HOT TOPICS - REMINDERS:  

• 1 Week until Convention Registration CLOSES on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 - BE SURE to REGISTER NOW!  Meal Tickets & Parking Passes must be purchased by May 24th.

• 2023 Illinois FFA State Officer Candidates click here to view the candidate resume’ booklet and click here to view the candidate introduction video.   

•  2023 Illinois FFA Dave Cain Photography Contest - Click here to submit your photos by Friday, May 19, 2023.   

• Delegate registration must be completed by May 30, 2023, to reserve their free convention t-shirt for serving as a delegate.  Please click here for the Delegate registration form. 

• IL FFA Leadership Camp, July 24 - 27, 2023 - Registration is OPEN!  Teachers can register your students for the IL FFA Leadership Camp just like any other event by going to www.ilaged.org website, login and begin your process in Event Registration.  Registration closes on June 1, 2023.    Here is a flyer with more information about camp. Please review this document for all the links to the health profile document, and consent form to be used with the upload of the insurance card for each camper.  Registration Questions or need to update submitted registrations, contact Patti Davis pdavis@illinoisffa.org

• Looking for the list of 2023 Illinois FFA State Degree Recipients & the 2023 list of Illinois FFA American Degree recipients?  Look no further…click here

Items in this listserv:

****NEW Information**** - ANOTHER Long One…Read All the Way to the END - you got this!!

1. 2023 Illinois FFA National Chapter Award Results

2. 2023 Illinois FFA Honorary Degree Recipients

3. Illinois FFA Distinguished Service Award Recipient

4. All Bills DUE to the FFA Center MUST be paid by August 1, 2023

5. Illinois FFA State Business Session on Wednesday, May 31, 2023

6. Digital Scrapbook Rubric and Deadlines

7. Proficiency and State Degree Judging via AET at the Section Level Survey

8. Illinois FFA National Officer Candidate Process

9. 2023 Illinois FFA 95th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention Talent

1.  2023 Illinois FFA National Chapter Award Results

Please click here to view the 2023 National Chapter Award results.  

All Bronze, Silver and Gold winning chapters, as well as the Section winners in Building Communities, Growing Leaders and Strengthening Agriculture Section winners will be recognized on stage at the 95th Illinois FFA State Convention on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, see times below.  The Section Premier Chapter Winners and National Finalists will be recognized on stage at the 95th Illinois FFA State Convention during the 5th and final session on Thursday, June 15, 2023.  

• 1st Session, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Growing Leaders Section Winners and State winners announced near the beginning of the session

• 1st Session, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Building Communities Section Winners and State winners are announced near the end of the session.  

• 2nd Session, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Strengthening Agriculture Section Winners and State winners announced near the beginning of the session.  

• 2nd Session, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Bronze, Silver and Gold winning chapters recognized near the end of the session.  

• 5th Session, Thursday, June 15, 2023 - Premier Chapter Section Winners and National Finalists recognized and State winner announced, mid-session.  

2.  2023 Illinois FFA Honorary Degree Recipients

It is with great pride that Illinois FFA share our list of 2023 Illinois FFA Honorary Degree Recipients.  These tremendous friends of Illinois FFA have made and will continue to make a significant impact on Illinois FFA, we are exceptionally thankful for all they do for Illinois FFA.  Please help us celebrate the 2023 Honorary State FFA Degree recipients.  

3.  Illinois FFA Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Illinois FFA is beyond thankful for the service of Mr Dean Dittmar, FCAE State Coordinator, for over 35 years.  The Illinois Association FFA will honor Dean with the Distinguished Service Award for his efforts in supporting and growing agricultural education in every corner of the great State of Illinois.  His years of service are marked by many great achievements in agricultural education and are due in part to his tremendous work, efforts and dedication. The Distinguished Service Award in Illinois is not awarded every year. It is truly awarded to those individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the FFA, helped advance agricultural education, positively impacted the Illinois FFA and gone above and beyond. The officers of the 2022 – 2023 Illinois FFA State Officer team are very appreciative of the support Mr. Dittmar has provided to agriculture, agricultural education, the Illinois FFA and all of our young leaders in agriculture.  Please join us at the 95th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention to celebrate and award Mr. Dean Dittmar with the Illinois FFA Distinguished Service Award.

On behalf of the Illinois Association FFA, we thank Dean for his service and support to the  Illinois Association FFA.

4. Illinois FFA State Business Session on Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Please click here for the Delegate registration form.  That’s DUE May 30, 2023

NOTICE:  Even if your delegates will be in person for ELECTIONS on June 15, 2023,

ALL DELEGATES MUST be registered via our Google form.  ALL delegates will be using

their own electronic device for voting again this year, we WILL NOT have clickers for voting

during elections.  

• Click here to view the 2023 Committee Reports to be approved in the Business Session.  

• 2023 Honorary State FFA Degree to be approved and voted on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. 

• 2023 Illinois FFA State FFA Degrees to be approved in the Business Session on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.  

5.  All Bills DUE to the FFA Center MUST be paid by August 1, 2023

Are your Seniors gone?  Missing them terribly?  Worried about how you will adjust without them? Looking for a way to brighten your day?  Here’s one sure-fire way to start the 2023 - 2024 school year off right…Check in on your account balance on www.ilaged.org TODAY!

***AGAIN this year per the directive of the IAVAT Administrative Council, for all

Illinois FFA Chapters and any colleges/universities with an account at the Illinois FFA   Center:  any outstanding bills due to the Illinois FFA Center must be paid in full by August 1, 2023.  This includes bills from CDEs, conferences, camp, convention, dues, etc.

If outstanding bills are not paid by August 1, 2023, access to www.ilaged.org will be restricted until the outstanding debt is paid in full.  Turning off this access will not allow a program or teacher to register for events or begin the FFA roster process.  So please take time to review your account balance on www.ilaged.org to make sure those balances are paid.  

If you have any financial questions or inquiries about your balance, please contact Tammy Lynn Mullins tmullins@illinoisffa.org

If at any time you have questions or concerns about the policy, please contact Mindy Bunselmeyer at mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org

Thank you for your time and attention to this notification now. It is our hope that not a single program will lose access to these website features, while at the same time operating the business of the FFA Center in a timely manner.   Connect with your school financial administrators now while they are available and you can all enjoy summer with greater peace of mind.  

Ya’ know…Your seniors are going to miss you too…remind them of just what an amazing ag teacher you are, by kicking off the Fall Semester in “paid in full perfection”. 

6. Digital Scrapbook and Traditional Scrapbook Rubric and Deadlines

Click here for the Digital Scrapbook Rules.  All Digital Scrapbooks must be submitted by June 1, 2023, please click here to share the link to your Digital Scrapbook.  Digital scrapbooks will be judged and announced prior to the 95th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention.  The 2023 Digital Scrapbook State Winner will be recognized on stage during the 5th Session that begins at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023.  Please click here to submit your scrapbook intent NO Later than May 22, 2023.

Click here to view the Traditional Scrapbook Rules.  All Traditional Scrapbooks MUST complete the intent NO Later than May 22, 2023.  Traditional Scrapbooks will be judged on-site at the 95th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, please click here for the Traditional Scrapbook rubric.  The 2023 Traditional Scrapbook State Winner will be announced and recognized on stage during the 5th Session that begins at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023. 

7. Proficiency and State Degree Judging via AET at the Section Level Survey

Please take a moment and click here to let us know if your Section would like to have AET online record judging at the Section level.  

8. Illinois FFA National Officer Candidate Process

Members interested in representing Illinois as the National FFA Officer Candidate at the 96th National FFA Convention should submit the following items to Mr. Andrew Klein, State Advisor, at aklein@isbe.net no later than midnight June 1, 2023. Interested candidates should submit a one-page resume to include contact information, objective, education, work and leadership experience, and other relevant awards and recognition. Candidates should also submit a cover letter not to exceed 500 words.  

Andrew Klein

Principal Consultant for AFNR

Department of CTE & Innovation  - Illinois State Board of Education

9.  2023 Illinois FFA 95th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention Talent

Congratulations to these very talented FFA Members, click here to view the 2023 Illinois FFA State Convention Talent.  

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

• CLICK HERE to view

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

Instructions on how to register for the IAVAT Conference.

State FFA Convention:

2023-2024 Officer Candidate Resume Booklet & Candidate Introduction Video

2023 IL FFA State Convention Wyndham (Downtown) Springfield Hotel Room Link (King Rooms Only)

President Abraham Lincoln's Hotel Rooms Sold Out for State Convention.

2023 IAVAT Conference - Sheraton Lisle Hotel Room Block Link (The room block is full, you can try and call the hotel to see if any cancellations.  (630) 505-1000) - $123 Plus Tax, the room block closes Monday, May 22, 2023.  Please note the room block link is set to register for hotel rooms for Monday-Thursday, so please update to the dates that you need before submitting your registration.

2022-2023 CDE Calendar and General Information-Updated 3-9-23 & 2022-23 Trading Post

Instructions on How To Register for Events, CDE's-Adding/Editing Participant Names, and Waiver Uploads for Events

Start/Reactivate an Alumni with Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters

2022-23 C.A.R.E.S Waiver Form Listserv with Instructions - Required for all students attending conferences, leadership camp, and conventions.

• May 16, 2023 - Results DUE State Job Interview & Public Speaking Results

• May 16, 2023 - Results DUE Greenhand Quiz Bowl

• May 17, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• May 19, 2023 - David Cain Photography Contest - DUE

• May 22, 2023 - IAVAT Conference Sheraton Lisle -Naperville Hotel Room Block CLOSES (We might run out of rooms by this date, if so, please check hotels in the area for hotel rooms.)

• May 24, 2023 - State FFA Convention Registration CLOSES

• May 24, 2023 - FY24 Fair Contract DUE

• May 26, 2023 - IL FFA To be a Camp Staff DUE

• May 26, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSING at 2:30 p.m. for the Holiday

• May 29, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• May 30, 2023 - Results Due for Ag Issues

• May 30, 2023 - Mandatory Materials DUE for Ag Communications

• May 30, 2023 - Materials DUE for Public Speaking & Job Interview

• May 30-31, 2023 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center

• June 1, 2023 - IL FFA Leadership Camp Registration ENDS

• June 2, 2023 - IAVAT Conference Registration $50 Late Fee Begins

• June 12, 2023 - State Ag Issues, Lincoln Land Community College,  5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• June 12, 2023 - State Ag Communications, Lincoln Land Community College,  5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

• June 13, 2023 - State Public Speaking LDE, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 700 E Adams St, Springfield

• June 13, 2023 - State Job Interview LDE, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 700 E Adams St, Springfield

• June 13, 2023 - American Degree Dinner, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 700 E Adams, Springfield

• June 14, 2023 - Greenhand Quizbowl, BOS Center, 1 Convention Plaza, Springfield

• June 14, 2023 - State Awards Lunch, Wyndham City Centre, 700 E Adams, Springfield

• June 13 - 15, 2023 - Illinois FFA State Convention, Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, IL 62702

• June 20 - 22, 2023 - IAVAT Conference, Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Rd, Lisle, IL 60532.

• June 25 - July 2, 2023 - IL FFA WLC Trip, Washington, DC

• July 3, 2023 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 for Holiday

• July 4, 2023 - IL FFA Center Closed for Fourth of July

• July 10-14, 2023 - SIU State Officer Meeting

• July 21, 2023 - IL FFA Leadership Leave Early/Arrive Late Forms DUE to pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

• July 24 - 27, 2023 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp, 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello, IL 61856

• July 31, 2023 - Joint Board Onboarding & EDI Training, Site TBA

• August 1, 2023 - Joint FFA & IAVAT Board Meeting, IL FFA Center

• August 8-9, 2023 - State FFA Officer Meeting & State Fair Set-Up, Springfield, IL

• August 10, 2023 - IL State Fair Parade, Springfield, IL

• August 10-20, 2023 - IL State Fair, Springfield, IL

• August 19, 2023 - St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Tickets Late Fee Begins

• August 28, 2023 - St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Tickets Registration CLOSES

• August 29-31, 2023 - Farm Progress Show, Decatur, IL

• September 1, 2023 - IL FFA Center Closing at 12:30 for Holiday

• September 4, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Labor Day Holiday

• September 17, 2023 - St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Game, IL Foundation FFA Fundraiser, Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

• September 22, 2023 - Elite Conference, Heartland College, 1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761

• September 23, 2023 - State Horse CDE, Black Hawk College East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Rd, Galva, IL

• September 30, 2023 - State Forestry CDE, SIU College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

• October 9, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

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

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

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

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

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

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