Illinois Considers Bill to Support Agricultural Education by Excusing 4-H and FFA Exhibitors from School

Apr 19, 2023

Illinois lawmakers are discussing a bill that would allow 4-H and FFA exhibitors to be excused from school absences during state and county fairs. The proposed bill would extend the number of days students can miss school for agricultural youth organization activities, including the days of the fairs, allowing students to participate in these events without fear of missing school.

The bill recognizes the importance of agricultural education and the value of 4-H and FFA programs for young students. These programs offer students numerous opportunities to learn about agriculture, animal care, and other important life skills, while also teaching them the value of hard work and dedication.

By extending the number of excused days, the bill could potentially increase participation in agricultural youth organizations and fairs, benefiting both students and the state's agricultural industry. If passed, the bill would ease the burden on families struggling to balance school attendance with their children's participation in agricultural activities, while also supporting the growth of the state's agricultural education programs.

Source : Illinois Agconnections

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The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.