IDOA Director Receives Honorary American FFA Degree

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II received the Honorary American FFA Degree during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis on Oct. 31, 2025, recognizing his contributions to agricultural education and the FFA organization. The award, approved by the National FFA board of directors, honors individuals who make a long-term impact on students and agricultural programs. At the same convention, Costello presented a proclamation from Governor JB Pritzker to Thaddeus Bergschneider, the 2024-2025 National FFA President, acknowledging his year of service. Bergschneider, a Franklin native and University of Illinois student, is the first Illinois student in three decades to hold the national presidency. Since 2022, Illinois students enrolled in agriculture education classes automatically receive FFA membership at no cost, a policy that has more than doubled participation in the program.