SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Members of the Highland Community College Collegiate Farm Bureau recently attended the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference, held February 17, in Springfield, IL. This annual conference brings together Farm Bureau members from across Illinois to explore local, state, and federal policy issues impacting agriculture and rural communities. 

The conference offers a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the political landscape and how grassroots advocacy shapes agricultural policy. Throughout the event, members engaged in sessions covering topics such as election forecasts, policymaker insights, and strategies for effective communication with elected officials.

A key part of the conference experience for Collegiate Farm Bureau members is the opportunity to interact directly with lawmakers during the Legislative Reception. This event provides a valuable chance to share perspectives, build relationships, and advocate for issues important to agriculture and rural communities. 

“I have attended this conference multiple times and really enjoy listening to the ideas and perspectives of the legislators. Touring the Capital Building and talking with Senator Andrew Chesney on the floor of the Illinois Senate Chamber was also a highlight”, Aylivia Danekas, Highland Community College Collegiate Farm Bureau Vice President.

The Highland Community College Collegiate Farm Bureau is proud to participate in this important event and looks forward to applying the knowledge and connections gained to inform and empower their chapter and campus community throughout the year.

For more information about the Highland Community College Collegiate Farm Bureau, contact Justin Ebert at justin.ebert@highland.edu.

Highland Agriculture Shines at Illinois PAS Conferences

Over the past few months, several Highland Community College students have participated in two Illinois Professional Agricultural Student (PAS) Organization events. In November, students traveled to Illinois State University and again in February to Heartland Community College for day long competitions against their peers in various agricultural focused curricular areas. 

Each conference required students to prepare resumes, career planning goal packets, study for curricular specific exams, and prepare group and individual presentations. The PAS competitions help prepare students for potential job interviews, provide an opportunity to showcase their knowledge, and socialize with other college students from across the state. All of the participants did very well at showcasing their abilities and representing Highland Community College Agriculture. The results from the fall and spring PAS Competitions are listed below.

Career Planning Award Area

●  Elizabeth Dinderman — Agricultural Education — 1st

●    Jacob Mitchell — Plant Systems — 1st

●    Jessa DeuVall — Biotechnology Systems — 1st

●    Kaden Lingbeck — Natural Resource Systems — 1st

●    Alyssa Broge — Food Products and Processing — 2nd

●    Justin Myers — Power, Structural and Technical Systems — 2nd

●    Mika Schoger — Animal Systems — 2nd

●    Madelyn Mayberry — Environmental Service Systems — 2nd

●    Caitlyn Stingley — Agribusiness Systems — 3rd 

Career Progress Award Area

●    Aylivia Danekas - Agribusiness Systems — 2nd 

●    Jace Urish - Power, Structural and Technical Systems — 2nd 

●    Lauren Witte - Agricultural Education — 2nd 

●    Ty Spahn - Food Products and Processing Systems — 2nd 

●    Aaliyah Whitney - Animal Systems — 3rd 

●    Adriana Anderson - Animal Systems — 3rd 

Employment Interview Award Area

●    Ty Spahn - Specialty Crop Production — 2nd 

●    Alyssa Broge - Livestock and Dairy Production — 3rd 

●    Mika Schoger - Natural Resources — 3rd

●    Aylivia Danekas - Agricultural Sales — 4th 

●    Madison Simms - Agribusiness Administration - 4th 

●    Jace Urish - Equipment and Machinery — 5th 

●    Jacob Mitchell - Agronomy Services — 5th 

●    Jessa DeuVall - Livestock and Dairy Services — 5th 

●    Justin Myers - Agronomy Production — 5th 

●    Elizabeth Dinderman - Agricultural Education — 6th 

●    Tony Fiorenza - Floriculture, Landscape, Nursey — 7th 

Other Individual Award Areas

●    Agricultural Education Demonstration - Lauren Witte — 7th 

●    Animal Health / Veterinary Technician - Lakota Scace — 6th 

●    Impromptu Public Speaking - Jacob Mitchell - 2nd, Madison Simms - 9th 

●    Precision Technology Specialist - Jace Urish - 8th 

●    Prepared Public Speaking - Aaliyah Whitney - 9th, Kaden Lingbeck - 12th   

Team Competitions

●    Dairy Specialist Team 2nd - Lakota Scace - 2nd, Jacob Mitchell - 4th, Madelyn Mayberry - 8th 

●    Conservation & Natural Resources Team 3rd - Madison Simms - 6th, Anthony Fiorenza - 7th, Ty Spahn - 8th 

●    Agriculture Quiz Bowl Team 3rd - Madison Simms, Aaliyah Whitney, Aylivia Danekas, Lauren Witte, Ty Spahn

●    Sheep/Goat Specialist Team 5th - Lauren Witte, Aylivia Danekas, Elizabeth Dinderman

●    Beef Specialist Team 9th - Mika Schoger, Aaliyah Whitney, Jace Urish  

●    Equine Specialist Team 9th - Lauren Witte, Madee Mayberry, Jessa DueVall, Alyssa Broge

●    Farm Business Management Team 9th - Ali Danekas, Elizabeth Dinderman, Aaliyah Whitney

●    Soils Specialist Team 10th - Justin Myers, Kaden Lingbeck, Brooke Burger

●    Crops Specialist Team - Jace Urish, Kaden Lingbeck, Justin Myers, Ty Spahn, Madison Simms, Jacob Mitchell

●    Landscape Horticulture Team - Tony Fiorenza

The majority of these students will be competing in their award areas at the National PAS Conference March 9-12, 2026 in Branson, MO. If you would like more information on the Highland Community College Agriculture Club, the PAS Organization or the Highland Community College Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter contact Justin Ebert at justin.ebert@highland.edu.