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From contests to convention, the Illinois FFA major state officer team has certainly had a packed schedule this past month.
With five state contests, the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo and nine business visits completed, the team has been on the move highlighting the best of agricultural education and leadership across Illinois.
As fall Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events reached their peak, members from across the state competed in a series of state contests designed to test their agricultural knowledge and professional skills.
This month’s events included Land Use, Food Science, Job Interview, Agricultural Sales and Agricultural Education. Students from every corner of Illinois worked hard for the opportunity to be named state winners in their respective areas.
These contests were hosted by colleges throughout the state, including Black Hawk College-East Campus, Joliet Junior College and Illinois State University, each providing an educational environment that showcased the future of the agricultural industry.
Members traded contest rooms for the bright lights of Indianapolis at the National FFA Convention, an event that will be remembered for years to come. Illinois FFA members made their mark on the national stage, earning an impressive list of accomplishments.
The state celebrated three American Star finalists, with two national winners; 12 National Proficiency finalists, with three national winners; seven National Chapter Award finalists, with one national winner; 11 CDE and LDE plaques; nine National Agriscience finalists; 174 American Degree recipients; and 18 Honorary American Degrees.
Illinois was also proudly represented by seven National FFA Band members, two Chorus members and one talent member.
One of the most memorable moments of the week came as Illinois’ own Thaddeus Bergschneider took the stage for the final time as the 2024-2025 National FFA president. His leadership, dedication and commitment to agricultural education made the entire Illinois FFA family proud.
Upon returning from Indianapolis, the major state officers turned their focus to the organizations that make these opportunities possible. Throughout the following week, the team visited nine businesses that play key roles in supporting the Illinois Foundation FFA.
These visits included stops at IL Corn, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Farm Business Farm Management, Cargill in Bloomington, Caterpillar in Decatur, AGCO Technician Training Center at Parkland College, United Prairie, Rural King and ADM North American Headquarters. Each visit provided valuable insight into how these companies operate and contribute to the agricultural industry.
The experience allowed the officer team to express gratitude on behalf of Illinois FFA members and to share firsthand how business support helps sustain leadership programs and student opportunities across the state.
From celebrating state and national achievements to connecting with industry leaders, this month has been a rewarding and inspiring one for Illinois FFA.
The energy and enthusiasm of our members continue to drive agricultural education forward, reminding us that the future of Illinois agriculture is in great hands.
Ethan Bremmer from the Pearl City FFA Chapter is the 2025-2026 Illinois Association FFA state reporter.