CONVENTION TIP of the DAY - Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - Welcome National FFA Officer, Thaddeus Bergschneider

WELCOME HOME, Thad!

Thad’s Bio

Hometown and State:

• Franklin, IL

FFA Stats:

Chapter | Franklin FFA

Enterprise | Raising Turkeys, Working on JP Bergschneider Farms

State Office | 2023-24 Illinois FFA State President

College Stats:

Major | Finance in Agribusiness

School | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Activities | Assistant Lead for Illinois FFA Ground Zero

Thaddeus Bergschneider wasn’t planning on joining FFA, but his dad

suggested he should try it. Even though his interests weren’t like those

of his brothers, maybe he could find a place.

“I was from a farm, but unlike the men I had looked up to and

idolized my whole life, I did not see myself staying there. As a

freshman, I struggled with my identity in agriculture and believed

I didn’t fit in the National FFA Organization.

“My dad was right,” Bergschneider said. “I did find my place in

agriculture and back home with my six siblings on the family farm.

I had to follow my passions and interests — my love of poetry grew

into extemporaneous public speaking, my competitive team spirit in

basketball grew into a strong Agriculture Sales Career Development

Event team, my agricultural roots founded my SAEs, and my love for

learning, reading, and talking to others led me into leadership.”

He wants all FFA members from any background and all walks of life

to know they have an opportunity and place wearing the blue jacket

and in agriculture.

“Struggles do not define you; you have unique talents that can help

build the future of agriculture,” Bergschneider said. “As a national

officer, I aspire to create a culture where all members know they

belong and can pave their unique paths.”