Prairie State Wire

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II has been awarded the Honorary American FFA Degree by the National FFA Organization. This award is given to individuals who have shown significant commitment to advancing agricultural education and supporting FFA programs.

The National FFA Organization aims to improve the lives of young people through agricultural education. The Honorary American FFA Degree recognizes those who have made extraordinary, long-term contributions that impact students and support the next generation of agricultural leaders. Costello’s nomination was approved by the organization’s board of directors.

“Jerry Costello has an amazing gift—he doesn’t know a stranger. Whether it’s an FFA member or student meeting him for the first time, or a long-time partner in agriculture, he has a way of making every person feel seen, valued, and connected,” said Mindy Bunselmeyer, Illinois FFA Center Executive Director. “His unwavering support of Illinois agricultural education and FFA goes far beyond policy or programs—it’s personal. He shows up, listens, and genuinely invests in us. Illinois FFA, our leaders, and our members are stronger because of his belief in them, and we are thrilled to celebrate his Honorary American FFA Degree.”

Costello received the award during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo held in Indianapolis on October 31, 2025. He was presented with a plaque and medal; his name will be added to the list of distinguished members recognized by the organization.

At the same event, Director Costello presented Thaddeus Bergschneider—a native of Franklin, Illinois—with a proclamation from Governor JB Pritzker recognizing Bergschneider's year as National FFA President. Bergschneider is currently an undergraduate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. He previously served as Illinois FFA State President for 2023-2024 before being elected as national president—the first from Illinois to hold this role in thirty years.

“It’s an incredible honor to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree and deeply meaningful because my grandfather served as an ag teacher and FFA advisor,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “I am also proud to witness Thaddeus wrap up his term as National FFA President. He has successfully represented Illinois and the entire FFA community, and his journey is just beginning. I have no doubt he’ll continue to make an impact in Illinois agriculture.”

Since 2022, all students enrolled in agriculture education classes across Illinois automatically receive free membership in the state’s FFA chapter due to efforts led by State Senator Doris Turner and supported by Governor Pritzker's administration. Removing membership fees has resulted in more than double participation rates among students statewide.