Items in this listserv:

ALWAYS HERE: includes information that remains relevant from week to week. New updates are added as needed.

• Illinois FFA Board Reports

• Illinois FFA 100th Memorabilia - Click here to complete the form

• 100 Faces of Illinois FFA - 100 Faces of Illinois FFA – stories of former members whose FFA experiences influenced their lives, careers, and communities.  Nominate someone today!

• HOT, HOT, HOT -  2026 - 2027 FFA Chapter Strategic Plan - DUE October 1, 2026 - Please click here for Chapter Strategic Plan instructions.  

• HOT, HOT, HOT - Congratulations to those earning the American FFA Degree, teachers, and for all of the information they need to know - click here.  

• HOT, HOT, HOT - 2026 National Convention Results

****NEW Information****

1. 2026 American FFA Degree Star Finalists

2. 2026 Honorary American FFA Degree Recipients

3. 2026-2027 FFA Rosters

4. Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month

5. Statewide Farmer Mental Health Program Rebrands as FARM SOS

6. IL FFA Center CLOSED for Office Cleanout & Calendar Day

1.  2026 American FFA Degree Star Finalists

Illinois FFA History in the making AGAIN, back-to-back years with 3 American Star Finalists.  CONGRATULATIONS to: 

• Justin Myers (Forreston) - American Star Farmer National Finalist

• Benjamin Biros (Seneca) - American Star in Agribusiness National Finalist

• Jaron Black (Streator) - American Star in Agricultural Placement National Finalist

2.  2026 Honorary American FFA Degree Recipients

We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Honorary American FFA Degree recipients!

A special CONGRATULATIONS to Lori Copsy and Tammy Yard, two incredibly dedicated individuals who work tirelessly at the Illinois FFA Center and make a lasting impact on Illinois Agricultural Education.

We are also excited to celebrate Luke Allen, Chicago Area FCAE Program Advisor, who has faithfully served Illinois Agricultural Education through FCAE for the past 20 years.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate these outstanding members of our Illinois Agricultural Education team, along with all of this year’s deserving recipients. Congratulations on this well-earned honor!

And a very special SHOUT OUT to Mr. Mike White, the 2026 VIP Citation recipient; he is exceptionally deserving, and we are honored to celebrate him!  

3.  2026-2027 FFA Rosters

The FFA roster is now available in The AET to begin (and even complete) for the 2026-2027 school year.  The process this year is the same as it was for last year.  For credit on the Incentive Funding Grant application, the roster must be submitted by October 1, 2026. 

• Illinois Roster- Teacher Directions

• Illinois Students Roster Directions

• AET Common student profile issues that prevent their profile from reaching 100%

If you have any questions on completing your roster, please contact Tammy Yard – tyard@illinoisffa.org.

4.  Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month

Nominations now accepted for Actively Engaged Student of the Month!

High school students who invest their time and talents across a wide array of programs and interests will be celebrated for a third year through the Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month program.

IFB began accepting student nominations for the 2026-27 school year starting Aug. 1.

“Through the first two academic years of the program, we’ve recognized 20 highly involved and well-rounded students across the state,” said RFD Radio Network’s Jim Taylor. “We’re looking forward to another academic term of quality nominations throughout Illinois.”

Nominations should come from an FFA adviser, coach, club or activity sponsor, 4-H or county fair representative. Applications received during the 2024-25 and 2025-56 school years must be resubmitted for consideration.

Monthly winners will be spotlighted on the RFD Radio Network, FarmWeekNow.com and FarmWeek. They also will receive $250 from the IAA Credit Union.

Nominations may be made online, farmweeknow.com/activelyengaged.

5.  Statewide Farmer Mental Health Program Rebrands as FARM SOS

Carbondale, IL — What began as a pilot program serving six Illinois counties has grown into a trusted program providing confidential mental health support to agricultural communities across all 102 counties. Now, seven years later, the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) announces its new name: FARM SOS.

The rebranding reflects the program’s evolution and creates a simpler, more recognizable identity that immediately communicates its purpose: connecting farmers and their families with support when they need it most. Along with the new name, FARM SOS is introducing a new logo and launching a new website at ILFARMSOS.COM.

Since its debut in 2019, the partnership among SIU School of Medicine, Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and Illinois Department of Human Services has expanded its reach, strengthened partnerships and helped farm families navigate challenges ranging from financial and operational stress to personal hardship. 

“While our name is changing, our commitment to farm families remains the same,” said Karen Stallman, FARM SOS Program Coordinator. “FARM SOS clearly communicates that we’re here to provide support, connect people with resources and ensure no farm family has to face a crisis alone. “Our hope is that this new identity not only makes it easier for farm families to find us but also encourages more conversations about mental health in agriculture across Illinois.” 

“Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the average person, and in the agricultural community, stigma surrounding mental health treatment often prevents those in need from seeking help,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “With FFRI, now FARM SOS, no one has to suffer in silence.”  

FARM SOS is a completely confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all Illinois farm families at no cost. The helpline, 1-833-FARM-SOS (1-833-327-6767), offers those in the agriculture sector easy access to trained professionals who can provide emotional support and connect callers with tailored assistance.  

In addition to the helpline, FARM SOS provides telehealth counseling services, offering up to six no-cost sessions for individuals, couples, or groups. To learn more, visit ILFARMSOS.COM.

• Flyer for Coffee Hour Sessions

• Learn more about FARM SOS

Media interested in learning how FARM SOS is supporting farm families in their communities or speaking with program leaders about agricultural mental health are encouraged to contact Karen Stallman@siu.edu

6.  IL FFA Center CLOSED for Office Cleanout & Calendar Day

The Illinois FFA Center is CLOSED on Monday, September 7, 2026, for Labor Day.  AND on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the FFA Center, it is Office Cleanout Day!  It’s a favorite day around here, but more importantly, one of our most important days for the upkeep of our building, materials, and supplies, not to mention sanity.   We also take time to set the calendar for the next 18 months, so it’s a busy and productive day.  Please be patient with us, and leave a message; we will get back to you as soon as we are available.

REMINDER - September 30, 2026 - IL FFA Center CLOSED, Office Cleanout Day

*** PREVIOUS Information Shared - WORTH Sharing Again****

• PREVIOUS LISTSERVS - CLICK HERE to view the 2026 - 2027 School Year of Listserv messages

• 2025 - 2026 School Year Listserv Messages - CLICK HERE

-- Mindy Bunselmeyer

Illinois FFA Center

Phone: 217-753-3328

Cell: 217-412-5646

Email: mbunselmeyer@illinoisffa.org

Address: 3221 Northfield, Springfield, IL 62702