Young Leaders

Pilar Bravo from Marion County was crowned the 66th Miss Indiana State Fair at the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. It is the first time since 1981 that a contestant from Marion County has won the title.

Flipping the calendar year to 2025 led to the transition of our team goals to include planning for Illinois FFA State Convention.

Agriculture groups are grateful that Congress extended the 2018 farm bill for another year, but urge lawmakers to stay focused on new, modernized legislation that recognizes the many changes and challenges of the past six years.

The National 4-H Council released “Beyond Ready: 2024 4‑H Impact Report,” showing the powerful impact the organization has on more than six million young people.

The Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial’s corporate giving program, is offering 123 scholarships to students this spring.

Two central Illinois agriculture teachers already had plenty on their plates as they watched and listened to the news.

During a special reception for county leaders at the 2024 Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention, the organization recognized the achievements of county Farm Bureaus in 2024.

A public hearing for a proposed wheat checkoff was held at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The proposal calls for a 1.5-cent checkoff per bushel of wheat sold in Illinois.

Area farmers and farmland owners with an interest in local sustainable agriculture will have the opportunity to network at the upcoming Common Ground Gathering.

CattleCon 2025 invites future agricultural leaders to San Antonio to experience the largest cattle industry event of the year, Feb. 4-6.

As we head into the holiday season, please support those who support your community. There are many reasons to shop in your local, rural communities.

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.

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

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.