As part of the evaluation process of contest host sites and the overall calendar of events, we are now reopening the bidding process for the Illinois FFA State Dairy Cattle Evaluation/Dairy Handlers CDEs for the 2024-2030 school years. If you know of a potential host site that may not receive these messages, please feel free to forward this to them.

You are invited to submit a proposal to host Dairy Cattle/Handlers at your facility or in conjunction with another event (State FFA Convention, etc.). You should not feel bound to the historical dates or process for the event. Just because an event is currently held in April does not mean it must continue to be held in April. While the proposal sheet that accompanies the event is fairly complete, feel free to highlight any special advantage or opportunity your facility might offer to enhance this valuable learning experience for all involved.

A response to the invitation will undoubtedly influence which sites are considered for future events. The IAVAT Board of Directors will review the information once proposals are submitted and will be in contact with potential hosts soon. I look forward to receiving a completed proposal form. Proposals, and any questions about the process, must be sent to Sean Welch swelch@illinoisffa.org no later than June 30, 2024.