The 2024-2025 Illinois State Officer Team was elected Thursday morning, June 13, via in-person voting during the 96th annual Illinois FFA State Convention. 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: Trenton Payne, 17, of Olney (Richland County) and the Olney FFA Chapter. He is the son of Shad and Diane Payne and a 2024 graduate of Richland County High School. “As a state officer, I want to mentor and inspire members,” Payne says. “My goal is to help them reach their full potential, guide their efforts to becoming the best leaders they can be, and help them find their place in the FFA and the agricultural industry.”
Vice President: Brody Will, 19, of Teutopolis (Effingham County) and the Dieterich FFA Chapter. He is the son of Duane and Kristy Will, a 2023 graduate of Dieterich High School, and enrolled at Lake Land College in the ag transfer program. “As a state officer, I want to add value through intentional conversations, truthful interactions, and most importantly, by being myself and letting members be themselves,” Will says. “I want to provide a platform to spark inspiration and value across Illinois and the agricultural industry.”
Reporter: Sidney Stiers, 18, of Williamsfield (Knox County) and the Williamsfield FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Jeff and Joanie Stiers and a 2024 graduate of Williamsfield High School. “It’s about the growth, not the gain,” Stiers says. “This phrase describes my life and is something I want to impart to others as a state officer. I can help members realize that success is measured by the distance they have come and the challenges they’ve tackled.”
Secretary: Owen Torrance, 18, of Good Hope (McDonough County) and the West Prairie FFA Chapter. He is the son of Corey and Michelle Torrance and a 2024 graduate of West Prairie High School. “As a state officer, I want to make everyone feel safe, welcome, and at home,” Torrance says. “I want to help members find their place and their passion. Whether they are loud and energetic or quiet and reserved, everyone should feel equally heard and respected.”
Treasurer: Emma Dinges, 18, of Sublette (Lee County) and the Amboy FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Nick and Stacey Dinges and a 2024 graduate of Amboy High School. “Through my involvement in FFA, I have found my voice, strength, and confidence,” Dinges says. “As a state officer, I want to be a role model for members and show them that, like me, they can turn feelings of ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can’ and reach their potential for personal growth and career success.”
The five 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 96th annual Illinois State FFA Convention hosted more than 5,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests from June 11-13. With a 2024 theme of “United As One,” the three-day event annually recognizes the 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 Western Region Vice President Emily Gossett of New Mexico and from each of the retiring major state officers.
**Story Courtesy of Illinois FFA Association**
