McLean County Times

Prairie Central High School’s Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Team has the opportunity to go to Scotland and Ireland to compete at the Royal Highland International Dairy Judging Contest at the Clonmel Show in late June, according to a recent report by Farm Week Now.

The announcement, which was posted by Rep. Jason Bunting on Facebook, came as National FFA week came to a close.

“Prairie Central FFA chapter one step closer to international competition,” Bunting posted on Facebook.

According to the report by Farm Week Now, the team consists of Grace Lemenager, Hannah Miller, Ellie Ellis and Carla Kilgus who were surprised with a $6,000 check from COUNTRY Financial representatives Joe Jones of Forrest and Danny Schahrer of Fairbury.

Jones said the four students earned an invitation to the events, which brings excitement to their teacher and peers.

“We are proud to work with many farmers in our community, helping them plan for and protect their legacy. We recognize the importance of developing the future of agriculture and are proud of this program’s accomplishments,” Jones said in the report.

Earlier in the week, the Illinois FFA Association kicked off their celebration with a Facebook post writing, “Happy FFA Week Illinois FFA! The Major State Officer Team is kicking the week off with SAE Sunday. We have all shared a glimpse of what our Supervised Agriculture Experiences are like, and we encourage you to do the same! Keep a lookout for an SAE article to see all of the opportunities that come with a record book! #FFAWeek2023 #NationalFFAWeek #electrifyilffa.”

The Illinois Future Farmers of America dates back to 1928 when State Supervisor of Agriculture Education J.E. Hill mentioned the Future Farmers of America program to teachers at a state teacher’s convention. Nearly 1,500 students and advisors showed up to create the program that June according to ILaged.org.

Bunting was selected to represent the 106th House District after Thomas Bennett joined the Senate to fill the seat of former Senator Jason Barickman, who stepped down before the start of the legislative session. Previously Bunting was elected the Highway Commission of Broughtown Township, and the president of the Livingston County Farm Bureau. He is also the director for the Illinois Corn Growers’ Association, according to his biography.