FFA Week: Illinois Farm Bureau Shows its Support

It's National FFA Week (February 16-23) and Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is proud to support every young man and woman who wears the blue jacket.

This year's theme is "Grow." Mariah Dale-Anderson, who heads up IFB's Youth Education Program (YEA!), said, "The theme reflects the real purpose of the program - to grow these young people's potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success." The week is chocked full of fun and creative activities to promote agriculture, such as Ag Olympics, Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom activities, public speaking events, volunteering, and hosting appreciation luncheons, she added.

The week of George Washington's birthday was designated as National FFA Week in 1947 at a National FFA Board of Directors meeting. FFA Week always runs from Saturday to Saturday, so it includes February 22, Washington's birthday.

IFB believes in FFA for more than just one week, though. For Farm Bureau and its members, FFA support is a 365-day-a-year commitment. This can best be seen through the YEA! Program, sponsored by Illinois Farm Bureau and affiliate companies.

• YEA! offers members a chance to connect with the state's largest agricultural organization through the County Farm Bureau Acquaintance Program.
• YEA! looks to honor chapter and section presidents who excel their expectations.
• Representatives from these top FFA chapters are invited to the YEA! tour. This seven day action-packed tour allows students to explore Washington D.C. and Gettysburg.
• YEA! also participates in IFB's Young Leader's Harvest for All program, which helps feed the hungry right here in Illinois.
• Scholarships, college and career fairs, and practical work experience are just a few other benefits that are offered through the YEA! program.
• YEA! does an astounding job of providing FFA members with the tools they will need to be successful in the agriculture community.

Illinois Farm Bureau would like to wish the FFA organization a safe and exciting National FFA Week.