Back Row: Treasurer Lane Perry of Marshall (Clark County) and the Marshall FFA Chapter; President Bryer Nelson of Canton (Fulton County) and the Canton FFA Chapter; Secretary Owen Rigg of Dahinda (Knox County) and the Williamsfield FFA Chapter; Front Row: Vice President Collin Johnson of Waverly (Morgan County) and the Franklin FFA Chapter; Reporter Haven Cash of Clay City (Clay County) and the North Clay FFA Chapter; Sentinel Levi German of Nokomis (Montgomery County) and the Nokomis FFA Chapter
Springfield, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The 2026-2027 State Officer Team was elected Thursday morning, June 11, during the 98th annual Illinois FFA State Convention and captured in the Farm Credit Newsroom. The officers were installed immediately following the election and will serve the Illinois Association FFA for the next 12 months.
The newly elected officers are:
President: Bryer Nelson, 18, of Canton (Fulton County) and the Canton FFA Chapter. He is the son of Brent and Cassie Nelson and a 2026 graduate of Canton High School. “We cannot control the situations we are placed in, but we can choose to make the most of the opportunities we are given,” Nelson says. “As a state officer, I hope to create meaningful moments that encourage members to get involved and grow.”
Vice President: Collin Johnson, 19, of Waverly (Morgan County) and the Franklin FFA Chapter. He is the son of Adam Johnson and Brooke Hild and a 2026 graduate of Waverly High School. “Growing up in agriculture and aspiring to serve the industry long term, I understand how critical strong leadership and service are to the agricultural industry,” Johnson says. “As a state officer, I welcome the opportunity to help mold members and strengthen that foundation.”
Reporter: Haven Cash, 17, of Clay City (Clay County) and the North Clay FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Dustin and Lisa Cash and a 2026 graduate of North Clay High School. “As a state officer, I will share my experiences to prove to members that they, too, can accomplish whatever they wish,” Cash says. “As long as they put faith into their drive, determination, and ability to achieve, they will succeed not only in FFA but also in life.”
Secretary: Owen Rigg, 17, of Dahinda (Knox County) and the Williamsfield FFA Chapter. He is the son of Kent and Jill Rigg and a 2026 graduate of Williamsfield High School. “Being a state officer is an opportunity to invest fully in the journey of others,” Rigg says. “I am committed to elevating members’ voices, strengthening chapters, and promoting the values that make this organization exceptional.”
Treasurer: Lane Perry, 18, of Marshall (Clark County) and the Marshall FFA Chapter. He is the son of Justin and Angie Perry and a 2026 graduate of Marshall High School. “As a state officer, I will be a helping hand and positive force at events hosted throughout the year,” Perry says. “I also want to connect with members and be there to congratulate them as they reach the goals they’ve set for themselves.”
Sentinel: Levi German, 18, of Nokomis (Montgomery County) and the Nokomis FFA Chapter. He is the son of Jared German and Jodi German and a 2026 graduate of Nokomis High School. “Serving as a state officer will allow me to broaden my horizons and go beyond just helping members with contests,” German says. “I want to guide them through their own lives, their futures, and their own paths of leadership in FFA.”
The six officers were elected from a group of 10 candidates selected by a committee in late April. Each officer puts their collegiate pursuits on hold for one year as they serve the Illinois Association FFA. Officers typically travel more than 20,000 miles visiting FFA chapters around the state, conducting workshops and meetings, representing Illinois FFA in professional settings, and promoting agricultural education. Since 1929, Illinois has elected a State FFA Officer Team.
The 98th annual Illinois State FFA Convention hosted more than 5,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests from June 9-11. With a 2026 theme of “Sparking Your Future,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.
Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The sessions featured addresses by National FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel and from each of the retiring major state officers.
About Illinois Association FFA
The Illinois Association FFA is part of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America. 39,890 students are enrolled in 403 FFA chapters in the State of Illinois. FFA is a national youth organization of 1,042,245 student members with a mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ilaged.org for more information.
About the Illinois Foundation FFA
Illinois Foundation FFA engages individuals, industry, education, government, and foundations in securing funds to support quality agricultural education and FFA programs in Illinois, including providing awards at the State FFA Convention. To learn more and become involved, visit www.illinoisffafoundation.org.
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