FFA & 4-H Stand Proud

FFA and 4-H representatives will be front and center at today's start of Illinois Farm Bureau's (IFB) Annual Meeting. This year's annual meeting reminds us that "Illinois Farm Bureau is YOU," so it's fitting that these 'YOUs,' our 'future leaders,' are on hand to kick off the ceremonies and assist in various ways throughout the weekend.

Their duties begin Saturday afternoon when they assist at the IAA Foundation's live auction, where they'll help to identify bidders in the crowd. The live auction is one of several fundraising events that take place at the annual meeting. Monies raised help fund the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program.

Later that evening at the IFB Awards Program, held in the hotel's Grand Ballroom, youth representatives on the Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates Youth Education Committee will proudly lead the presentation of colors. Those taking part include:

• Courtney Gerstenecker, State FFA Reporter from Carlyle
• Joel Limestall, State FFA Secretary from Waterloo
• Tyson Schulte, State FFA Treasurer from Milan
• Dalton Heavner, 4-H Representative from Pearl
• Jaylene Jennings, 4-H Representative from DeKalb

The Pledge of Allegiance, lead by Emily DeSchepper, 4-H Representative from Altona, and a patriotic salute given by Illinois State FFA President Darren Riskedal, from Leland, will follow the presentation of colors.

A big thanks goes out to these younger 'Farm Bureau YOUs.' Our farming future may depend on them.