New FFA major state officer team hits the ground running

Tapping the gavel, traveling the state and embracing the heat — from the moment the team was elected on June 11, everything changed in the everyday lives of the six new Illinois FFA major state officers.

They went from planning for college to selecting the Illinois FFA state theme and traveling the state. The excitement among the team was like nothing they’d ever experienced before.

The 2026-2027 major state officers — President Bryer Nelson, Canton; Vice President Collin Johnson, Franklin; Reporter Haven Cash, North Clay; Secretary Owen Rigg, Williamsfield; Treasurer Lane Perry, Marshall; and Sentinel Levi German, Nokomis — hit the ground running.

The Monday after the convention, their duties had already begun. The first week in Peoria, they assisted the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers Conference by helping with registration, moving supplies and assisting with the awards ceremony.

Next came Base Camp, led by National FFA staff. This four-day training, held at the Illinois FFA Center in Springfield, provided several hours of instruction on ethics, talents, team dynamics, leadership levels and workshop development.

On June 20, the six major state officers attended the Vertical Software Ag Night at the Peoria Chief’s Dozer Park. President Nelson threw the first pitch and other officers participated in yard games during breaks in innings.

During the week of June 29, the team officially transitioned into their roles as the 2025-2026 major state officers handed over responsibilities.

This week included debriefings from the outgoing team and time for the new officers to move into their cubicles and get briefed on office operations. The transition helped the incoming team feel a sense of belonging and prepared them for the year of service ahead.

After celebrating Independence Day, the team hit the road for a trip to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the annual July State Officer Meeting.

During this week, the section presidents participated in reflections, committee meetings and campus tours while receiving valuable training in facilitation, ethics, etiquette and animal ethics.

It was also during this week that chapter visit assignments and the 2026-2027 Illinois FFA state theme was revealed. Stay tuned for the theme reveal video coming soon.

Haven Cash from the North Clay FFA Chapter is the 2026-2027 Illinois Association FFA state reporter.