2018 ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION REPORT Illinois Committee For Agricultural Education Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education

Becky Ropp, Chair Amy Leman Doug Hanson, Chair ILCAE Adult Education ProHarvest Seeds Warren Graeff Tammy Miller Dan Swanson PNC Bank Joliet Junior College State Representative Dr. Richard Steffen, Vice-Chair Doug Hanson Alison Jefferson, Vice-Chair University Agriculture Instructor ILCAE Illinois Agriculture Leadership Jay Harris Don Moffitt Greg Webb Rylan Rusk, Secretary Jay Harris Foundation J.O. Harris Sales State Representative, Retired Archer Daniels Midland Secondary Agriculture Teacher ILCAE Karen Jones, Secretary Kenny Hartman David Mouser Kaitlin Weitekamp Jody Heavner Vern McGinnis Growmark Glendell Farm Tri-Valley School District John Deere Secondary Agriculture Teacher ILCAE Allyn Buhrow Russel Higgins Aimee Shasteen Michael Woods Kevin Daugherty Aimee Shasteen Buhrow Farms University of Illinois Extension Farm Credit Illinois Illinois College Agriculture Literacy ILCAE Bill Harmon Allyn Buhrow Dave Cattron Chris Kendall Becky Ropp College Agriculture Instructor ILCAE Educator, Retired Peoria Educational Region for Growmark Employment and Career Training Brad Pilcher Chad Colby Karen Schieler FFA Colby AgTech Mindy McDermott Compeer Financial The Climate Corporation Allen Dietz Kay Shipman Educator, Retired Vern McGinnis Farm Week Growmark, Retired

Foundation of Agricultural Education as Part of the Illinois Educational System

Senate Bill 255 passed and signed into law on September 19, 1986, creating House Bill 4986 passed amending Public Act 84-1452 and the Illinois School Public Act 84-1452 and Chapter 122, Section 2-3.80 of the Illinois School Code on January 20, 2006, stating: Code stating: The General Assembly recognizes that agriculture is the most Provides that a school district that offers a secondary agricultural education basic and singularly important industry in the State, that agriculture is of central program that is eligible for state and federal funding must ensure that, at a importance to the welfare and economic stability of the State, and that the minimum, the following are available to its secondary agricultural education maintenance of this vital industry requires a continued source of trained students: (1) an instructional sequence of courses approved by the State Board and qualified individuals for employment in agriculture and agribusiness. The of Education; (2) a State and nationally affiliated FFA chapter that is integral to General Assembly hereby declares that it is in the best interests of the people of instruction and is not treated as an extracurricular activity; and (3) a mechanism the State of Illinois that a comprehensive education program in agriculture be for ensuring the involvement of all secondary agricultural education students in created and maintained by the State’s public school system in order to ensure formal, supervised agricultural-experience activities and programs. an adequate supply of trained and skilled individuals and to ensure appropriate representation of racial and ethnic groups in all phases of the industry. It is The seven major branches of the Illinois Agricultural Education Plan are: the intent of the General Assembly that a State program for agricultural education PreK-8 Agricultural Literacy, 6-12 Agricultural Education Programs, Community shall be a part of the curriculum of the public school system K through adult, and College Agricultural Education Programs, University Education in Agriculture, made readily available to all school districts which may, at their option, include Teacher Education Programs in Agriculture, Agricultural Workforce Knowledge, programs in education in agriculture as a part of the curriculum of that district. Skill, and Talent Development, and Public and Consumer Agricultural Awareness and Advocacy. The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 1 School based Agricultural Education is delivered through three interconnected components known as the Three Circle Model

Student Organization (FFA) 18, 453 Members

SCHOOL-BASED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION Work-based Learning (Supervised Agricultural Classroom/Laboratory Experience) Instruction $11,698,212 Total 37,823 Duplicated Students Net Earnings 33,050 Unduplicated Students 2 Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) is a voluntary, grassroots agricultural industry group focused on the expansion and improvement of Agricultural Education programs at all levels. ILCAE is primarily an advocacy group focused on legislation that established the Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE) and the Agricultural Education line item in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) budget. Chair: Doug Hanson

Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE) is a 13-member committee established by legislation and appointed by the Governor to advise both the governor and state education agency concerning Agricultural Education K-adult. Chair: Becky Ropp

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is the state agency responsible for preK-12 education, including career and technical education. The principal consultant serves in a supervisory, administrative capacity related to program approval, funding and regulatory requirements. Ag Consultant: Dr. Erica Thieman

Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE) is supported with funds from an identified Agricultural Education line item within the ISBE budget. Project staff includes a coordinator and five district professional staff charged with improving education in and about agriculture, prekindergarten through adult levels. Coordinator: Dean Dittmar | Program Advisors: Kevin Larsen, Luke Allen, Jennifer Waters, Megan Coy

Illinois Agriculture In The Classroom (AITC) program combines the efforts of the Illinois Farm Bureau, Facilitating Coordination of Agricultural Education (FCAE), University of Illinois Extension, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Illinois Agricultural Commodity organizations, various Agribusinesses, and others in providing agricultural literacy for students at levels K-8. Education Director: Kevin Daugherty University Council consists of the Agricultural Teacher Education faculty from the four state universities offering teacher education programs in agriculture, ISBE, FCAE Coordinator and Program Advisors, FFA, and IAVAT. The primary focus of this group is to maintain consistent, high quality pre-service agricultural education programs and to identify research priorities. Dr. Dick Steffen, Dr. Lucas Maxwell, Dr. Seb Pense, Dr. Howard Heavner, Dr. Debra Korte, Gary Ochs, Dr. Andrew Baker The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 3

Illinois Foundation FFA is a foundation established to receive and disburse funds to support quality Agricultural Education/FFA programs. Director: Mindy Bunselmeyer and Treasurer: John Edgar

IS ASSOC Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT) LLINO IATIO I N is a professional organization for agricultural education teachers at all

V E OCA TUR TIONAL AGRICUL levels. President: John Heiser, Director: John Edgar and Associate T S EACHER Director: Mindy Bunselmeyer

Illinois Association of Community College Agriculture Instructors (IACCAI) is a professional organization for postsecondary agricultural education teachers at all levels. President: Pete Fandel and Director: John Edgar

Illinois FFA Alumni Association supports and promotes the FFA organization and its activities and agricultural education at every level. The focus of the association is the local chapter affiliate. President: Steve Yandell and Director: Mindy Bunselmeyer

Illinois Association FFA is a career and technical student organization for students enrolled in Agricultural Education programs at the junior high, senior high, and collegiate levels. This organization promotes premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for all agricultural education student members. Executive Secretary: Mindy Bunselmeyer and Associate Executive Secretary: John Edgar

Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) advocates for Illinois’ agricultural industry and provides the necessary regulatory functions to benefit consumers, the agriculture industry and our natural resources. The agency also promotes agribusiness in Illinois and throughout the world. Director: John Sullivan

Illinois Professional Agricultural Student (PAS) organization is a career and technical student organization for students enrolled in agricultural programs at the postsecondary level. PAS provides students with professional development opportunities, helping students get an edge in today’s job market. Director: John Edgar and Assistant Director: Mindy Bunselmeyer

Illinois Farm Bureau is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the people, progress and pride of Illinois and its farming community. President: Richard Guebert Jr. 4 FUNDING for AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION in the ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET

1987 $48,500 Incentive Funding Grant based on quality indicators for high schools and 1988 $48,500 $1,646,778 universities with an approved agricultural program, $5,359 per school 1989 $1,000,000 1990 $1,040,000 Three Circle FFA & SAE Grant for agricultural teacher extended contract salaries 1991 $1,040,000 $1,406,635 for work beyond the official school day, weekends, and summer months 1992 $1,040,000 On-site technical assistance and mentoring to students, teachers, 1993 $1,040,000 $454,794 administrators, coordinators, and staff of county AITC partnerships, schools, 1994 $1,081,600 colleges, universities, and agribusinesses 1995 $1,081,600 Plant, animal, and horticulture teacher lesson plans, PowerPoint 1996 $1,181,600 $370,000 presentations, and student E-units correlated to the next generation science 1997 $1,299,000 standards 1998 $1,429,700 Improving high school agricultural education program grants to build 1999 $1,500,000 $329,148 greenhouses, improve mechanics labs, and update technology through computers, laptops, and tablets 2000 $2,000,000 2001 $2,000,000 Agriculture Experience Tracker (AET) website resources for program, teacher 2002 $1,950,000 $250,115 and student workplace record keeping and financial management 2003 $1,881,200 2004 $1,881,200 Agriculture In The Classroom grants for county partnerships to educate K-8 $130,000 students, teachers, and the public about agriculture 2005 $1,881,200 2006 $2,381,200 Growing Agricultural Science Teachers Grant for universities (4) and 2007 $2,881,200 $98,000 colleges(3) to recruit and retain agricultural teachers 2008 $2,881,200 2009 $3,381,200 $67,782 Agricultural teacher professional development and training on curriculum 2010 $3,043,100 and classroom technology 2011 $1,947,600 2012 $1,800,000 $35,755 Agricultural Education.org website improvements and maintenance 2013 $1,800,000 2014 $1,800,000 Student teacher grants for students graduating with a license to teach 2015 $1,759,900 $35,500 agricultural education 2016 $1,800,000 2016 $1,800,000 $5,625 Online 9-12 grade agricultural course grants 2018 $5,000,000 2019 $5,000,000 $169,868 Administrative costs The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 5 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

77 Ag In The Classroom county coalitions (89 counties) with 153 new agriscience and horticultural science community, industry, and agency representation reached lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, and E-units 694,449 preK-12 grade students about the food and aligned to the new Next Generation Science agricultural industry in providing a school based coordinator, Standards were developed for agricultural teachers student and teacher resources, teacher presentations and to add rigor and relevance to their curriculum. A professional development, and field trips. 5,675 community new course was developed as Plant and Animal volunteers and 10,082 donors participated. Biology which will increase opportunities for schools in urban areas. 334 school agricultural education programs purchased lab supplies, teacher resources, equipment, facility Professional development and graduate level improvements, greenhouses, computers/tablets, courses were provided for PreK-12 grade teachers registration for teacher professional development, and on advanced technology, agriscience, economics, mileage for workplace visits. communication, leadership, record keeping, and accountability. 33,050 6-12 grade students enrolled in at least one agricultural education course representing a 4.4% growth 6 field-based staff facilitated the implementation and 36% increase since 2000. Students learn about of agricultural education grants, resources, agriculture, food and natural resources gaining skills in professional development, and initiatives. 463 on- science, math, communications, leadership, management site school assistance sessions were conducted with and technology. presentations to 4960 students.

$11,698,212 in total net earnings was generated by University agricultural education programs agricultural education students through work-based purchased resources to graduate and license 35 learning activities known as Supervised Agricultural new agricultural education teachers. Experience (SAE) projects.

79% of school districts approved an agricultural course to fulfill academic course graduation requirements in Investing in the Future of Illinois science, consumer economics, math, social studies, and language arts. Agriculture courses are viewed as beyond elective courses. Funding for agricultural education is an investment in the future of Illinois’ most important and vital industry resulting in increased enrollment in agricultural 157 high school agricultural teachers received 400 hour education giving more students the opportunity for leadership development, extended contracts to work with students, parents, and personal growth, and career success. Funding supported the continued community members beyond the school day. Agricultural expansion of secondary agricultural programs especially in urban areas, and teachers with a 12 month contract increased from 4% to 40%. the ongoing initiative of retaining and recruiting quality agriculture teachers. Increased agricultural education enrollment at all levels of education will provide increased talent to meet the 39% shortage of college agricultural graduates to meet the demands of agribusiness and industry. 6

BOONE

JO WINNEBAGO AG IN THE CLASSROOM DAVIESS STEPHENSON MCHENRY LAKE CARROLL OGLE DE KALB KANE DU PAGE COOK LEE WHITESIDE

The Agriculture In The Classroom program provides accurate, KENDALL WILL BUREAU standards based on classroom materials and resources related to ROCK ISLAND HENRY LA SALLE GRUNDY agriculture to teachers across the state. MERCER PUTNAM STARK KANKAKEE KNOX MARSHALL HENDERSON Using our network of county agricultural literacy coordinators, Illinois AITC WARREN LIVINGSTON WOODFORD PEORIA continues to be the powerhouse of agricultural literacy programming. Partners IROQUOIS supporting these efforts include: county Farm Bureaus, UIUC Extension, Soil FULTON MCLEAN FORD MCDONOUGH TAZEWELL and Water Conservation Districts, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Growers HANCOCK

Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois MASON SCHUYLER DE WITT VERMILION Pork Producers, Illinois Soybean Association, and Midwest Dairy Association. LOGAN CHAMPAIGN MENARD ADAMS PIATT BROWN CASS Financial support for IAITC is provided by industry partners and individuals MACON MORGAN who contribute through the IAA Foundation. SANGAMON DOUGLAS EDGAR PIKE SCOTT MOULTRIE

CHRISTIAN COLES

GREENE SHELBY CLARK MONTGOMERY CUMBERLAND CALHOUN MACOUPIN

JERSEY JASPER FAYETTE EFFINGHAM CRAWFORD BOND MADISON CLAY LAWRENCE RICHLAND MARION CLINTON

ST. CLAIR WAYNE WABASH WASHINGTON MONROE JEFFERSON EDWARDS

PERRY HAMILTON WHITE RANDOLPH FRANKLIN

JACKSON SALINE GALLATIN WILLIAMSON

HARDIN UNION JOHNSON POPE

MASSAC

ALEXANDER PULASKI

Counties awarded an AITC grant and hire a paid coordinator

Counties did not apply for an AITC grant and hire a paid coordinator

Counties did not apply for an AITC grant and provide programs by volunteers The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 7 AG IN THE CLASSROOM

77 coalitions covering 89 counties were funded in part through generous support of the IAA Foundation and the IAITC county coalition grant program. All counties in Illinois received teacher resources, student resources and related materials from the IAITC program.

94,511 pre-K - grade 12 students were engaged in lessons and activities about the environ- ment, and over 106,201 students were reached with pollinator resources. Additionally, 5,208 teachers received environmental resources and 4,977 teachers received pollinator resources.

The Illinois livestock sector and their feed, animal care, animal nutrition, and economic im- pact was emphasized.

3,696 Authentic Agriculture Books Awarded to Teachers

41,369 Teachers utilized free classroom resources and trainings

694,449 K - 8 grade students grew in Front of Poster - actual size 36” wide x 24” tall knowledge about food and farms through classroom lessons

$2,564,988 in state and local funds were raised to support local efforts

5,675 community volunteers support local agricultural education programs 8 programs & Students (Grades 6-12)

total ag programs 321 327 334 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 students Graduation requirements fulfilled by Agricultural Courses 62% Male 75% Science 38% Female 27% Consumer Education 7% Minority 2% Math 9% Living on a family farm 1% Social Studies 16% Urban Students (living in a city of 20,000+) 1% Language Arts Ag Program

LAB Facilities Provided by School Average Students Per Class 18 - 79% Mechanics Employ 2 or more teachers 54 16% 73% Greenhouse Agriculture articulation agreement 99 30% with colleges 56% Land/Plant Dual credit agricultural courses 94 28% 49% Landscaping MyCAERT Curriculum used by 310 93% 33% Garden teacher 26% AgriScience Schools with an Advisory Council 176 53% 23% Aquaculture Schools with a FFA Alumni Chapter 205 61% 17% Small Animal Average Incentive Funding Grant $5,359 - 4% Nursery allocation per school 3% Large Animal Programs with a Jr. High Ag Course 95 28% The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 9

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FFA OFFICERS 2018-2019

(From left to right) National chapter Award: Growing Leaders Secretary - Miriam Hoffman, Earlville Vice President - Eliza Petry, Rochelle Goreville FFA Chapter Reporter - Shaylee Clinton, Mt. Vernon Treasurer - Taylor Hartke, Teutopolis President - Sophia Horton, Fisher This year the Goreville FFA Chapter proudly represented Illinois through the National Chapter Award Program at the National FFA Convention and was named the National Winner in Growing Leaders. Whether they are addressing student obesity, excessive screen time exposure or sharing the message of citizenship through the development of a book chronicling the lives of local veterans, the Goreville FFA Chapter continues to develop leaders. “Interviewing and listening to the veterans has been a life changing experience that has given the members and myself a greater appreciation for what they have experienced and have found a new level of appreciation for their service and for our country. It has opened doors of a part history that we never thought we would come in contact with. It was such a privilege to have experienced the activity and incredibly blessed to receive this recognition. – Jeff Robison, Goreville FFA Advisor

student enrollment & FFA Membership at an all time high! 18,453 33,050 FFA Members AgriculturAL education students 10 Teachers (Grades 6-12)

teacherS

413 Total Teachers 54% Male 46% Female 83% Member of IAVAT (professional organization) 27% Provisionally/Alternatively certified 31% 30 years of age or younger 21% Over age 50 35% 5 years of experience or less 15% 25+ years of experience

average salary On the Rise AGRICULTURAL TEACHERS SUPPLY & DEMAND

NUMBER OF YEAR OPENINGS AG ED GRADUATES $52,433 2017-18 2016-17 85 21

$50,972 2017-18 2016-17 78 20 2018-19 97 35 The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 11 Excellence in teaching award winners

District 1 District 2 District 3 Aaron Heartt Corinne Batterman Mike Butler Mercer County Manteno Ath ens

District 4 District 5 Britney Cowan Jennifer Timm Sangamon Valley Cisne

State Winner: Jennifer Timm

Jennifer Timm, twenty-two year Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor of the Cisne FFA Chapter, was named Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers Excellence in Teaching Award Winner. Jennifer incorporates hands-on lab activities and real- world applications into all courses and students are afforded opportunities for success in community service, career development events, and leadership training through FFA. “The most meaningful accomplishments of my career are the relationships formed with students and their families who assume leadership roles in the alumni, judge various events, demonstrate the impact the program had on their lives and the importance they place on continuing opportunities for current members,” shares Jennifer. As both teacher and mom, she demonstrates the dedication of an outstanding teacher who has seen her own children reap the rewards associated with Agricultural Education and the FFA. 12 Three circle FFA and sae Grant

Established by Public Act 099-0826 and funded by the ISBE Budget, Contract Lengths funding has been allocated in the Agricultural Education line to support the Three Circle Grant. This grant supports agricultural 12 months (40%) educators’ extended salary beyond the regularly assigned 11 ½ months (2%) teaching duties daily. School districts that employ full-time middle or secondary school teachers are eligible with an approvable 11 months (4%) agricultural education program. The grant partners with the 10 ½ months (7%) school district to pay for 50% of 400 additional hours outside of the 10 months (16%) regularly assigned teaching duties. The grant pays a greater amount for new agricultural programs in the first four years. The district or 9 ½ months (14%) community partners pay the remaining cost. 9 months (17%) $8,959 $17,918 Average grant per teacher Average salary increase per teacher 157 41% 53,844 343 Teachers of ag teachers Total Hours spent Average Hours PER participated on FFA activities Teacher spent on FFA activities 83,112 529 8,233 52 Total Hours Worked average Hours Worked TOTAL HOURS SPENT AVERAGE HOURS PER Outside School Outside of School day WITH SAE (WORK-BASED) TEACHER SPENT WITH SAE PER Teacher ACTIVITIES (WORK-BASED) ACTIVITIES 209,866 1,372 21,035 134 Total Students Average Number of Students Total Hours on Average Hours per Teacher on Impacted Impacted PER Teacher Curriculum & Professional Curriculum & Professional Development Development The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 13 Teacher Recruitment & Retention

STAR Program State Teach Ag Results Program, a project of the National Teach Ag Campaign provides funds for states to develop sustainable programs to increases the number of agricultural teachers. Over 269 high school and college students were able to participate in an exploration of the opportunities to be an agricultural teacher this past year. Activities to increase student interest at the high school level FFA ag education career development event, teach ag workshops, Elite Conference, pre-service student teacher internships and scholarships, college signing day at Illinois FFA Convention. Activities to sustain interest at the collegiate level Student teacher recognition, pre-service teacher bus trip to schools, pre-service teacher internships, IAVAT Student Branch experiences and events. Activities to retain teachers Beginning ag teacher conference, 2nd year ag teacher conference, graduate coursework, professional development, agricultural education identified as area of critical need, eligibilty for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness, IAA Foundation New Teacher Recognition (4 Teachers recognized annually receive a total of $10,000 for staying in the profession for 6 years). 14 FFA Career Development Events

% of schools state winners that attended

Agricultural Communications – Prairie Central 3% ffa Leadership Opportunities Agricultural Issues Forum – Pittsfield 2% Agricultural Tech & Mech Systems – Prairie Central 44% Agricultural Sales – Prairie Central *National Winner 28% Agronomy – Eureka 63% State and National FFA conventions Creed Speaking – Brooke Tompkins, Mulberry Grove 47% Conduct of Chapter Meetings – Olney 1% Dairy Cattle Evaluation – Chadwick-Milledgeville 35% parlimentary procedure contests Dairy Handlers Activity – Payton Erbsen, Eastland 7% Employment Skills – Emily Bluhm, St. Joseph-Ogden 41% Environmental & Natural Resources – Paxton-Buckley-Loda 19% Extemporaneous Public Speaking – Molly Schempp, Olympia 51% Washington leadership conference Farm & Agribusiness Management – Prairie Central 28% Floriculture and Horticulture – Nashville 37% Food Science Technology – Clinton 22% Forestry – Olney 30% STAR, 212, build Conferences Horse Evaluation – Tri-City 51% Land Use – Orion 62% Livestock Evaluation – Jacksonville 66% Marketing Plan – Cambridge 28% Governmental Awareness Meats Evaluation & Technology – Prairie Central 30% Milk Quality & Products – Prairie Central 51% Nursery/Landscape – Glenbrook South 1% Parliamentary Procedure – Paxton-Buckley-Loda 34% Leadership Training School Prepared Public Speaking – Hannah Spangler, Bushnell-Prairie 37% City Poultry Evaluation – Prairie Central 39% FFA Membership is at an all time high! Quizbowl – Pittsfield 48% Veterinary Science – Tri-Point 21% 18,453 members The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 15 National ffa Chapter Award Program

Top Chapter - Pontiac FFA Earning the recognition that comes with the Illinois Banker’s Plaque means a lot to us because of the effort our students put in and the support provided by our community. Our school has developed a culture of life-long learning, and it’s humbling to be able to help students prepare for their career. The agricultural education model is unique in that it sets a solid foundation of classroom instruction, allows students the opportunity to compete and develop leadership through FFA, and immerses students in relevant career experiences through Supervised Agricultural Experience projects. It’s our goal to reach every student in each of our classrooms every day with this model.” – Parker Bane & Jesse Faber, Pontiac FFA Advisors

Section Banker’s Plaque

Section School Section School 1 Scales Mound 14 Athens 2 Morrison 15 Highland 3 Cambridge 16 Taylorville 4 Knoxville 17 Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 5 Midland 18 Hoopeston 6 Marengo 19 Nokomis 7 Seneca 20 Cumberland 8 Chicago Ag Science 21 Mt. Vernon 9 Pontiac 22 Waterloo 10 Tri-Point 23 Olney 11 Payson 24 Goreville 12 Midwest Central 25 Harrisburg 13 Pittsfield 16 FFA Proficiency Awa r d Winners

award area student chapter award area student chapter

Ag Communications Penny Flood Cumberland Fiber &/or Oil Crop Production Jacob Calhoon Goreville Ag Education Hailey Mickelson Prophetstown Food Science & Technology *NF Jonathan Poole Chicago Ag Science Ag Mechanics - Design & Fabrication Keeton Reynolds Massac County Food Service Brooklyn Tice Belvidere Ag Mechanics - Repair & Maintenance (Entrepreneur) Sawyer Weinberg Southeastern Forage Production Payton Erbsen Eastland Ag Mechanics - Repair & Maintenance (Placement) Ben Marley Nokomis Forest Management & Products Noah Mockbee Armstrong Agricultural Processing Emma Aljets West Carroll Fruit Production Nathan Erwin Freeburg Agricultural Sales (Entrepreneur) *NF Karson Kimpling Flanagan-Cornell Goat Production Ellie Paulsrud Blue Ridge Agricultural Sales (Placement) Mackenzie Brackett LeRoy Grain Production (Entrepreneur) *NF Makenna Green Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond Agricultural Services Peyton Tester Hillsboro Grain Production (Placement) Zach Williamson Nashville Agriscience Research - Animal Systems Eric Schafer Pana Home &/or Community Development Emily Denekas Eastland Agriscience Research - Integrated Systems Brandon Freed Orion Landscape Management Trevor Kaeb Cissna Park Agriscience Research - Plant Systems Daniel Vogwill Chicago Ag Science Nursery Operations John Searl Riverdale Beef Production (Entrepreneur) Lindsey Decker Unity-Tolono Outdoor Recreation Harley Leatherman Taylorville Beef Production (Placement) Bradly Johnson Eastland Poultry Production Danielle Klenske Marengo Dairy Production (Entrepreneur) Jordan Macomb Safety Lexi Head Central Burlington Dairy Production (Placement) Brooklynn Thorman Forreston Sheep Production E.N. Hanson Clifton Central Diversified Ag Production Nicholas Torrance Macomb Small Animal Production & Care *National Winner Tara Hummel Tri-Point Diversified Crop Production (Entrepreneur) *NF Austin Schofheide Nashville Specialty Animal Production *National Winner Jonathan Thomas Pittsfield Diversified Crop Production (Placement) Tyler Ditchfield Ottawa Specialty Crop Production Travis Kaeb Cissna Park Diversified Horticulture Cole Herrmann Nashville Swine Production (Entrepreneur) Jonathan Timm Cisne Diversified Livestock Production Tanner Mickey Taylorville Swine Production (Placement) Remington Henson Wayne City Electrical Technology Chris Gerdes Central at Breese Turf Grass Management Eston Coe Sangamon Valley Environmental Science & Natural Resource Mgmt Hallie Grenfell Goreville Vegetable Production Jeremy Steffen Prairie Central Equine Science (Entrepreneur) Tennyson Kern Clinton Veterinary Science Taylor Miller Freeburg Equine Science (Placement) Kaitlynn Moore Goreville Wildlife Production & Management *NF Gage Miller Cambridge

*NF = National Finalist The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 17 National PROFICIENCY National PROFICIENCY Award Winner Award Winner Small Animal Production and Care Placement, Swine Production Entrepreneurship, Tara Hummel, Tri-Point Jonathan Timm, Cisne

Tara’s love of cats may have begun years ago, but As a young man raised on a cattle farm, beginning a her employment at Select Exotics allowed her to Swine SAE was a bit of a challenge. “I had to prove to gain skills in the production of Savannah cats, a my parents that I was serious about the project,” shared hybrid cross between servals and domesticated Jonathan. By the time he was in 7th grade he had saved cats. “Once I became fully a part of the operation it enough money from his 4-H Cattle projects to purchase opened my eyes to the magnitude of the business. his first two show pigs. From there, Jonathan has been My work with the cats has provided me with short- able to grow his project to include 72 head by the time he term opportunities to save for college and to gain was a senior in high school with the guidance of retired experience while obtaining a strong work ethic,” and current producers in the community. “I have been extremely fortunate to have according to Tara who plans to pursue a veterinary neighbors and other adults who have taken time to show me basic livestock husbandry medicine career path. skills, allowed me to borrow equipment, and have given advice when I encountered new challenges,” according to Jonathan. We wish him the best as he continues to build his AMERICAN STAR IN AGRIBUSINESS herd and plan for his future career as an elementary educator. Ben Curtin, Taylorville

He bought his first welder when he was 8. He started his supervised agricultural experience and business, Curtin’s Creations, a CNC plasma cutting, welding, and fabrication business which engineers solutions to service the agricultural industry, during his sophomore year of high school. As a senior at Purdue University, he was named the American STAR in Agribusiness at the National FFA Convention and shook the hand of President Donald Trump. “My SAE has provided me with funding for a college education, entrance into a prestigious school of engineering at Purdue, internships, employment, and engineering insight needed to produce more technical product lines,” reflects Ben. We wish him much continued success upon graduation when he will take his place as a New Product Engineer for GSI, the world’s largest manufacturer of steel farm bins, commercial grain storage and grain silos.

STUDENT SAE AREAS STUDENT SAE by ag sectors

Job Placement/Internship = 47% Animal Science = 41% Entrepreneurship/Ownership = 30% Plant = 15% Exploratory = 18% Leadership Education & Communication = 15% Research = 5% 2 Agribusiness = 7% Power, Structural & Technology = 8% Food Products & Processing = 8% Environmental = 3% Natural Resources = 2% Biotechnology = 1% 18 ffa Star American and State degree winners

136 students were recognized with an American FFA Degree at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. 4,255 degrees were awarded nationally. These members demonstrated the highest levels of performance in the organization.

Discovery Star Placement: Lizzie Schafer, Pana FFA Star Farmer Star Ag Placement Kendall Nelson Cole Fredrickson Newark Maroa-Forsyth

Star Agribusiness Star Agriscience Ben Curtin Jacob Larkin Taylorville Pontiac National Star in Agribusiness winner

539 students were recognized with a State FFA Degree at the Illinois FFA Convention in Springfield. Discovery Star Farmer: Delana Erbsen, Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA

Star Farmer Star Ag Placement Jonathan Timm Peyton Tester Cisne Hillsboro

Star Agribusiness Star Agriscience Milan Leman Jonathan Poole Prairie Central chicago ag science

FFA State Degree Stars: (from left to right) Poole, Tester, Ag Director Poe, Leman and Timm The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 19

College Programs Colleges offering Degrees in Agriculture Black Hawk Joliet Junior Rend Lake DuPage Kankakee Richland Program Lake County Kaskaskia Sauk Valley Danville Kishwaukee Shawnee 27 Total Programs Heartland Lake Land Southeastern 50% College Students Who Were Former High School Ag Education Students Highland Lincoln Land Southwestern 775 High School Students Offered Articulated Credit Illinois Central Lincoln Trail Spoon River Illinois Valley McHenry County Triton 301 High School Students Received Dual Credit John Wood Parkland Wabash Valley

Faculty

85 Full Time Instructors 122 Part Time Instructors 13 Average Number of Years Teaching $67,209 Average Full Time Salary enrollment by degree 49 Average Age of Teachers students TRANSFER 612 Male FeMale non-Farm 63% non-Farm 37% 1,206 Male 789 FeMale AAS 1798

CERTIFICATE 531

NON-DEGREE 495

Male FeMale 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Farm Farm 656 290 20 pas ACHIEVEMENTS Employment InteRview Winners Ag Equipment Service Andy Gustafson, Highland Agribusiness Administration Ryan Reeverts, SIUC The Professional Agricultural Student Organization Agricultural Communication Tanner Voss, Kaskaskia (PAS) prepares students from two and four-year Agricultural Education Alex Walden, Kaskaskia colleges for the workplace by building student skills through annual competitions and real-life Agricultural Sales Eston Coe, Lincoln Land learning applications. Crop Production Kaiden Pratt, Joliet Dairy Production Brock Irwin, Kaskaskia Feeds and Animal Health Cady McGehee, Kaskaskia Fertilizers and Ag Chemicals Will Feucht, Illinois Central Floriculture Galvin McQuellon, Illinois Central 13 Forestry and Natural Resources Emily Denekas, Highland 163 Fruit and Vegetable Production Penny Flood, Lake Land Landscaping and Nursery Kailyn Mast, John Wood Chapters Members Livestock Production Reagan Hoskin, John Wood

CCareerareer Pl Plaannnniinngg W Wiinnnnersers Employment InteRview College Bowl Agribusiness Management and Marketing Systems Tanner Voss, Kaskaskia Impromptu Public Speaking Chase Trainor, Lake Land Agribusiness Sales Eston Coe, Lincoln Land Lincoln Land Prepared Public Speaking Maddie Fugate, Lake Land Agricultural Education Career Program Becca Merrill, Joliet Agricultural Education Systems Alex Walden, Kaskaskia Non-Ruminant Animal Systems Justin Huff, Kaskaskia Specialist Events Team Individual Plant Systems Jonathan Donoho, Kaskaskia Power, Structural and Technical Systems Mary Perry, John Wood Beef Cattle Lake Land Ellie Sennett, Lake Land Ruminant Animal Systems Cady McGehee, Kaskaskia Crop Illinois Central Logan Pyles, Illinois Central Ruminant Animal Systems Amanda Engelken, Kaskaskia Dairy Cattle Kaskaskia Amanda Engelken, Kaskaskia Equine Highland Kaiti Collins, Highland Floriculture Lake Land Holli Fullerton, Illinois Central Landscape Horticulture Lake Land Pat Watson, Kaskaskia Pas Officers 2018-2019 Overall Livestock Lake Land Sydney Trainor, Lake Land Precision Agriculture Parkland Marke Raube, Parkland (From left to right) 3rd Vice President - Seth Mitchell, Lake Land Sheep Lake Land Murray Perkins, Lake Land 2nd Vice President - Alex Walden, Kaskaskia Soil Illinois Central Hannah Hofstetter, Land Land 1st Vice President - Rob Janssen, WIU Swine Lake Land Kyle Webster, Lake Land President - Ryan Reeverts, SIUC The Original Stem field 2018 Illinois Agricultural Education Report 21 UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS ISU WIU SIU U of I 1200

1000

800

600

400

200

580 321 800 2,034

FEMALE MALE 362 Faculty 372 Graduate Students 654 701 freshmen Transfer Students 3,735 total students *New institutions granting agriculture degrees for 2018-2019 AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

agricultural education Enrollment and FFA Membership Grades 6-12

FFA 40,000 Membership Unduplicated* 30,000 Students Duplicated* 20,000 Students 10,000

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 FFA Membership Unduplicated Duplicated 2013-14 17,529 29,463 40,027 Illinois State Board of Education 2014-15 17,410 29,615 38,817 100 North First Street | Springfield, IL 62777-0001 2015-16 17,679 30,562 36,306 www.isbe.net 2016-17 17,535 31,655 37,023 2017-18 18,453 33,050 37,823 james T. Meeks Tony SMith Chair Superintendent * Unduplicated = Enrollment count only includes a student once. * Duplicated = Enrollment count includes a student multiple times when enrolled in multiple courses.

www.AgriculturalEducation.org

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer | Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois January 2019 2K 19-3235-00-09-010-5050-51