HEADS UP ITEMS:  

Ag Legislative Day

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

SAVE the Date - Illinois FFA Day with the Cardinals vs. Cubs is Saturday, September 12, 2020 - more information later this Spring!

ILLINOIS FFA CENTER OFFICE CLOSED - March 6, 2020 - ½ Day - Employee Appreciation Lunch & Vision Planning Afternoon 

National Chapter Award Application Tips & Tricks Webinar 

• Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.  

Items in this listserv:

****NEW Information****

1. Turn the Bag Blue

2. Membership Memos

3. New Century Farmer Conference

1. Turn the Bag Blue

Attention chapters near or in areas of field corn production:

Mycogen, a division of Corteva Agrisciences is once again offering their Turn the Bag Blue and Gold fundraiser program for local FFA chapters.  New this year is an expanded territory for chapter involvement.

This unique fundraising opportunity doubles as an educational opportunity in ag sales, agronomy, marketing, customer service, and supply/distribution.  Interested chapters that qualify for the program are set up with a local Mycogen territory manager and retailer to offer farmers the option to purchase specific corn hybrids for their geographical location.  Mycogen managers and local dealers work with students to teach the background of unique seed variants, review fact sheets, and coordinate sales calls to local farmers.

Chapters in areas with field corn production are encouraged to fill out the online form at: https://mycogen.com/ffa

Applications to participate in the program are due March 2, 2020 and more information click here.  

2.  Membership Memos

As an FFA family, so many of you have been there for each other and those of us at the FFA Center, we can’t begin to tell you how much that means to us and what you have expressed it means to you as well.  On behalf of the Illinois FFA Center and the IAVAT Member Services Committee I want to introduce you to a NEW LINK on the www.ilaged.org website.  If you click: 

• Teach

• Educator Resources

• Membership Memos - bottom of the page in a box on the right side of the page.   

Please complete this form if you would like to notify the Illinois FFA Center about an event in the lives of someone in our FFA Family.  We have Sympathy, Get Well, Congratulations and Baby cards, please let us know who needs a note or memo for a pick me up or a celebration.  Thanks so much for taking the time to care and share for those in our agricultural education family.  

3.  New Century Farmer Conference

The future of production agriculture needs forward thinking young people. The National FFA Organization helps to cultivate the next generation of producers every summer at the New Century Farmer conference. The New Century Farmer conference brings together FFA members and alumni between the ages of 18-24 for an all-expenses-paid week of exploring diverse farm business operations, learning from industry experts, and networking with other young producers. New Century Farmers also develop a vision statement that will guide the future of their operation.

We know that the New Century Farmer conference is a valuable experience. After last year’s conference:

• 97% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they discovered methods to overcome challenges a young entrepreneur might face.

• 92% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they learned trends, issues, and innovations within the agriculture industry.

• 97% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they understand the need and importance of a vision statement.

Past participants have said that the conference: “helped open our minds to different ideas and different ways of thinking”, “the best conference I’ve been to”, “was eye-opening”, and “changed my life”.

This is a powerful professional and personal development experience that is offered at no cost to members. More information about the conference can be found here. Applications are due March 1st and can be found here.

**** PREVIOUS Information Shared****

**** WORTH Sharing Again****

CONVENTION Information:

 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.  

FREE Registration for All FFA Advisors - Country Financial 

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

FREE Registration for ALL Delegates  

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

Cargill to Sponsor the Building Communities Award

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

NEW Convention Schedule

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

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

92nd Annual Illinois FFA Convention Day of Service Project

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

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

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

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

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

Farm Credit News Room

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

Courtesy Corps

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

Scrapbook 

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

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:

National Chapter Award Application Tips & Tricks Webinar 

• Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.  

National Chapter Award (NCA) Judges Needed

• Click here if you are willing or interested in judging the National Chapter Award Applications.  

National Chapter Award (NCA) Judges Webinars

• Round 1 NCA Judging webinar is set for Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. 

• Round 2 NCA Judging webinar is set for Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. 

Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliate Companies Premier Chapter Award Trip 

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

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

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

January 2020 Newsletter

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

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 

State FFA Degree and Proficiency Information FOR ILLINOIS ONLY

• Please move firefighters to Safety

• Lifeguarding will be allowed in Safety this year.  

• DO NOT start ANY freshmen year students with ANY records in lifeguarding.

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

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.  

Illinois FFA Alumni:

Illinois FFA Alumni Annual Meeting & Auction Update 

• 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 February 14, 2020 Update

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

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 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 10 - National Chapter Award webinar 

• 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, Springfield

• June 15 - IAVAT Board Meeting & Section Chairs Meeting

• June 16 - 18 - IAVAT Conference

• June 18 - 19 -  State FFA Officer Team Meeting, Decatur

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

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