State Funds to Cover FFA Dues for All Illinois Ag Students

Future Farmers of America dues for every Illinois student taking agriculture education classes across the state will be covered starting this fall.

A $550,000 appropriation to cover the dues was spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner of Decatur. 

The elimination of dues makes Illinois a FFA affiliation membership state, ensuring every student enrolled in agricultural education will have FFA membership dues automatically paid, making them a FFA member.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello said, "In 2022, nearly 37,000 students across the state were enrolled in ag classes, but the state's FFA membership was 23,000 members. By removing the cost barrier, this opens up the doors for thousands more students to benefit from what FFA provides, which goes well beyond what can be taught in the classroom."