A look inside the 98th Illinois FFA Convention

The 98th Illinois FFA Convention concluded in Springfield last week, where 494 member-delegates elected six new state officers to lead the organization for 2026-27. The team includes President Bryer Nelson from Canton FFA, Vice President Collin Johnson from Franklin FFA, Reporter Haven Cash from North Clay FFA, Secretary Owen Rigg from Williamsfield FFA, Treasurer Lane Perry from Marshall FFA, and Sentinel Levi German from Nokomis FFA. This marks the second year Illinois FFA has expanded its leadership team to six members, following the addition of the sentinel position. The new officers will guide Illinois FFA’s 39,890 members and 403 chapters, with Nelson prioritizing member development and Johnson emphasizing chapter visits. ‘The members are why I do it,’ Johnson said. ‘Even as a state officer, there’s so much that you can learn from them.’ During the convention, Illinois FFA awarded 630 state degrees—only 2% of members achieve this recognition—and recognized 231 American degree candidates and 14 newly chartered chapters. The organization also honored Illinois FFA Star award winners, including Ryker Beckmier (Taylorville FFA, Star Farmer), Molly McCalla (Staunton FFA, Star in Agricultural Placement), Toby Williams (Stark County FFA, Star in Agriscience), and Kolton Wiley (Sullivan FFA, Star in Agribusiness). Winners were selected based on agricultural skills, management experience, and completion of the State FFA Degree. The convention highlighted achievements in supervised agricultural experiences and leadership, reinforcing Illinois FFA’s commitment to preparing students for careers in agriculture and beyond. The newly elected officers and award recipients will now focus on advancing the organization’s mission over the coming year.