Published on April 22, 2026 8:22 am
Last Updated on April 22, 2026 8:22 am
10 FFA members have been selected as candidates for the 2026 Illinois FFA Major State Officer team.
Being named one of the 10 candidates makes them eligible for election to one of six Illinois FFA Major State Officer positions — president, vice president, reporter, secretary, treasurer or sentinel — at the 98th annual Illinois FFA State Convention in Springfield June 11.
The candidates, in FFA section order, are:
- Section 4 President Owen Rigg, Williamsfield FFA
- Section 9 President Tiffany Rustman, Flanagan-Cornell FFA
- Section 11 President Abigail Hildebrand, Unity-Mendon FFA
- Section 12 President Bryer Nelson, Canton FFA
- Section 14 President Collin Johnson, Franklin FFA
- Section 16 President Gehrig Bunselmeyer, Maroa-Forsyth FFA
- Section 19 President Levi German, Nokomis FFA
- Section 20 President Lane Perry, Marshall FFA
- Section 23 President Haven Cash, North Clay FFA
- Section 24 President Mackenna Wesseln, Pinckneyville FFA
The candidates were selected by a committee of agriculture industry representatives, media and collegiate leaders, past state FFA officers and current FFA members.
They completed a rigorous selection process that included a virtual round featuring a writing exercise, prepared speech and test on Illinois agricultural education and FFA followed by an in-person round April 18 at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. The in-person portion included a general interview, impromptu scenario, facilitation exercise and group activity.
The elected state officer team will serve as student leaders representing nearly 400 FFA chapters statewide, with a focus on promoting agricultural education, personal growth and leadership. Throughout the year, the team will travel to schools, facilitate workshops, meet with agricultural industry stakeholders and conduct conferences to inspire and engage FFA members.
