FFA & 4-H Stand Proud at IFB Annual Meeting This Weekend

FFA and 4-H representatives will be front and center at the start of Illinois Farm Bureau's (IFB) Annual Meeting, held December 3-6 at the Palmer House, in Chicago. This year's annual meeting focuses on "Farm Heroes," so it's fitting that these '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:

• Chris Steppig, State FFA Reporter from Waterloo
• Jacob Meisner, State FFA Secretary from Piasa
• Clayton Carley, State FFA Treasurer from Milford
• Brad Braddock, 4-H Representative from Patoka
• Perry Harlow, 4-H Representative from Kinsman

The Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic salute given by Illinois State FFA President Mike Shively, from Buckley, will follow the presentation of colors.

A big thanks goes out to these 'heroes in the making.' Our farming future may depend on them.