FFA

The successes by farmers and the accomplishments by the state’s Department of Agriculture were highlighted to open the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable.

The 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention wrapped up in Puerto Rico. I can think of no better way to kick off a new year than with the Farm Bureau family — and what an awesome time we had!

For three days in mid-December, the Illinois FFA Major State Officer Team embarked on a retreat to spend time focusing on the beginning of planning the 95th Illinois FFA State Convention.

December was full of learning, celebrating, ups, downs and a lot of growth. Throughout this last month, my team and I spent time exploring our new home of Indianapolis and dove deep into foundational training of National FFA office.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture shared accomplishments made in 2022 to support the state’s No. 1 industry.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association announced the winners of the Water Testing Initiative Challenge.

The La Salle County Soil and Water Conservation District announced the Isermann family of Streator is the 2022 Farm Family of the Year.

For over 150 years, Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel has hosted numerous extravagant guests and events, including the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, held Dec. 2-6.

Illinois will use $14.4 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to buy locally produced food and distribute it to those in need, according to state officials.

National FFA officers are given the responsibility to represent the over 850,000 members of the National FFA Organization by being advocates for agriculture, agricultural education and FFA.

The Hamilton family of Vigo County was named the 26th Indiana Farm Family of the Year. The award is presented annually by AgriNews and Beck’s at the Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention.

Whether it’s the familiar blue and gold corduroy jackets of FFA, the green 4-H shamrock or just that certain “something,” those who work in agriculture are visible. That was the message that Rachel Hood, Illinois FFA president, shared at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Agriscience projects focused on fish, pest control and meat consumption resulted in national awards for Illinois FFA members during the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo, held in Indianapolis.

Working with cattle and vegetables resulted in two Illinois FFA members receiving national Agricultural Proficiency Awards.

Competing in Discussion Meet events hosted by Farm Bureau is one way for young agriculturalists to improve their public speaking skills. “I think it has helped me become a better public speaker and it’s a discussion, not a debate,” said Aaron Mitchell.