Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS:

• FFA Roster Reminders - Just a reminder that Tammy Yard is still working on approving the FFA rosters as quickly as she can.  If your roster has not been approved yet, here are a few things to make sure are complete to help her get as many approved as quickly as possible:

  • Make sure that all ag ed students have been submitted to the FFA roster and that you do not have any in the Pending Submission area.  That can be found under the FFA Membership tab under your dashboard.

  • Make sure that your administrator has completed their approval from the link that was sent to them when you submitted your roster.  If they did not receive the link, please let Tammy Yard know their name and email address and she will send it from her account.  Thank you! 

• CONGRATULATIONS to Taylorville FFA on being in the TOP 3 in the Nation in the Strengthening Agriculture Division of the National Chapter Award application.  Taylorville FFA will present on the Finals Hall Stage on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 3;30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.  

• License Plate Update - At this time, we have had less than 100 people turn in the form and $10.00 to get the Illinois FFA license plate commissioned.  If each FFA Chapter gets ONLY 6 people to send in the form and the $10.00 we are there, but sadly friends we are VERY short of this goal of having 2000 people complete the form and submit the $10.00.  Click here for the original message about the license plate.  You can still help in three easy steps:

1. Download and print this form.

2. Fill the form out, including “Illinois FFA” for “Name of Specialty Plate Being Requested”

3. Send the form in to the Secretary of State’s office with $10 via check (recommended) or cash.  

• Fall Middle School Conference Registration Ends October 25, 2023 - Participation Form & CARE Form in AET Required for all students (parents signature required).  

****NEW Information****

1. Conference Teacher Assistants

2. Urban Agriculture Program Manager Position & Food Systems Summer Intern 

3. Illinois FFA Center Summer Intern Positions

4. Identifying & Supporting Struggling Farmers Webinar

5. Crop Detective Academy: Case of the Missing Yield

6. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

1.  Conference Teacher Assistants

Conference Facilitators need your help! In an effort to allow conference facilitators and team leaders to dedicate their time and attention to providing the best experience possible for members, we need additional assistance managing student logistics during the conferences.

Teacher Assistants will be requested to supervise student programming each day in return for a free advisor registration. Multiple advisors will be selected for larger conferences to share supervision responsibilities. Advisors would sit in the conference room for sessions to coordinate role calls with team leaders ensuring students are in their correct groups, elevate any behavior issues to conference staff, elevate any mental health issues to conference counselor, elevate any health issues to the conference nurse, assist in corresponding with other advisors as necessary to assist with student issues, assist with capturing photos during the event, ensure students are not leaving designated conference facilities, and routinely walk conference facilities to ensure students are in session.

Click here to sign up to serve as a conference teacher assistant. Credits will be applied to chapter invoices upon selection.

2. Urban Agriculture Program Manager Position & Food Systems Summer Intern 

Two unique opportunities that are available at the Illinois Farm Bureau. These positions will work directly with the Food Systems team.

The first is for an Urban Agriculture Program Manager Position. People can apply for the position here. The job description is here.

The second position is for college students interested in a PAID summer internship in Food Systems. Students can apply here. The job description is here.

3. Illinois FFA Center Summer Intern Positions

The Illinois FFA Center will be hiring Summer Interns for the Summer of 2024 to assist the center in completing and coordinating various events and activities.  

Please click here to see the postings.  If you know of someone who may be interested in this opportunity please share this information with them.  Thank you for your time and for passing this information along.  

We are excited to again offer the legislative internship created by the generous contributions in memory of Bill Johnson. 

4. Identifying & Supporting Struggling Farmers Webinar

Click here for more information about the Farm Family Resource Initiative Webinar presented Virtually via Webex.  

5. Crop Detective Academy: Case of the Missing Yield

Check out this great resource! Click here for - Crop Detective Academy: Case of the Missing Yield

6. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza have increased over the last week.

• USDA APHIS | 2022-2023 Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks

• Live bird migration maps - BirdCast

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

• CLICK HERE to view

• IAVAT Dues & Donations Link

• 2023-24 CDE/LDE Calendar Updated 9-25-23

• C.A.R.E. Form in AET Instructions

• Fall & Spring Conferences Registration & Site Information

• 2024 State FFA Convention Downtown Room Reservations Links

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

• October 16 - 20, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 1, 4, 7, 16, and 21

• October 23, 2023 - Illinois Foundation FFA Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• October 24, 2023 - Virtual State Officer Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

• October 25, 2023 - Fall Middle School Conference Registration ENDS & Food Allergies/Vegetarian Form DUE

• October 25, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield, IL 

• October 26, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

• October 31, 2023 - IAVAT & IACCAI Dues Deadline

• November 1, 2023 - Administrator Approval for FFA Rosters DUE

• November 1-4, 2023 - National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, IN

• November 3, 2023 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Ag Sales CDE to IL FFA Center 

• November 4, 2023 - State Ag Sales Results Due

• November 6, 2023 - BUILD Conference Registration Closes & Food Allergies/Special Meal Form DUE

• November 7, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

• November 7, 2023 - Fall PAS Conference Registration Due

• November 8, 2023 - Fall Middle School Conference at ICC, East Peoria or Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg

• November 8, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni & Supporters Scholarships Applications Due for WLC & Ground Zero Conference and Letter of Recommendations from the FFA Advisor.

• November 8, 2023 - CREW Meeting, Virtual, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• November 9, 2023 - ICAE Meeting, (site tentative)

• November 10, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• November 13 - 17, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 6, 8, 12, and 17

• November 14, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

• November 14, 2023 - IAVAT Administrative Council Meeting, FFA Center, Springfield

• November 16, 2023 - PAS Conference, ISU, Hancock Stadium, North Main St, Normal, IL

• November 18, 2023 - State Ag Sales, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• November 18, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni & Supporters Council Meeting, Illinois FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• November 20-21, 2023 - BUILD Conference, ISU, Bone Center, 200 N University St, Normal, IL

• November 22, 2023 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 for Holiday

• November 23-24, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• November 25, 2023 - Mandatory Registration closes for State Dairy Foods CDE

• November 25, 2023 - Early Bird Registration closes for State Agronomy CDE

• November 28 - December 2, 2023 - NAAE/ACTE Conference, Phoenix, AZ

• November 24, 2023 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Dairy Foods and State Agronomy CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• December 1-4, 2023 - IAA Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, Palmer House, Chicago, IL

• December 1, 2023 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Roster & Dues DUE

• December 4 - 8, 2023 - Chapter Visits in Sections 3, 5, 10, and 25

• December 9, 2023 - State Agronomy & Dairy Foods CDEs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL

• December 14, 2023 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting

• December 21, 2023 - Illinois FFA Center Closes at 12:30 p.m. for the Christmas/New Year’s Holidays

• December 22, 2023  to January 2, 2024 - Christmas/New Year’s Holiday – IL FFA Center Closed

• January 5, 2024 - Tentative IAVAT/FFA Joint Board Meeting, IL FFA Center

• January 5, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Annual Meeting Registration Closes

• January 6, 2024 - Tentative IAVAT Section Chairs Meeting, IL FFA Center

• January 8, 2024 - American FFA Degree Mandatory Intents DUE

• January 10, 2024 - CREW Meeting, Virtual, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• January 12, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference Registration ENDS & Food Allergies/Special Meal Form DUE

• January 12, 2024 - Tentative ICAE Meeting

• January 15, 2024 - American FFA Degree Applications DUE

• January 15, 2024 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• January 19-20, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Annual Meeting & Auction, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL

• January 22-23, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, Northfield Inn & Suites,  3280 Northfield Dr, Springfield, IL 62702

• January 26-27, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, Southern Illinois University, 1263 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

• January 30, 2024 - Spring PAS Conference Registration DUE

• January 31, 2024 - Deadline for Foundation Program & Stage Recognition for Sponsorship and Collections 

• January 31, 2024 - Ground Zero Conference, 2 Sites:  Joliet Junior College, Main Campus, U Building - Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL& WIU, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455

• February 5-7-, 2024 - American Degree Interviews, FFA Center, Springfield

• February 8, 2024 - Spring PAS Conference, Heartland Community College, 1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761

• February 13, 2024 - FFA Board Virtual Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• February 17, 2024 - Tentative State FFA Officer Candidate & Parent Orientation, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• February 17, 2024 - State Meats Evaluation & Technology & Veterinary Science CDEs Early Bird Registration Ends

• February 17, 2024 - State Ag Ed Lesson Plans DUE

• February 17-25, 2024 - National FFA Week

• February 23, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Meats & Vet Science CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• February 27, 2024 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• March 2024 - Tentative Ag Legislative Day

• March 1, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Rosters & Dues DUE 

• March 1, 2024 - Sam Taylor Scholarship Applications DUE

• March 1, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Camp Scholarship Application & Letter of Recommendation DUE

• March 2, 2024 - State Meats & State Vet Science & Ag Ed CDEs, University Of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

• March 2-3, 2024 - Tentative State Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• March 2-3, 2024 - Products Expo, IL State Fairgrounds, Springfield

• March 6, 2024 - District Proficiencies

• March 8, 2024 - ICAE Meeting

• March 9, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Council Meeting, Springfield

• March 12, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• March 13, 2024 - CREW Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• March 13-15, 2024 - Tentative National PAS Conference in Illinois

• March 20-24, 2024 - National MANRRS Conference, Chicago, IL

• March 22, 2024 - Mandatory Registration ENDS for State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE

• March 22, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE

• March 22-23, 2024 - State Officer Meeting

• March 23, 2024 - State Awards Day

• March 23, 2024 - Mandatory Registration ENDS State Food Science 

• March 23, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Food Science CDE

• March 28, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 p.m. for Holiday

• March 29, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for Good Friday

• April 1, 2024 - National Chapter Application DUE

• April 5, 2024 - State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801

• April 5, 2024 - State Livestock Reasons Mandatory Registration CLOSES

• April 5, 2024 - State Horticulture CDE Mandatory Registration CLOSES

• April 5, 2024 - Early Bird Registration Ends for State Livestock Non-Reasons & State Poultry CDEs

• April 6, 2024 - State Food Science CDE, SIU College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

• April 9, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference Registration CLOSES & Food Allergies/Special Meals Form DUE for Spring Middle School Conferences

• April 10, 2024 - IAVAT Board Meeting, Tentative, IL FFA Center

• April 12, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Livestock, Horticulture, & Poultry CDEs to IL FFA Center 

• April 15, 2024 - Illinois Foundation FFA Annual Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• April 15, 2024 - Results Due for Parliamentary Procedure & Conduct of Chapter Meetings

• April 15, 2024 - Illinois FFA Agriscience Fair Applications DUE

• April 15, 2024 - Eldon Witt Student Teaching Scholarship Applications DUE

• April 16, 2024 - FFA Board Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• April 17, 2024 - State Ag Business Management Early Bird Registration Closes

• April 18, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics Mandatory Registration Closes & Results DUE

• April 18, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics CDE Waiver DUE

• April 19, 2024 - State Livestock & Poultry CDEs, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Stock Pavilion, 1402 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL

• April 19, 2024 - State Horticulture CDE, Parkland College, 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821

• April 23, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Administrative Council Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• April 23, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 

• April 24, 2024 - Special Accommodations Form DUE for State Ag Mechanics CDE, Parliamentary Procedure, & Conduct of Chapter Meetings to IL FFA Center 

• April 24, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021

• April 25, 2024 - Spring Middle School Conference, Rend Lake College, 468 North Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL 62846

• April 27, 2024 - IL FFA State Officer Candidate Selection Committee, Springfield Tentative

• May 2024 - Tentative Illinois Envirothon, Allerton Park, 4-H Camp Ground, Monticello, IL

• May 1, 2024 - State Ag Business Management CDE, District Sites TBA

• May 2, 2024 - State Ag Mechanics CDE, Parliamentary Procedure, and Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Illinois Central College, East Peoria Campus, 1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635

• May 10, 2024 - ICAE Meeting

• May 15, 2024 - Virtual IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• May 15, 2024 - District Job Interview, District Public Speaking & Greenhand Quizbowl Section Results DUE

• May 21, 2024 - Virtual FFA Board Meeting, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

• May 22, 2024 - FY25 Section Fair Contracts MANDATORY DUE

• May 24, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 2:30 p.m. for Memorial Day Holiday

• May 27, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for Memorial Day Holiday

• May 28, 2024 - State Ag Issues CDE Mandatory Registration ENDS & Materials DUE

• May 28, 2024 - Job Interview & Public Speaking Materials DUE

• May 28-29, 2024 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• May 29, 2024 - IL FFA Convention Business Session, Virtual

• June 7, 2024 - Ag Communications Mandatory Registration & Materials DUE to Lincoln Land Community College

• June 10, 2024 - Ag Communications & Ag Issues, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• June 11-13, 2024 - State FFA Convention, BOS Center, Springfield, IL

• June 11, 2024 - Job Interview & Public Speaking LDEs at State FFA Convention

• June 12, 2024 - Greenhand Quizbowl, State FFA Convention

• June 13, 2024 - IL FFA Alumni & Supporters Raffle Drawing, 1:00 p.m.

• June 13-14, 2024 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield

• TBA - IAVAT Board & Section Chairs Meeting, SIU-Carbondale

• TBA - IAVAT Conference, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• June 2024 - Tentative IL FFA WLC Trip, Washington, D.C.

• July 2024 - Tentative IL FFA Leadership Camp, Allerton Park, 4-H Camp, Monticello

• July 3, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 p.m. for Holiday

• July 4, 2024 - IL FFA Center Closed for 4th of July

• July 8-12, 2024 - State Officer Meeting