientation.  

• 2023 Illinois FFA Selection Committee - STUDENTS NEEDED

Selection Committee is an amazing opportunity for FFA members and friends of the FFA, click here to check out an awesome video about being on Selection Committee.  The State FFA Officer Selection Committee application is due March 15, 2023.  If you have students that are interested in being on the 2023 Selection Committee click here to apply.

• Town Hall during March 1, 2023, CREW Meeting - The Illinois FFA Board in reply to the IAVAT resolution to revisit and provide more information regarding the Illinois FFA Constitutional Amendment -  to Replace the word Section with Region, will be holding a Town Hall during the March 1, 2023, CREW Meeting.  Please click here to provide your testimonials or submit your question.   ALL SUBMISSIONS are DUE by Monday, February 20, 2023, to allow the board to review them and also notify those who are going to verbally provide testimony on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.  

• ****CORRECTION:  The phone number for the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel is 217-544-8800

****NEW Information****

1.  Ag Legislative Day and Seminar

2. IL FFA Alumni and Supporters John Deere Gator Raffle

3. IL FFA Leadership Camp Registration opens February 1, 2023

4. Elizabeth Ann Weidner Memorial Scholarship

5.  State & American FFA Degree Community Service

1. Ag Legislative Seminar & Day 

The Ag Legislative Seminar will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Wyndham Hotel, 700 E Adams St., Springfield.  Each school may bring 1 Advisor & 8 Students at no cost.  For additional advisors/chaperones and students the cost will be $10 per person.  We do have a room block reserved for $112 plus tax and the reservation code is IL FFA 2023.  The room block closes on March 7, 2023.

Ag Legislative Day is Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at the Capitol Complex, Time TBA.  Registration will open February 1, 2023.  There isn’t a limit on how many can attend.

2. Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters John Deere Gator Raffle

Donated by John Deere

Drawing for the Winning Ticket will be Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the BOS Convention Center, Springfield, IL.  The winning FFA Chapter will receive $300 and we will draw two additional tickets and those different FFA Chapters will receive $250.

Tickets are:

• 1 for $10

• 3 for $25

• 20 for $100

40% of total ticket sales goes back to the local FFA Chapter.  If you would like to sell tickets, please email pdavis@illinoisffa.org with how many you would like sent to you (tickets will be distributed to schools at Ground Zero Conference).  If you'd prefer to just buy gator raffle tickets, you can mail a check to the IL FFA Alumni, 3221 Northfield Dr., Springfield, IL 62702, or pay by credit card (please add 3% to cover credit card fees) - please allocate to the Alumni and note: Gator Tickets.  We will mail you your ticket stubs.

If you are having an event, we can provide you with a Gator Banner and the tickets.  Please contact any Alumni Council Members or email pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

3. IL FFA Leadership Camp Registration Opens February 1, 2023

The IL FFA Leadership Camp Registration will open on February 1, 2023 and closes on June 1, 2023.  The cost of camp is $215.  New this year, we are holding a maximum of two students for the camp coordinator and counselors.  Please review this document for all the links to the health profile document, consent form to be used with the upload of the insurance card for each camper.  

4.   Elizabeth Ann Weidner Memorial Scholarship

The Elizabeth Ann Weidner Memorial Scholarship was set up to honor the incredible life of a former decorated Illinois FFA Section 20 and Chapter officer following her passing her during her senior year (September 2021) at Teutopolis High School.  

She bravely fought Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma Cancer for nearly six years. During that time, Elizabeth a 3rd generation FFA member used her health as a platform to improve lives across the US as she advocated, educated and inspired the world she lived in!

The scholarship covers the three points of Elizabeth life Agriculture, The Arts and Healthcare.  Special consideration is given to applicants who have been affected by childhood/adult cancer as a survivor OR sibling OR child.  No less than $1,000 will be awarded each year.  For specific scholarship questions please reach out to the Weidner Family via FB/IG Crowns Fight Cancer.

The Spring Scholarship cycle for the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation will be open January 24, 2023 – March 14, 2023.  

If you or someone you know is continuing their education in the 2023-2024 academic year, be sure to mark your calendars to view this scholarship opportunity!  

APPLY/CLICK here https://southeasternillinois.org/students/

#Scholarships #Education #Opportunity

5.  State & American FFA Degree Community Service

For any of you who are working with your students on their State and American FFA Degree applications, please take time to read this and save yourself from headaches - DOUBLE check where is says Individual/Group/Organization to whom service was PROVIDED - make sure it says WHO they provided the service to, NOT the orgranization they provided the service WITH.  

For example, many students will put their FFA Chapter, 4-H Club or Church group that they work WITH when they are doing a Food Drive or a Blood Drive.  PLEASE be sure to have them CHANGE that to WHO benefited from their service - like the local food bank or  the American Red Cross.  PLEASE read over the Community Service guidelines one more time before you submit the application.  It is the biggest reason for American FFA Degree applications being removed and sent back for revisions, save yourself time now by DOUBLE checking your State FFA Degree applications.  

**** 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 - King Hotel Rooms only thing available.

President Abraham Lincoln Hotel Room Block - Sold Out 1/30/23.

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, leadership camp, and conventions.

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

• February 1, 2023 - IL FFA WLC Trip Registration CLOSES at 11:59 p.m.

• 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 28, 2023 - Ag Legislative Seminar, Wyndham Hotel, 700 E Adams St., Springfield, IL

• March 29, 2023 - Ag Legislative Day, Site/Time TBA

• 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 1, 2023 - Honorary State Degree DUE - Teacher Application; Non-Teacher Application 

• 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., and 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 1, 2023 - Top Section/Chapter Reporter Application DUE

• May 1, 2023 - Eldon Witt Scholarship Application DUE

• 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 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 21, 2023 - IL FFA Leadership Leave Early/Arrive Late Forms DUE to pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

• 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