Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS - MUST KNOW:

• HOT, HOT, HOT - State FFA Convention Pre-Registration ENDS Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.  Be sure to register your delegates, delegate t-shirt sizes, bus parking passes, and meal tickets (unavailable on-site).  Food Allergies/Special Meals are due May 16th.

• HOT, HOT - The Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Gator Raffle Tickets are still available to sell or purchase through PayPal.  After selling tickets, you can send them by Priority Mail to the IL FFA Center (please do not mail cash) or bring the money/tickets on the convention's first day. Please contact pdavis@illinoisffa.org for more information.

• HOT, HOT - Camp Health Profiles and Forms can be completed now to save time tracking down the students this summer.  More registrations might become available throughout May, so keep checking the registration page.

• Applications for State FFA Convention

• DUE May 15, 2025 - State Convention Farm Credit Newsroom App

• DUE May 15, 2025 - State Convention Courtesy Corps Application

• HOT, HOT, HOT - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced today that the 30-day suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets, in response to the ongoing threat of H5N1 avian flu, will be extended an additional 30 days through June 10, 2025. The move is intended to reduce and prevent the spread of the disease, which has been detected in commercial and backyard flocks in Illinois.

The suspension will be re-evaluated in June, and further updates will be provided at that time.

Poultry flock owners, managers, and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as an increase in mortality, a decrease in water consumption, a decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing, to IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

For more information regarding avian flu, visit the USDA site at aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections.

• HOT, HOT, HOT - FY26 Fair Contracts Due May 21, 2025

****NEW Information****

1. 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest 

2. Illinois Pork Producers Shift at the State Fair

3. Smithfield Foods Chapter Grant Program Opportunity

4. Thank a Farmer & Salute to Service

5. Illinois State Fair – Competitive Events – Clerking Opportunities

6. 2025 Crop Season Marks Burrus Seed’s 90-year Anniversary

7. 2025 Farm Progress Invitational Soil Judging Contest

1. 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest 

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs - Opens 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which provides students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students ages 8 to 18 may submit contest entries until the deadline of June 13, 2025.

Bright Start scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to students who place first, second or third in each of the three age categories. “I’m excited to announce the opening of the contest because it’s a great opportunity for students to go out, explore, and use their cameras to highlight the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Illinois is a leader in the agricultural industry because of our skilled, hardworking farmers, millions of acres of rich farmland, and diversity in products.”

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 13, 2025.

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.

Now in its 13th 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. More than 750 students have participated in the contest since it debuted in 2013, and they have submitted over 1,400 photos.

The Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is part of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest program. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and next year’s Cream of the Crop calendar, as well as at the 2025 Illinois State Fair.

Ag Invest is one of the nation’s largest agricultural-linked deposit programs, celebrating 42 years in 2025. It helps hundreds of Illinois farmers and agriculture professionals. The Treasurer’s Office, through Ag Invest, partners with eligible financial institutions to offer farmers and ag businesses operating lines of credit and long-term, low-interest loans which can be used for operating costs, equipment purchases, construction-related expenses and livestock purchases.

2.   Illinois Pork Producers Shift at the State Fair

Illinois Pork Producers Shift at the State Fair - Great $$ Making Opportunity AND FFA members can ENJOY the Fair!  The State Fair is fast approaching, and the IL Pork Producers are excited for another fantastic event!

Each year, the fair's success is largely due to the amazing groups who volunteer at the Pork Patio. We are once again eager to support your organization in exchange for your hard work at the Pork Patio. Our contribution will be $30 per volunteer per shift, along with gate passes for your group and, of course, delicious pork!

Please use the JotForm link below to request your shifts. You will select your date and shift start time. If you want to work multiple shifts, please complete the form again. If the Shift is available it will allow you to select the time.

First Shift: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Second Shift: 3:30 AM - 8:30 PM

https://form.jotform.com/230865063746158

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.  Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at this year's fair!

Gage Marinelli, gage@ilpork.com, Director of Producer Services

3. Smithfield Foods Chapter Grant Program Opportunity

Smithfield Foods works every day to produce good food, the right way, with respect for its people, animals, community and planet. As part of that mission, Smithfield Foods has recently created a chapter grant program where they are partnering with local FFA chapters to provide funds centered around increasing belonging and engagement, breaking down financial barriers by providing chapter operations funds, and supporting community service projects that focus on food insecurity. This opportunity is available to chapters in IA, PA, NE, WI, GA, KY, OH, KS, MO, MN, IL, IN, SD, VA and NC. This program accepts applications on a rolling basis and funds are distributed quarterly. 

Application link: https://form.jotform.com/240725353613048

4. Thank a Farmer & Salute to Service

The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes are proud to honor the heroes in our community through our Salute to Service presented by 217 Mortgage and Thank a Farmer presented by the Sangamon County Farm Bureau recognition. At every home game, we pay tribute to a local veteran who has bravely served in a branch of the United States Armed Forces. Additionally, we shine a spotlight on local farmers who go above and beyond—whether through sustainable practices, community involvement, innovation, or their unwavering dedication to the land and those they feed. We invite you to help us identify deserving individuals for these special honors. Nominate a veteran and or farmer today and help us celebrate the people who make our community strong.

Nominate by filling out these forms: 

• Salute to Service: https://forms.gle/pZK7PQr12uzo2hEW7

• Thank a Farmer: https://forms.gle/Jyg7qKUPsXtFY2nc7

Thank you for taking the time to help us honor our Veterans & Farmers!

5.  Illinois State Fair – Competitive Events – Clerking Opportunities

Click here to learn more about these paid opportunities.  

6.  2025 Crop Season Marks Burrus Seed’s 90-year Anniversary

Click here for more information on setting up a tour to see their demonstration plots to look into the future, as well as highlight past seed developments for both corn and soybeans.

Their suggestion is to coordinate a date with your school and Burrus soon. Suggested dates are late August through September 15. A facility tour during ear corn seed harvest could be included with the plot tour. Their facilities are located near Arenzville, 20 minutes northwest of Jacksonville.  If you’d like to schedule a date or have additional questions, please contact Olivia Sellers at olivia.sellers@burrusseed.com or 217.997.5511.

7.  2025 Farm Progress Invitational Soil Judging Contest

The 2025 Farm Progress Invitational Soil Judging Contest will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Farm Progress Show site near Decatur, Ill. Bring up to three teams and compete for cash prizes in this world-class contest! 

This invitational soil judging contest is only held when the Farm Progress Show visits Decatur, Ill.  IF YOU REGISTER BY JUNE 16, YOU AND EACH STUDENT PARTICIPATING IN THE SOIL JUDGING CONTEST RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION TO THE SHOW! 

Please click here to fill out the application form and submit it to Dennis Bowman as soon as possible.

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

• PREVIOUS LISTSERVS - CLICK HERE to view - 2024 - 2025 School Year

• CLICK HERE to view the 2023 - 2024 School Year Previous Listservs

• 2024-25 State CDE/LDE Calendar - Added New Event - 3-10-25

• 2025 IAVAT Conference Crowne Plaza Room Block Link: Closes 

May 16, 2025

*Please NOTE that clicking Dates & Deadlines will take you to the www.ilaged.org calendar.  

• May 15, 2025 - Job Interview Results DUE

• May 15, 2025 - Public Speaking LDE Results DUE

• May 15, 2025 - Greenhand Quiz Bowl Results DUE

• May 16, 2025 - State FFA Convention Registration ENDS

• May 16, 2o25 - IAVAT Conference Crowne Plaza Hotel Room Block ENDS

• May 21, 2025 - FY26 Section Fair Contract DUE

• May 26, 2025 - Ag Issues Mandatory Registration ENDS

• May 26, 2025 - Ag Communications, Mandatory Registration ENDS

• May 26, 2025 - Special Needs Accommodations Form for Ag Issues or Ag Communications DUE

• May 28, 2025 - Ag Issues Materials DUE

• May 28, 2025 - Job Interview Materials DUE

• May 28, 2025 - Public Speaking Materials DUE

• June 1, 2025 - IAVAT Conference Registration $50 Late Fee Begins

• June 1, 2025 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp Registration ENDS

• June 6, 2025 - Ag Communications CDE Mandatory Materials DUE

• June 9, 2025 - State Ag Communications, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• June 9, 2025 - Ag Issues, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703 

• June 10-12, 2025 - State FFA Convention, BOS Center, 1 Convention Plaza, Springfield, IL 

• June 10, 2025 - Public Speaking LDE at State FFA Convention, Springfield

• June 11, 2025 - Greenhand Quiz Bowl at State FFA Convention, Springfield

• June 16-18, 2025 - IAVAT Conference, Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62703

• June 22-28, 2025 - IL FFA Washington Leadership Conference Trip

• July 3, 2025 - IL FFA Center closes at 12:30 p.m. 

• July 4, 2025 - IL FFA Center CLOSED

• July 7, 2025 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp Health Profile, Signature Form/Insurance Card, and Obstacle Course FORMS DUE

• July 7-11, 2025 - State FFA Officer Meeting, SIU, Carbondale

• July 9-10, 2025 - 2nd Year Ag Teacher Conference, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• July 17, 2025 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp Arrive Late/Leave Early Forms DUE

• July 21-24, 2025 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp, 4-H Camp, Allerton Park, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL  61856

• July 29-30, 2025 - Beginning Advisors Conference, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• July 31, 2025 - Joint FFA/IAVAT Board Meeting, Springfield, IL

• August 1, 2025 - IAVAT Section Chair Meetings, IL FFA Center, Springfield, IL

• August 5-6, 2025 - Illinois FFA State Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center, Springfield,

• August 7-17, 2025 - Illinois State Fair, Springfield, IL