Just getting home from IAA (Illinois Agriculture Association) Annual Meeting!!

MVP of Corn

Well, it is official; harvest 2010 has started here in Central Illinois! On Saturday I got my first hours at the local elevator where I work during harvest season. Now, for my friends out there who are sitting at their computers wondering why in the world anyone would work at an elevator, I must tell you, that it is not the kind of elevator you are thinking of. It is actually a grain elevator, a place where farms bring their corn to be sold into markets. I absolutely LOVE working there!! Now, this is only my second season working there, but I really have enjoyed it. I get to see all of my favorite local farmers and stay connected with the agriculture industry.

Getting to see and spend time with the local farmers in the area is something I have loved doing since the first time my gramps took me for “morning coffee”. I have always found farmers to be one of my favorite crowds of people, and there are none better than the ones found in Central Illinois! Building relationships with the people (that’s right women too!) of the community makes me feel connected and empowered. I have the world at my fingertips and a whole lot of people who know me and are cheering me on in all that I hope to achieve. I am often working on my class work during “down-times” and I have been known to get some grief if I spend too much time socializing and not enough studying, ON THE JOB!! (Another Highlight: often time’s farmers have sons, haha)

I am so excited for this season to continue. I love seeing the products of all the hours of hard work and dedication that the farmers of Mclean County have committed. After all, you don’t get to be named #1 Corn Producing County in the Nation by doing nothing!! 

This sign is located in The Corn Crib, home of the Normal Cornbelters, the professional baseball team here in Normal. For more information visit their website at Normal Cornbelters Baseball!!

Latest Ag Edu Funding Update

Why is Agriculture Education not important to Illinois?

Excerpts from an ILLINOIS FFA CENTER MESSAGE:

Jim Craft
Illinois FFA Center
Executive Secretary
Illinois FFA Center
Springfield, IL 62702

“Illinois Agricultural Education Critical for Future Economy

The growing population needs your support today!

As you may know, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has voted to eliminate the agricultural education line item from its FY11 budget, putting agricultural education and the return on investment to the state of Illinois at risk. The $3 million-plus line item has been included within the ISBE budget since 1987, and used to fund nationally acclaimed, top-quality programs that also help generate economic returns for the state of Illinois.

"The result of this action will significantly affect agricultural education in a negative way across the state, from agricultural literacy efforts at the elementary levels, to classrooms at the secondary and postsecondary levels," says Harley Hepner, ISBE principal consultant for agricultural education. "The decision will significantly erode the ability of agricultural businesses to find an adequate supply of future employees with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully lead the industry in the future.”

Agriculture helps feed and clothe a growing global population, and Illinois plays a critical role in meeting that need. Corporations like Monsanto and Syngenta, foundations like AgChat, universities like Purdue, and government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recognize the critical role that agricultural education plays in feeding the pipeline for the more than 300 diverse career opportunities available -- high-paying careers in business, science, marketing and many more areas…”

“Agricultural Education's Future at Stake Following ISBE Budget Reduction

Board Moves to Eliminate $3 Million Line Item that Generates Returns for Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has voted to eliminate the agricultural education line item from its FY11 budget, putting agricultural education's future at risk. The $3 million-plus line item has been used to fund nationally acclaimed, top-quality programs that also help generate economic returns for the state of Illinois. The line item has been included within the ISBE budget since 1987.

“While ISBE board members were sympathetic to the nearly 20 line items in the budget that were eliminated and the nearly 45 line items that will experience significant reductions, they voted to make the tough budget recommendation. They also included a recommendation for the Governor to find additional funds to assist some of the zero-funded line items," says Harley Hepner, ISBE principal consultant for agricultural education. "Elimination of the agricultural education line item comes despite testimony that showed the return on investment of state dollars and the fact that Illinois agricultural education is a nationally recognized and respected model.

"The result of this action will significantly affect agricultural education in a negative way across the state, from agricultural literacy efforts at the elementary levels, to classrooms at the secondary and postsecondary levels," Hepner continues. "The decision will significantly erode the ability of agricultural businesses to find an adequate supply of future employees with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully lead the industry in the future.”

In testimony to the board, Jim Craft, Illinois FFA executive secretary, stressed that agricultural education is not a drain on the state’s financial resources. Rather, agricultural education actually provides a positive cash flow to the state. In FY09, the agricultural education line item was funded at $3.381 million. During the same time period, agricultural education students generated $10.5 million in net earnings from placement and entrepreneurial projects, representing a 311.5 percent return on investment and stronger tax bases in many local communities.

"For example, agricultural education has excelled in stretching state dollars by securing matching funds from corporate sources. In 2009, $180,000 was provided to 65 county coalitions wishing to establish or strengthen their agricultural literacy programs. That $180,000 was matched by $220,000 from Illinois Ag in The Classroom and another $1.92 million in local funds from participating county coalitions," says Craft. "Wonderful opportunities were provided to more than 2,000 attendance centers when state dollars grew from $180,000 to $2.3 million. About $190,000 of the funds were used for ag education improvement grants to address critical needs at the local level. That investment was matched with $269,515 locally, for a 141 percent return."

Craft pointed out to the board that the impact is not just financial, but also affects many lives:

• More than 468,000 elementary students and 29,000 elementary teachers at more than 2,000 attendance sites
• Roughly 30,000 secondary students and nearly 400 secondary teachers at more than 300 attendance sites
• Nearly 58,000 postsecondary (university and community college) students and nearly 200 university and community college instructors at 25 attendance centers
• About 2,800 community volunteers recruited to assist local schools to develop student science, reading and mathematics skills and competencies
• 20 field staff assisting local programs, teachers and students by implementing various state projects

Craft ended his testimony by telling the ISBE board, "Agricultural education has a proven record of generating dollars in excess of what the state provides. It incorporates ISBE goals and initiatives fully within the projects funded by the line item, it touches the lives of students of all ages and from all corners of Illinois and it serves an industry that employs 20 percent of the Illinois workforce. The partnership that has been developed between all levels of education, with the support of the agricultural industry and parents, is too important to discard – that level of partnership is the envy of the nation and is a model for the future."

Craft encourages Illinois agricultural education supporters to communicate with legislators to, "not bite the hand" that feeds Illinois' number one industry in terms of workforce development, the economy and food production. Supporting documents can be downloaded from www.iavat.org to communicate with the Governor's office, state senators and representatives.

The statewide agricultural education team includes the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE), the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE), Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois FFA and its associated groups, Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT), Illinois Association Community College Agriculture Instructors (IACCAI), University Council, Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom and FCAE. The team works to help ensure a successful social, economical and environmental future for the state with K-adult education programs in support of Illinois’ largest industry, agriculture. For more information, visit www.agriculturaleducation.org.”

Illinois FFA Center Message-6/18/2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Agricultural Education Funding

HIGH PRIORITY

The State Legislature has passed a state budget providing funds to agencies as well as the Governor's office. ISBE Superintendent Koch's public message indicated it is likely ISBE will be required to have an Emergency Fund for FY11 amounting to approximately $600 million additional out of an already tight budget. Grant lines including Agricultural Education are likely one of the few places remaining to find such funds. In the Governor's earlier proposed budget, all grant lines added together were a little over $540 million. If this is the case, you can see there would be little to no funds for grant lines in the ISBE budget including the Agricultural Education line item.

The impact of a $0 budget for the Agricultural Education line item is immeasurable. All levels of Agricultural Education would be affected including the classroom students and teachers; student organizations (FFA & ILPAS/CFFA); efforts to promote the profession, the industry, and its related careers; and field and support staff (FCAE & AITC County Coordinators) who provide technical assistance and implementation programs directly to schools. Not only would this affect the support, number, and quality of agriucltural education programs and teachers across the state, but this would have a dramatic effect on the agricultural industry in Illinois and the effort to increase the number of students/potential employees through this system not to mention agricultural literacy efforts. If this line item is $0 and in today's fiscal climate, it will be very difficult to re-establish this structure in the future.

It is important that you take action now by contacting the Governor's office. Communications should be sent to Julie Smith, Deputy Chief of Staff - Education. Her e-mail is julie.smith@illinois.gov. Ask that the Governor use his discretionary funds to fund the Agricultural Education line item at $3 million. The other option is for the Governor to exempt ISBE from having to set funds aside for an emergency fund.

You should also contact Superintendent Christopher Koch at ISBE and ask him to fund the Agricultural Education line item at $3 million. His e-mail address is statesup@isbe.net.

Agricultural Education's voice must be heard and it must be heard now. There is no time to waste. You must make the contacts as soon as possible and let them know what you think. Please make sure you keep all communications courteous and on a professional level.

Pass this information on to anyone you know who supports Agricultural Education and is willing to make the contacts.

82nd Illinois Association State FFA Convention

As the title to my post shows, I am currently at the 82nd Illinois Association FFA State Convention. Well, actually I am at the fabulous Super8 (thank you ISU Ag Department!). Now I know that writing out the ENTIRE formal title for convention is a little like overkill, but I cannot help it. Since my first State Convention back in 2005 I get so excited, it's like every time I write it I want to shout it out. So, why is it that I am so excited by this 3 day event at the beginning or June??

I guess you could say that the answer is simple, to me State FFA Convention represents everything that is good about agriculture and makes me proud of the legacy I am leaving behind for future generations. Since I was a freshman in high school State Convention has marked the end of another year and a new page in the story of my life.

When I was just a freshmen in Ag at Normal Community West High School the 2004-2005 Illinois Association State President (again with the titles) came to my class and talked to us about the importance of setting goals. That day I wrote out a goal card and decided to embark on a journey that has brought me through many things, and each year State Convention has been a way for me to tangibly see what I have accomplished towards those goals.

As I was getting ready to head down this year to represent Illinois State University I knew this year was going to be different than all the others. This year is my first time attending State Convention as a non-member, an alumnus. As I look back on my years at State Convention, and think specifically to last year I am reminded of the best convention ever.

The 81st Illinois Association FFA State Convention marked the end of a completed chapter in my life story, the culmination of my FFA career. t was those goals I set back in freshmen year that propelled me through, and brought me to the final page as a retiring State Officer and American Degree Candidate. At the time it all seemed a little too bitter sweet. I had known and loved FFA for so many years, and I could not imagine life without the Blue Jacket, but there were no more lines in the story left to write.

(The 2008-2009 Retiring Section Presidents)

As an FFA Member I became really good at trying to write my own story, or setting myself up to reach that final page. However, I could never quite feel comfortable with that final turn of the page and the thought of starting another chapter. It is something that I struggle with often, and find myself questioning my path to the future.

But without fail the 82nd Illinois Association FFA State Convention has reminded me of the accomplishments that have brought me to this point in my life, and reminded me of why I look towards the future.

So thank you 82nd Illinois Association FFA State Convention, and Agriculture in general for giving me passion, purpose, and hope for the future!