We turned Clark's rams in with the flock a little while later in November. Needless to say they were eager to get the job done. Can't wait to see how cute the lambs turn out in April!

Paul and Janie's son, Thad, is taking his passion for leadership and agriculture to the next level by running for National FFA Office! After an incredible year as the 2023-24 Illinois State FFA President, Thad wasn’t ready to step away from FFA quite yet. We couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments and are excited to see what he will achieve as he strives to represent the organization at the national level!

Though he has already been selected as Illinois' national officer candidate there is still a long road to go. The National FFA Officer selection process is rigorous, with now 37 candidates competing for just six spots. If elected, Thad would have the opportunity to dedicate a full year to inspiring FFA members, advisors, and staff across the US through workshops and motivational speeches. Though this would put his education at the University of Illinois on hold the opportunity would be well worth it!

During his time as Illinois State FFA President, Thad touched many lives with his advice to “love the people around you and hug your grandparents more often.” If you weren't able to attend last year's Illinois State FFA Convention to hear him speak you can watch the recording of his retiring address featured below.

Thad couldn’t have prepared for this opportunity alone. He has received an enormous amount of support from former national officers and FFA members, friends, family, his local FFA chapter, the community, and many others. We cannot thank all of you enough for your commitment to helping him succeed!

If you haven't had a chance to check out Thad's interview about running for national office with FarmWeek Now, you can check it out using the link below! In this interview Thad describes himself as "a total nerd when it comes to agriculture” and credits trying on his dad's old FFA jacket as a high school freshman to being the spark that lit his passion for this organization.

The final selection will be held at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indiana, where Thad and the other candidates will be evaluated for their character, knowledge, communication skills, and teamwork. We know that Thad’s passion and vision for agriculture will shine. Only 19 Illinois FFA members have ever served as National FFA Officers, and we would love to see Thad become number 20!

Best of luck, Thad—we’re all rooting for you!

Thane is not the first Bergschneider boy to be a poultry producer. Luke and Thad both raised and sold poultry for their FFA SAEs. In fact, Luke was the 2019 Illinois State FFA Poultry Production Award winner. Though the poultry may look a little different now these boys have birds in their blood!