Time to fall back into FFA conference season

Just as seasons dictate the duties of the agricultural industry, the seasons similarly determine Illinois FFA’s itinerary.

Fall would be incomplete without the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, where Illinois represented one of the states most frequently on stage. Our association took home hardware for 29 finalists in national level competitions, 12 top teams in competition categories, an American Star Farmer finalist, an American Star in Agriscience champion, a National FFA Talent performer and several national band and choir appearances.

One of the most exciting stage presences of all included the announcement of the 2024-2025 National FFA president — Thaddeus Bergschneider from Illinois.

Returning home to Illinois, the major state officers connected with industry friends through visits to ADM, United Prairie, Caterpillar, Vertical Software, Precision Planting, Illinois Soybean Association and Illinois Beef Association. They spent multiple days learning about each company, meeting with professionals and asking questions tying FFA to each agricultural business.

The coming bitter cold is putting a bittersweet end to chapter visits with only one week left of “Mission: Impact.” Week 6 of FFA chapter visits, the final week, will commence Nov. 18.

During these chapter visits, the major state officers strive to “impact” FFA members across the state by engaging in conversations, relating students’ personal interests to FFA opportunities and building a foundation of leadership within each school visited.

With the end of daylight saving, it is time to “fall back” into conference season. From middle school to freshman to junior and senior level conferences, each of the 16 Illinois FFA leadership conferences this fall and winter have been crafted with the interest of members in mind.

Group leaders and facilitators at each conference include current and past FFA section presidents, current and past major state officers, 4-H state youth representatives and friends of Illinois FFA who strive to impact students in their season of FFA.

Sidney Stiers from the Williamsfield FFA Chapter is the 2024-2025 Illinois Association FFA state reporter.