FFA

Spearheaded by Sterling FFA Sentinel Kadielynn Nelson and President Grace Wetzell, the group worked with Meals from the Heartland, an organization made up of volunteers who package meals that are then sent to underserved communities.

FFA students from several local high schools work Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, to make easy meals for the underserved.

New high school ag programs also sprouting in Sterling, Dixon amid growing student interest.

Both districts’ growing attention to ag offerings has been spurred by two things, teachers say: the hands-on nature of ag programs and the lessons students can directly apply to their own lives.

Event was Saturday at the Ogle County Fairgrounds

Ken Duncan has donated 6 acres of farm land to the Sterling FFA program.

The June 1 event begins at noon with antique tractors followed by farm stock classes at 2 p.m., trucks at 4 p.m., and then classes from the MTTPA professional pulling circuit at 7 p.m.

Centennial Grade School students were treated to some farm-friendly fun on Friday, May 10, 2024, when they were greeted by piglets, calves, sheep, chickens and even a pony at the Polo High School's FFA Petting Zoo. FFA members and high school agriculture students brought animals and farm machinery to this year's event, held next to the new greenhouse, on the east side of the high school.

A variety of plants offered as fundraiser for programs.

Polo FFA members and members from the community officially opened the new greenhouse on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. FFA advisors and Polo High School agriculture teachers were excited to show off the hard work of the students.

Grade school students learned about farming and animals from FFA students.

Forreston High School students invited grade school students to learn more about agriculture at Forreston FFA’s Ag Day, held on the front lawn of the grade school on a sunny, warm and windy morning Friday, April 12, 2024. Students ventured out from their classrooms in 25-minute intervals to pet the animals and climb on three farm tractors that were also part of the event – all in an effort to learn more about agriculture.

The Forreston FFA and high school agriculture program are once again showcasing their hard work through the annual greenhouse sales. Multiple new plants will be offered, as well as many old favorites.

More than 40 farm toy and craft exhibitors will take part in the event.

If you told Peotone High School senior Mark Jones II four years ago that he would be excited about FFA, he probably would have laughed at you.

DeKalb High School student Cole Stoffa showcased an old 1950s tractor Wednesday, part of the DeKalb High School’s annual Barnyard Family Night, meant to help give students a hands-on look into agricultural life.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tuesday that chapters of FFA – the group once known as Future Farmers of America – will be eligible for $1,000 grants to fund mental health awareness programs in schools and rural communities

Visitors explored farm activities Thursday.

Sterling High School's FFA class held its annual Farmapalooza Thursday, May 11, 2023 on the campus. Visitors got to see farm animals, tractors and food products.

Event was held on May 4 behind the Oregon Elementary School

More than 40 farm toy and craft exhibitors will be on hand for the event at Forreston Junior-Senior High School.

There will be some hot hoops on the floor and some hot pork chops and pork burgers on the grill when the Princeton Tigers host rival Bureau Valley Tuesday night.