SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Corduroy-clad FFA members from throughout Illinois filled the Bank of Springfield Center to represent their chapters in electing new state officers on Thursday, June 11. Strains of “Rocky Top” could be heard emanating from the convention hall floor room as the major officer elections concluded around 11:30 a.m. New officers were escorted to the stage to raucous applause from the hundreds of voting delegates filling the hall.

Major 2026-2027 state office holders include Bryer Nelson, of Canton, who was elected president, and Collin Johnson, of Franklin, elected as vice president. Also were Haven Cash, of North Clay County FFA, as reporter, Owen Rigg, of Williamsfield, as secretary, Levi German, of Nokomis, as sentinel, and Lane Perry as treasurer. 

Growing up in a farm family while showing sheep as a young 4-H member, Nelson’s love for agriculture was passed down by his father and grandfather. Nelson also credits his older brother, Cooper, for inspiring him to set high goals for himself in FFA and in life. 

“He was a state officer in 2023-24 and he really got me involved as a member,” Nelson said. “When I got the chance to serve as section president this past year it really showed me the great opportunities this organization gives to students and members who helped me make the decision to run for state office.”

Nelson is an FFA State Degree recipient, Chapter Star Farmer and Greenhand, and current FFA Section 12 President. He is also a National Honor Society member, an Illinois State Scholar and was named to the Spoon River College dean’s list as a freshman. 

Nelson’s FFA activities and achievements also include ag mechanics, surveying, agronomy, forestry, poultry, parliamentary procedure, veterinary science, public speaking and Spanish Creed. 

“I am very excited to connect with the new members, the freshman and the sophomores of the organization. I think that if I can connect with as many of them as I can I will hopefully be able to help them find what they are passionate about and help them grow into the best version of themselves through this organization,” said Nelson, whose SAE was beef and sheep entrepreneurship.  

“I would like them to fully understand the opportunities that FFA has to offer students. There are many different aspects of this organization that can truly help any individual going through high school.”

Nelson credited his FFA experiences with helping re-shape who he is today by helping the Fulton County teen find and focus on his strengths and interests. “I would say my experiences really help me find what I’m passionate about in life. I love interacting with people and love getting to know people, and this organization really helped me do that. When I was a freshman I was known as a talkative and social kid but I would say this organization helped me expand that,” said Nelson.

“We cannot control the situations we are placed in, but we can choose to make the most of the opportunities we are given,” he added.