Parkers earn state FFA honors

MORRIS, Ill. — Dan Parker and family had a full schedule since AgriNews’ last visit in late May, including the FFA convention and the opening of fair season.

“We’ve been pretty busy this last month. We got all of our planting done and the planter put away. We got the spraying done on the corn and soybeans. We sidedressed the corn. We also had the state FFA convention in between,” said Parker during a break from hauling corn from the family’s Grundy County farm.

Dan and Erika’s daughters were both honored at the Illinois FFA State Convention in Springfield.

Katy Parker received her American FFA Degree, the highest honor that a FFA member can achieve.

Sarah Parker earned her Illinois State FFA Degree and was also recognized for placing first in the state for agriscience in plant systems proficiency and was runner-up for state Star honors in agriscience.

To top off the state leadership event, Dan was honored for his work with the organization when he was presented with a honorary State FFA Degree.

“It was pretty special for our family to be down there this year,” he noted.

County fair season started for the Parkers with the Ford County Fair in Melvin in late June where Sarah had some entries in the junior swine competition.

“We probably go to four fairs and maybe a few one-day jackpot shows in between,” Dan said.