FFA news
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.
Agriculture educators play a crucial role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry.
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.
In between fungicide and insecticide applications and replacing a hot water heater at the Humane Society, Aaron Rients and other volunteers are getting ready for the 76th annual Central States Threshermen’s Reunion.
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.
The old 10-20 gets a second chance as it connects a century of agriculture history and technological advances.
As he walked to the stage to collect the Corn Advocate of the Year award, Tim Thompson looked genuinely shocked. His mouth fell open, and his eyes widened.
Midwest Dairy is rewarding five students from Illinois with $1,000 this fall at the college or university of their choice.
The Illinois Agri-Women organization has awarded five scholarships for students studying agriculture.
Teens from around the state gathered for the 95th Indiana FFA State Convention, where they took part in workshops, volunteered and were honored for their accomplishments.
Clay Geyer, former From the Fields columnist, is back this year to share updates from his farm in northern Indiana.
Oregon High School students didn’t just learn framing and roofing in their ag construction class — they also learned about giving back and how hunger might be living right next door.
U.S. Sens. Todd Young and Chris Coons introduced the Youth Lead Act to support agricultural youth programs, including 4-H and FFA, in rural communities.
Five new officers elected by the delegates during the 96th Illinois FFA State Convention will be traveling throughout the state during the upcoming year engaging with members to inspire them to achieve their goals.
The Stars Over Illinois announcement of the top four FFA members in the state was just one of numerous highlights of the 96th Illinois FFA State Convention held in the state’s capital city.
The Top Five Section Reporters received a special award from Illinois AgriNews during Session 2 of the 96th Illinois FFA State Convention.
The 95th annual Indiana FFA State Convention will be held June 17-20 in West Lafayette. The theme of this year’s event is “Discover.”
The Illinois General Assembly approved a record $53.1 billion spending plan that included some good and bad news for agriculture-related programs.
Exceptional projects of FFA members from across the state will be highlighted during the 96th annual Illinois FFA State Convention, set for June 11-13.
Five district winners for the Star in Agribusiness award will be honored on the stage of the Illinois FFA State Convention.
The winner of the Star in Agricultural Placement award will be announced during the Wednesday afternoon session of the Illinois FFA State Convention starting at 2 p.m.
The Star in Agriscience award will be presented during the Stars Over Illinois ceremony on Wednesday, June 12.
Illinois FFA state proficiency winners are selected based on FFA members’ outstanding skills in recordkeeping, leadership and scholastic achievement.
With under a month left of the 2023-2024 Illinois FFA major state officers’ term, the team isn’t wasting any opportunities to make some memories before they retire their blue jackets.
Applications are being accepted through May 31 for a unique training course for farmers, advisers and conservation professionals that focuses on the soil health system.
The 2023 National FFA Annual Report was recently published, outlining the organization’s achievements and laying a blueprint for its future.
This Illinois Beef Foundation announced eight young people from across the state as 2024 scholarship recipients.
It has become customary this time of year for me to offer up some advice in this column with soon-to-be-newly-minted high school and college graduates.
Indiana Farm Bureau awarded scholarships to three young women pursuing careers in agriculture.
Steve Hirsch has been involved with volunteer fire departments his entire life.
The month of March is a unique one for the five Illinois FFA major state officers. In March, preparation for the FFA state convention is in full swing.
The John Deere Foundation committed nearly $4 million in grants to the National FFA Organization. The multiyear giving will support educational outreach and FFA’s mission — to lift up the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
A celebration of agriculture that crossed generations kicked off the 54th annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day. The event drew nearly 50 diverse agricultural organizations and about 1,000 FFA members together to meet with lawmakers.
Over the past two decades, a Livingston County farmer traveled to the capitol to meet with legislators and advocate for agriculture.
State FFA President Thaddeus Bergschnider, Vice President Eric Wisley, Reporter Cooper Nelson, Secretary Riley Kessler and Treasurer Benjamin Bremmer are nine months through their year as state officers.
There are many reasons for choosing a career in agriculture.
The Agriculture Council of America announced March 19 will be National Agriculture Day with the theme of “Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.”
Like many of you, I was a member of FFA in high school and then a member of collegiate FFA. The heart and soul of National FFA is the local chapter. That is where it all begins.
Ted McKinney has had many titles throughout his lengthy career in agriculture. Now he can officially add “Friend of Farmer” to that list.
The investment and protection of the next generation to enter agriculture or keep their family farm running has long been a priority at Farm Bureau.
Illinois Ag in the Classroom 2024 Teacher of the Year Amanda Stanko was recently named as a National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award winner.
As part of the celebration of the 90th year of the Streator FFA Chapter, chapter members are working on a Cake in a Pan project that will be shared with the Streator community.
The month of January saw Illinois FFA’s major state officers get right back into the swing of things. January kicked off with the officers spending a week at the Illinois FFA Center in Springfield.
Individuals across the country can make a difference in the lives of the more than 945,000 FFA members by participating in Give FFA Day during National FFA Week.
Bob Evans Restaurants announced its 2024 Supervised Agricultural Experience Grant recipients with 12 high school students from across the Midwest.