Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS - MUST KNOW:

• HOT, HOT, HOT - CREW Meeting - January 10, 2024, 3:30 p.m. - MARK your calendars today!  

Topic: 2023-2024 CREW Meetings

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 869 2566 8319

Passcode: 329356

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• BLISTER HOT, HOT, HOT - National FFA Scholarship Application Now Open - Apply today — application closes Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. 

• BLAZIN - HOT, HOT, HOT - FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN GROUND ZERO - Ground Zero Conference Registration Ends THIS Friday, January 12, 2024

Required - Ground Zero Conference - The Participation Form and the CARE Form in AET must be completed by all participants/parents.  Please review this document for all event details, the links to the required participation form and completing the CARE Form in AET for all students attending the conference.  Please complete the food allergy/dietary meal form for students, advisors, and/or chaperones that have food allergies or need a special meal. Food Allergies/Special Meals Form due January 12, 2024, for students/teachers who need a special meal. Once registration closes, please utilize the Trading Post.

• SCORCHIN’ - HOT, HOT, HOT - The American FFA Degree APPLICATION is DUE January 15, 2024.  AMERICAN FFA DEGREE CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCEDURES - For ILLINOIS FFA MEMBERS.  Membership issue? - contact Tammy Yard, tyard@illinoisffa.org BEFORE January 12, 2024.    CLICK HERE to see everyone who submitted an intent in 2024.  

REMINDER:  Teachers, you MUST complete the following steps to SUBMIT your American FFA Degree applications:

1. Login into AET

2. Go to Degree Application Manager and at the top is the State Submissions Lists and Feedback

3. Click on State Submissions Lists and Feedback  - Green rectangle box in the top middle of the page.  

4. Then it will open up a page with options, go to the 2024 American FFA Degree 

5. Then click on Edit List 

6. Another page will appear

7. If the application is there then ADD them to the list

8. If not, then click on BROWSE and then ADD them to the list

NOTICE:  If the application doesn’t show up after you click on BROWSE, the application probably has some NOT MET issues to be addressed in the application.  REMEMBER, the student has to have ZERO NOT METS and save their application as a PDF.  Then you can submit it.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let me know - mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org

• HOT - 2024 State FFA Degree Application - Click on AET State Degree 

• State Officer Candidate and Parent Orientation - Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1:oo p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click here to RSVP. 

•  2024 Illinois FFA Selection Committee

The State FFA Officer Selection Committee application is due March 15, 2024.  If you have students who are interested in being on the 2024 Selection Committee click here to apply.  Should a student be selected, they need to know the selection committee will meet on April 27, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois. Their attendance will be critical to the process. Their ability to travel to Springfield on that date is required.

• LUKE Warm - National Chapter Award - DUE April 1, 2024, and MUST be SUBMITTED, need a REMINDER on how to submit?  Click Here.  Great news, the January State Scoop podcast special guest is Trent Taber, Cambridge FFA provides insight and advice on the National Chapter Award.  It’s COMING SOON!

****NEW Information****

1. Sam Taylor Scholarship Application - DUE March 1, 2024

2. Eldon Witt Scholarship Application - DUE Apr 1, 2024

3. Honorary Illinois FFA State Degree Nominations/Application DUE April 1, 2024

4. Reporter Award Applications

5. Special Projects Middle School Survey

6. FFA Board Updates - December 2023 and January 2024 Meetings

1. Sam Taylor Scholarship Application - DUE March 1, 2024

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 Apr 1, 2024

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 his retirement in 1989.  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 April 1.  Eldon Witt Scholarship Application.

3. Honorary Illinois FFA State Degree Nominations/Application DUE April 1, 2024

This Honorary Degree Program is operated under the policies and procedures approved by the Illinois Association FFA Board of Directors and State Officers. Honorary Degrees are provided for in the Illinois FFA Constitution. The Honorary State FFA Degree is the highest Honorary Degree that can be presented by the Illinois Association FFA at the annual Illinois FFA Convention. Individuals nominated must have provided exceptional (outstanding) service to agriculture and/or the agricultural education/FFA program at the state level. Nominations may also be made by members, friends of the FFA and by Illinois Association FFA Board of Directors and Officers, and the State Staff. Illinois FFA Honorary Degree Recipients over the years.  

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the degree program is to recognize individuals who have rendered outstanding service to agricultural education and FFA programs at the state level.   

CRITERIA OF NOMINATION:

Individuals nominated must have provided exceptional (outstanding) service to agriculture and/or the agricultural education/FFA program at the state level.   Nominations may also be made by members of both the Illinois Association FFA Board of Directors and Officers, and the State Staff. 

CRITERIA FOR TEACHERS APPLYING:

2000 points are needed to qualify.   Teachers who are applying can utilize the Teacher Worksheet to determine if they have reached the necessary 2000 points to qualify for the Illinois FFA Honorary State FFA Degree.  

Honorary State Degree Applications - DUE April 1 

Teacher Application

Non Teacher Official Nomination Form

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 96th Illinois FFA Convention on June 11, 2024.  Fill out the application to be considered. You will receive an email if you have been selected after the selection process. 

5. Special Projects Middle School Survey

Special Projects Middle School Survey, please take a moment to provide the Special Projects committee with valuable information by completing this survey designed for gathering information for resectioning purposes.  Middle School Survey

6. FFA Board Updates - December 2023 and January 2024 Meetings

Please click here for the December FFA Board meeting minutes.  

Highlights - 5th and 6th Topic - Based on the Town Hall collection of opinions and minimal interest in allowing 5th and 6th grade FFA membership, at this time, NO ACTION from the Illinois FFA Board on allowing 5th and 6th grade FFA membership.  

Please click here for the January 2024 FFA Board meeting minutes.  

Highlights:  Illinois Ag Legislative Day and the Ag Legislation Seminar/Reception will both be on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.  

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

• CLICK HERE to view

• 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.  

• 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 25, 2024 - Marketing Plan Invitational Information Meeting - Via Zoom

• 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 10, 2024 - State FFA Officer Candidate & Parent Orientation, IL FFA Center, Springfield

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

• 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, 2024 - Intents due for Marketing Plan Invitational CDE

• 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 - MUST SUBMIT - Here’s How

• April 1, 2024 - Eldon Witt Student Teaching Scholarship Applications 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 11, 2024 - Materials due for Marketing Plan Invitational CDE

• 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 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 25, 2024 - Marketing Plan Invitational CDE, Via Zoom, Hosted by Richland Community College

• 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