HEADS UP ITEMS:

• 212 Reminder - Please upload your Participation Forms for the 212 Conference or be sure and bring with you to the event.   Click here to view the Student Letter and Schedule.

• WLC Registration

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

DUE February 7 - You have until the end of this week

Items in this listserv:

****CONVENTION Information****

1. FREE Registration for All FFA Advisors - Why?  Country Financial - Giving Back to Ag Leaders - At this summer’s Farm Progress Show, 182,000 ag enthusiasts toured more than 500 exhibits displaying the latest and greatest ag-related products, services and technology.

Country Financial was one of those exhibitors, with a mission to give back to the future leaders of the ag industry. Here’s how; when guests entered the Country Financial booth, they received a token to vote for one of three Illinois ag programs:

• Illinois FFA
• Illinois 4-H
• Illinois Farm Bureau’s Young Leaders

Illinois Association FFA received the most votes and a $10,000 donation from Country Financial.The funds were designated to cover the registration fees for all FFA advisors to attend the 2020 Illinois FFA State Convention.

2. FREE Registration for ALL Delegates - How?  

Dakota Access Pipeline approached Illinois FFA with the mission of assisting  delegates with registration expenses to attend the Illinois FFA State Convention from the 40 schools that reside in counties that the pipeline travels through.  With that, Illinois FFA submitted a grant to CHS to cover the remaining delegate registrations, so that All Illinois schools can register 2 delegates for FREE at the 92nd Annual Illinois FFA State Convention.  

3. Cargill will sponsor the Building Communities Award areas from the National Chapter Award.  At the 2020 Illinois FFA State Convention, Building Communities Section and State Winners will earn money to invest back into their community service activities.  Cargill Cares is a program designed to help organizations within their territory invest in their community needs and focus on community service.  Each Section winner will be awarded $100.00 while the State winner will be awarded $500.00.  

4. NEW Convention Schedule - As mentioned before, the Illinois FFA Convention will go from 6 General Sessions to 5, leaving Wednesday evening as an open night for FFA Chapters to celebrate their State FFA Degree recipients with their families or attend various activities designed for the evening. More details to follow. 

Ag Communications Summit will also be moved to Tuesday morning to be held at the same time as Business Session, Workshops, Career Show, and CDE/LDEs.

• Click here to view the tentative agenda.  

Lincoln Land Community College will be hosting a fun night Wednesday evening on their campus that will include games, food trucks and various activities including a TRIVIA NIGHT hosted byFCAE.  More information to come on these events!

5. BAND, CHORUS and TALENT Applications for State FFA Convention

   • April 15 - State Convention Band Application DUE

   • April 15 - State Convention Chorus Application DUE

   • April 15 - State Convention Talent Application DUE

6. 92nd Annual Illinois FFA Convention Day of Service Project

The State Officer team completed a “Living to Serve” grant to provide funds for the 92nd Annual Illinois FFA Convention Day of Service Project.  The state service project this year is “Illinois FFA Has Your Back”. At the 92nd Annual Illinois FFA State Convention each FFA chapter will be given backpacks and luggage tags.  Chapters are then encouraged to take these bags home and be responsible for filling them with school supplies to give to underserved students in their community. The team’s goal is to spark initiative in communities all over Illinois, promote public service and help provide students with the resources needed for a quality education.

7. Honorary Illinois FFA State Degree - Awarded at Illinois FFA State Convention 

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

• Teacher Application

• Non Teacher Application

8. Illinois FFA Convention - 1st Business Session - Proposed Constitutional Amendment

   • Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.

9. Farm Credit News Room

The News Room has been an important asset in the functioning of our annual FFA Convention.  We want to continue to provide leadership opportunities for students and teachers alike. By supplying the information requested, you can be of great service to the Illinois FFA.  If your FFA chapter is planning on serving Illinois FFA in the Farm Credit Newsroom, the registration form is on the www.ilaged.org website.  

10. Courtesy Corps

The Courtesy Corps has been an important asset in the functioning of our annual FFA Convention.  We want to continue to provide leadership opportunities for students and teachers alike. By supplying the information requested, you can be of great service to the Illinois FFA.  If your FFA chapter is planning on serving Illinois FFA in the Courtesy Corps, the registration form is on thewww.ilaged.org website.  

 A.  Some of the criteria for Courtesy Corps:

1.  Student and teacher interest – we want enthusiastic FFA members!

2.  State FFA Degree applicants, band members, chorus members,   official delegates, etc. should NOT apply.

3. The deadline date for the Courtesy Corps Commitment Form is MAY 15, 2020.

 B.  Procedures after commitment forms have been turned in:

1.  Teachers will be notified as to which shifts your chapter will serve at State FFA Convention, each group will serve for two convention shifts.

2.  Students serving in the Courtesy Corps will be expected to be in 100%  official FFA DRESS.

11. Scrapbook 

If your FFA chapter is planning on competing in the 2020 Scrapbook competition, the registration form is on the www.ilaged.org website.  

12.  Registration for the 92nd Annual Illinois FFA Convention is NOW OPEN 

Register for State Convention just like any other event by going to the www.ilaged.org website.   

****NEW Information****

1. Ag Legislative Day

2. January 2020 Newsletter

3. Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliate Companies Premier Chapter Award Trip 

4. Application for Illinois FFA Major State Officer - DUE March 1, 2020

1.  Ag Legislative Day

Register for 2020 Agriculture Legislative Day by going to the www.ilaged.org website.  Register for this event just like any other event, except there is no cost to attend this event.  

The annual Illinois Ag Legislative Awareness Day will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at the State Capitol in Springfield. Security around the State Capitol requires us to follow some specific procedures.

All chapters attending Ag Legislative Awareness Day MUST register the total number advisor(s), chaperone(s), and students from their chapter no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020.  

• Registration Beings - 9:00-10:00 in the South Hall of the Capitol 

• Rally - 10:00

• Photo - East Steps - 10:15

• Pick-Up Baskets/Lunches - 10:30

• Please return the signed tickets to the registration area.

NOTE: 

• Everyone MUST have a picture I.D. of some type.

• Make an appointment with your legislators prior to March 3, 2020.

• FFA members must be in official dress with an FFA jacket. 

Mark your calendar and plan to attend this important event. This is a major activity that makes Agricultural Education and the FFA very visible to all legislators.  The high school will also receive IFG Credit for attending this event.  

2. January 2020 Newsletter

• Click here to view the latest Winter Edition Illinois Association FFA Newsletter 

3.  Illinois Farm BUreau & Affiliate Companies Premiere Chapter Award Trip

Each of these chapters will be contacted by Illinois Farm Bureau via email in the coming weeks with additional information on registration. Student information will be due to Illinois Farm Bureau by March 13, 2020. Medical & Authorization forms and a $50 per participant registration fee will be due May 1, 2020.

4.  Application for Illinois FFA Major State Officer - DUE March 1, 2020

The Illinois FFA State Officer Candidate Application and Information can be found on thewww.ilaged.org website under 

1. Participate

2. About Illinois FFA

3. Illinois FFA State Officers

4. Officer Materials box to the right hand side of the page

• State Officer Candidate Application - DUE March 1, 2020  

• State Officer Candidate Information

**** PREVIOUS Information Shared****

**** WORTH Sharing Again****

IAVAT:

Hello Region IV Agriculture Teachers!

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

BENEFIT for Sarah Morgan - Click here to view the flyer

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

2020 - 2021 Illinois FFA CDE Schedule 

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

CDE Registration 

• Click here for the original listserv message.  

IACCAI:  

• Officers - Jeff Landers, JJC - President, Brian Clement, College of Dupage - Vice President, Doug Robb, WVCC - Treasurer, Jess Smithers, Richland - Secretary, Pete Fandel, ICC - Past President

• 2020 Conference = October 8-9, 2020 in Joliet

PAS: 

• Recent name change from Post-Secondary Ag Students to Professional Ag Students

• Officers - President - Gwen Heimerdinger, 1st Vice-President - Ryan Reeverts, 2nd Vice-President - Rob Janssen, 3rd Vice-President - Mazi Walker

Illinois FFA:

Illinois FFA Convention - 1st Business Session - Proposed Constitutional Amendment

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center. 

National FFA Week - State Officer Availability

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Selection Committee - Students NEEDED!

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

EZ Records Update - Shutdown is 1st week in April 2020

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Sam Taylor Scholarship Application - DUE March 1

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

• Sam Taylor Scholarship Application

Eldon Witt Scholarship Application - DUE May 15

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

• Eldon Witt Scholarship Application

Discovery Star Application - Common Questions and Answers

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

• Star Discovery Farmer

• Star Discovery  Ag Placement

• Star Discovery Agriscience

• Star Discovery  Agribusiness 

WLC Registration

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois FFA Board Updates

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Honorary State Degree Applications - DUE April 1 

• Teacher Application

• Non Teacher Application

212 Conference - February 7-8, 2020

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Winter 2019 Illinois FFA Newsletter

• Click here to view the 2019 Winter Illinois FFA Newsletter

Fall 2019 Illinois FFA Newsletter

• Click here to view the 2019 Fall Illinois FFA Newsletter  

Trading Post for 2019 - 2020

• NEW THIS YEAR - you can exchange CDE registrations.  

• 2019 - 2020 Illinois FFA Advisor’s Trading Post

Lock Box Practicums and Activities

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

FFA Board August Updates

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Heritage and Cooperative Awards replaced with National Chapter Award Results

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

 2020 Illinois FFA State Convention Hotel Block Open

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

National FFA Results and Finalists

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois FFA Alumni:

Illinois FFA Alumni Annual Meeting & Auction - January 31 - February 1, 2020

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

212 and WLC Scholarship Winners 

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois FFA Alumni Auction - Chapter Baskets

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

4th Annual Illinois FFA Alumni Gun Raffle

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois FFA Center:

Interns for Summer 2020 & Bill Johnson Legislative Intern

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Registering for Events

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Office Closings:  

• March 6, 2020 - ½ Day - Employee Appreciation Lunch & Vision Planning Afternoon 

• Friday, April 10, 2020 - Good Friday

• Monday, May 25, 2020 - Memorial Day

Illinois Foundation FFA:

Illinois Foundation FFA January 28, 2020 Update

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois Foundation FFA January Update

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois Foundation FFA December Update

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois Foundation FFA November Update

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

2019 - 2020 Local Collection Drive Kickoff Listserv 

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

2018 - 2019 Illinois Foundation FFA Report 

• Click here to view the latest Foundation report

Industry Friends of agricultural education posts:

Spellman High Voltage Electronics Clean Tech Competition

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Nutrien Sustainable Agriculture Youth Trip

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois Pork Producers Scholarships

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

2020 GROWMARK Essay Contest Results

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

Illinois State Florists' Association Student Design Contest 

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

The Gathering of the Green invites Illinois FFA Chapters and members!

• Click here to learn more about it.  

1st annual High School Senior Welding Competition

• Click here for the flyer

• Click here for more information

• Click here for the blueprint

• Click here for the registration form  

DeKalb, Asgrow, Deltapine Scholarship

• Click here for more information.  

Agriculture in the Classroom 2020 Summer Internship

• Click here to view the application and for more information Click here.

Illinois Conservation Foundation - 2020 Conservation Achievement Scholarships

• Click here to view the listserv message sent by the FFA Center.  

GROWMARK Foundation to Provide FFA Jackets

• Click here to view the listserv message posted by the Illinois FFA Center

AGCO Scholarships

• Click here to view the listserv message posted by the Illinois FFA Center

National FFA:

National FFA Updates

• Please find a National FFA report at: https://ffa.box.com/s/m7h4aousg0fk73cubhfji8d2oldhnzci. 

• We are in the final year that the National FFA Organization will offer packets of free proficiency and star medals.  Chapters that want one last free packet can order these at: https://shopffa.org/products/176/FREE-MEDALS/ while supplies last.  Medals can be individually purchased starting now at: https://shopffa.org/item/SAP/CHAPTER-PROFICIENCY-CDE-EVENT-RECOGNITION-AWARD-PINS/.  To order either the free medals or the individually prices medals, advisors must be logged in with their chapter advisor shopffa.org account.

• The National FFA Organization is pleased to announce once again the Tractor Supply Company; Grants for Growing.  Tractor Supply Company (TSC) is again looking forward to partnering with local FFA chapters during National FFA Week in February to help promote ag education, FFA, and the sale of $1 paper emblems at TSC store checkouts.  The money raised through this promotion by TSC will be made available for minimum $500 grants that ANY local FFA chapter can apply for. The grant application will open for a two month period of March 2nd through May 1st.  This is a new timeline. All FFA chapters are eligible to apply.  BEING LOCATED NEAR A TSC STORE IS NOT REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A GRANT.  Find the grant application and more information at: https://www.ffa.org/grants-for-growing/.

• Applications are currently being accepted through March 1st for the 2020 National FFA New Century Farmer Program.  This ag production focused summer program is open to currently enrolled college students with plans to enter production agriculture after graduation.  Applicants must be current or former FFA members or current National FFA Alumni Members. Find more information and the application at: https://www.ffa.org/participate/conference/new-century-farmer/

• National FFA Week is coming up February 22-29.  Find a great trove of resources, graphics, press releases, radio PSAs, etc. at: https://www.ffa.org/national-ffa-week/

• The APHIS branch of USDA is seeking student applicants for its 2020 AgDiscovery Program. AgDiscovery is a summer camp outreach for middle school and high school aged students to explore careers in various agriculture disciplines. The two (or more) week program is based at 20 land grant universities and HBCUs throughout the US. Applications are due March 1st and can be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/civilrights/agdiscovery/ct_agdiscovery_program

• Please be sure that your American Degree applications are reviewed using this manual checksheet: https://ffa.box.com/s/s1wtq7xitcldu50sttkgsdsli2f6m8a8.  This checksheet IS NOT a part of, or a substitute for the automated met/not-met process.  If your state uses a committee review process or panel of teachers for review, please make sure they have this checksheet on hand as they review applications.

• Please be sure to utilize the updated American Degree Community Service Guidelines as first shared by Brett Evans on December 16, 2019: Community Service Guidelines for FFA Degrees.  Its also highly recommended to apply these guidelines to state degree community service activities. 

• Natural resource, forestry, wildlife, etc. teachers may be interested in the American Wilderness Leadership School in Jackson, WY as a professional development opportunity.  Attendees can pick one of seven, eight-day workshop session options held June through August, 2020: https://safariclubfoundation.org/american-wilderness-leadership-school/

• The National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador Academy is now accepting applications for the 2020 academy July 13-17 in Tulsa, OK.  This is a highly competitive, paid for professional development experience that past participants note as having significantly altered their teaching style and methodology in very positive ways.  The academy focuses on interactive, hands-on application based agriscience professional development. The week of training includes lab activities using inquiry-based pedagogy. Previous attendees are listed by state at: https://www.naae.org/profdevelopment/nataa_ambassadors.cfm and may be an excellent source to ask questions and learn more about the academy if you are interested.  The application is due February 3rd and can be found at: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3725707/2020NATAA. 

• The National Teacher Ambassador for FFA program will accept applications for our 2020 cohort starting February 3rd.  Current ag teachers are encouraged to apply.  Training date options for the 2020 cohort are June 8-12 or June 15-19.  Watch for the application opening February 3rd: https://www.ffa.org/teacherambassadors/

• Find a detailed list of updates and additional national information at: https://ffa.box.com/s/m7h4aousg0fk73cubhfji8d2oldhnzci

***DATES & DEADLINES - Remember***

• February 7-8 - 212 Conference, Decatur Conference Center

• February 22 - State Food/Vet Science CDE Early Bird Registration DUE

• February 22 - 29 - National FFA Week

• February 24-28 - Chapter Visits - Click here to open the Chapter Visits Evaluation

• March 1 - American FFA Degree Applications DUE - Click here for more info

• March 1 - Sam Taylor Scholarship Application DUE

• March 2 - Alumni Camp Scholarships DUE

• March 2 - Ag Legislative Seminar, Springfield

• March 3 - Ag Legislative Day, Springfield

• March 4 - District Proficiency Awards

• March 6-8 - State FFA Officer Team Meeting, Springfield

• March 7 - State Food/Vet Science CDEs

• March 9 - 10 - State Review of American and State FFA Degree Applications

• March 13 - Judges Submitted from all District Winners for State Awards Day

• March 13-14 - Alumni Council Meeting, FFA Center - Springfield 

• March 15 - Selection Committee Application DUE 

• March 20 - FFA State Officer Team Meeting

• March 20 - Mandatory Dairy Cattle & Handlers registration deadline

• March 21 - State Proficiency Awards Day, UIUC - Urbana

• April 1 - Honorary State FFA Degree Application DUE 

  • Teacher Application

  • Non Teacher Application

• April 3 - State Dairy Cattle and Dairy Cattle Handlers CDE

• April 6 - 8 - American FFA Degree Interviews, Illinois FFA Center - Springfield

• April 9 - Illinois Foundation FFA Annual Meeting

• April 10 - FFA Center Closed - Good Friday

• April 10 - Livestock Reasons & Horticulture Mandatory Registration DUE 

• April 10 - Livestock Non-reasons & Poultry Early Bird Registration CLOSES 

• April 13 - Administrative Council Meeting, Illinois FFA Center - Springfield

• April 15 - National Chapter Award Application DUE - ONLINE

• April 15 - State Convention Band Application DUE

• April 15 - State Convention Chorus Application DUE

• April 15 - State Convention Talent Application DUE

• April 17 - 20 - Round 1 of National Chapter Award Judging

• April 18 - Major State Officer Selection Committee - Springfield

• April 21 - Illinois FFA Board Meeting, Illinois FFA Center - Springfield

• April 23 - 30 - Round 2 of National Chapter Award Judging

• April 24 - Super Friday - State Livestock, Poultry & Horticulture CDEs

• April 28 - Section Ag Mech results DUE to register for State Ag Mech

• May 1 - Chapter President Award Application DUE

• May 1 - Chapter and Section Reporter Award Application DUE

• May 6 - State Ag Business Management CDE

• May 12 - State Ag Mechanics CDE

• May 15 - Eldon Witt Scholarship DUE

• May 15 - State Convention Courtesy Corps Application DUE

• May 15 - State Convention Farm Credit Newsroom Application DUE

• May 26 - 27 - State FFA Officer Team Meeting

• May 31 - Chapter Scrapbook Intent to Compete at State Convention

• June 1 - State Ag Issues Materials DUE

• June 1 - State Prepared Public Speaking Manuscripts DUE via email

• June 1 - State Job Interview Materials DUE

• June 8 - State Ag Issues, Parliamentary Procedure, Conduct of Chapter Meeting and Ag Communications CDE/LDEs, Springfield

• June 9 - State Ag Communications, Public Speakings, Job Interview CDE/LDEs

• June 9 - 11 - 92nd Annual Illinois FFA State Convention, Springfield

• June 11-12 -  State FFA Officer Team Meeting

• June 15 - IAVAT Board Meeting & Section Chairs Meeting

• June 16 - 18 - IAVAT Conference

• June 18 - 19 -  State FFA Officer Team Meeting

• June 21 - 26 - Legacy Tour (Formerly the Heritage & COOP Tour)

• July 3 - FFA Center Closed - 4th of July HOLIDAY