Young Leaders

Thaddeus Bergschneider is excited about connecting FFA members to opportunities through partners during his year as the National FFA president.

Illinois FFA members received prestigious awards for the development of their outstanding projects during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

A program designed to teach elementary students about agriculture and connections to the Spanish culture earned the Cambridge FFA Chapter a national award at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.

FFA students and advisers from around Indiana celebrated a successful 2024 National FFA Convention.

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

Western Illinois University agriculture alumni and students were recognized nationally for their leadership, achievements and dedication to advancing agricultural education at the 2024 National FFA Convention.

Cabbages are not exactly the typical big university landscaping, but at Northern Illinois University, cabbages — and other vegetables, fruits and herbs — are the first step in what could be a food revolution.

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney will be the opening general session speaker at CattleCon 2025, Feb. 4-6, in San Antonio.

The 2024-2025 National FFA Officer Team was elected Oct. 25 during the final session of the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Excited members of the Yorkville Christian FFA Chapter gathered at Spirit Farms for a private concert with country artist Hailey Whitters. The chapter won the 2024 Rock the Crop contest from Firestone Ag.

An Illinois State University organics class toured a farm and milling facility to see up close the field-to-bag process.

We hosted a farm and mill tour as part of our county’s Farm Stroll. The local University of Illinois Extension office coordinates the day with small farms and more in Boone County participating.

Keynote speaker Temple Grandin kicked off the fourth General Session of the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry.

4-Hers around Indiana celebrated National 4-H Week Oct. 7-12. The National 4-H organization also launched the “Beyond Ready” campaign.

More than 65,000 people are coming to Indianapolis for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.

With the National FFA Convention right around the corner, Mandy Hazlett is busy preparing for another successful event.

Growing specialty crops including vegetables, pumpkins, gourds, mums and gladioli have developed into award-winning projects for Ty Steffen.

Multiple research projects focused on making a difference for cattle producers has earned Lizzie Schafer the honor of being selected a finalist for the American Star in Agriscience award.

FFA students can explore future job opportunities at the National FFA Convention, thanks to Career Success Tours.

In just four weeks, the Illinois FFA major state officers have already traveled 12,894 miles, met 4,632 students, visited 211 schools, experienced countless interactions and held mutually influential conversations.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is reminding students of internship opportunities available for the spring 2025 semester.

4-H has a greater reach than any other youth development organization — and young people need it now as much as ever before.

Beef production spans generations in the Hanson and Kuipers family in Iroquois County where they operate a forage-based program utilizing a paddock grazing system along with growing corn, soybeans and wheat.

When Doug Hanson returned to his home county to teach high school agriculture in 2001, he saw a trend in the local economy and wanted to try to make a difference.

Following a successful year at the Illinois State Fair with more than 70,000 people passing through the FFA Barnyard, the major state officers kept in “fair mode” as they traveled to the Du Quoin State Fair.

One of the goals in FFA is to prepare members “for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”

Jeanette Merritt’s role as the communications director for Indiana Pork combines her passion for agriculture with her professional expertise in marketing and communication.

Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which will be held Feb. 4-6 in San Antonio. This annual event is “where the beef industry meets” to conduct business, attend educational sessions and enjoy family fun.

Confetti, traveling and fair food, oh my. Many people joke that my teammates and I are now “owned” by Illinois FFA.

National Farm Safety and Health Week will be observed Sept. 15-21 this year. The theme, “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident,” encourages people to take a proactive approach to safety education.

Applications are now being accepted for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. The scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate students pursuing careers in meat science and animal agriculture.

Sixty young livestock exhibitors vied for the title of Grand Champion Overall Master Showman during the 2024 Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest.

The old 10-20 gets a second chance as it connects a century of agriculture history and technological advances.

It is that magical time of the year — August fair season. In a lot of ways, I look forward to the fair more than Christmas. 4-H has always been a big part of my family.

Berkeley Boehne harvested an excellent wheat crop in July and his corn and soybean crops also look good at the start of August.

College students, clubs and classes are invited to sign up to participate in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 College Aggies Online scholarship program.

Historic Farm Days visitors had the option to “drive” a classic 4020, the newest 9RX or anything in between at a new John Deere mobile simulator.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of serving as Farm Bureau president is getting the chance to witness firsthand the remarkable things our members are doing within their communities.

As soon as the large mahogany door in the congressional building was opened, the farmers were greeted with hellos and handshakes. “Do you want some Indiana popcorn?” the staff in Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Pence’s office proudly asked.

As he walked to the stage to collect the Corn Advocate of the Year award, Tim Thompson looked genuinely shocked. His mouth fell open, and his eyes widened.

Wet and hot conditions in northern Illinois are impacting crop growth, as well as providing an opportunity for increased disease pressure this year.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition, North America, announced its 10th annual Lallemand Scholarship program.

Take note of Team USA’s opening ceremony blazers. They are made with USA-grown wool. Actually, the Ralph Lauren website lists it as USA-grown Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool.

The fairs have started and my granddaughters have been busy walking, setting up, washing and trimming their four market lambs and one yearling ewe.

Midwest Dairy is rewarding five students from Illinois with $1,000 this fall at the college or university of their choice.

The Illinois Agri-Women organization has awarded five scholarships for students studying agriculture.

Berkeley Boehne and his brother, Vaughn, raise corn, soybeans and wheat on their DeKalb County farm, where they also feed pigs and operate a custom manure application business.

Teens from around the state gathered for the 95th Indiana FFA State Convention, where they took part in workshops, volunteered and were honored for their accomplishments.

Clay Geyer, former From the Fields columnist, is back this year to share updates from his farm in northern Indiana.