Three Western Illinois University Agriculture students earned the right to compete at nationals during the Spring 2026 Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) Conference Thursday, Feb. 12.
Senior agriculture teacher education major Adam Vail, a senior agricultural science major from Tennessee, IL and a 2023 West Prairie High School, placed third in individual prepared speaking. During his high school years, Vail was active in the West Prairie FFA Chapter and earned an American FFA Degree in 2024.
'What prepared me was my outstanding friends, and my Ag Ed Professor Dusti Ingles, who took time out of their day to allow me to do a practice run through after school one day,' Vail said. 'I was able to get critical feedback and overall felt more confident going into the event.'
Laila Beck (Arenzville) and freshman agricultural science major Olivia Brodbeck (Batchtown) also earned third place in their respective individual events. All three students will compete in the national competition beginning Monday, March 9, in Branson, MO.
For more information on WIU's ag program, visit wiu.edu/ag.
