MACOMB, Il – Western Illinois University’s CFFA/PAS/Ag Ed Club offers numerous opportunities for students interested in agriculture. The club provides service, competition, and professional development for members in preparation of their careers and gives support to local high school agriculture programs.
Faculty advisor Andrew J. Baker described the three-part structure of the club: CFFA focuses on service, through events like the Greenhand Motivational Conference and Ag Mechanization competition; PAS (Professional Agriculture Students) focuses on competition through events such as employment interviews; Ag Ed Club focuses on professional development through seminars with practicing agriculture teachers and judging high school agricultural contests.
Events, such as pancake breakfasts, raise money for the club, which can make about $1,000, with $500 netted after expenses in profit per breakfast, along with registration fees from hosted competitions. These funds support activities and events for members to participate in, such as the Illinois PAS conference in Bloomington. As of Nov. 14, 2024, some club members had gone to the Illinois PAS conference in Bloomington where 8 members competed.
Community service is also important. Club members participate in the Angel Tree program, providing holiday gifts for local families, and they actively support Illinois high school agriculture programs by judging contests.
Some of the year’s activities include the Greenhand Motivational Conference in September, Ag Mechanization and Ag Olympics in April, along with several professional development seminars throughout the year. Members also enjoy pumpkin carving activities that add to the camaraderie of the membership. The CFFA/PAS/Ag Ed Club is about growth, service and leadership,” Baker said.
Contact the Agriculture Department at WIU for more information.