Can you believe September is almost over? It is hard to believe, that is for sure. During the month of September, the Stephenson County Agriculture in the Classroom program will see roughly 1,200 students. Students have learned about apples, agriculture’s role in back to school and football. Students range from pre school to 5^th grade. With the increase of students we are seeing on a monthly basis, we are trying something new. On Wednesday, October 2 we are inviting community members to help us prepare for October’s presentations by volunteering from 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m., and at 11:30a.m. the Farm Bureau will provide lunch for those who have helped. During this hour we will help cut and assemble activity materials. If you are interested in helping or have questions, please call our office at 815-232-3186.

Applications Now Available for 2025 Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow: Are you, or someone you know, ready to take the next step in their leadership development?  The Illinois Farm Bureau has a program to help with that. The Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) provides participants with the tools they need to reach their full potential and emerge as a leader in agriculture. Whether you serve on your county Farm Bureau board, county Farm Bureau committee, or a leader in agribusiness or your local community, you’ll benefit from ALOT just as the over 1,200 previous graduates have.Classroom studies cover leadership, communication & professional skills, political process, agricultural economics, and global issues, and are taught by experts in a variety of fields. Classes will be conducted over a seven-week period in a different region of the state each year, so there's sure to be one near you. In 2025, there will be seven weekly sessions held across Northwestern Illinois, Springfield, and Bloomington, Illinois. The seven-week program includes four overnight sessions, two single-day sessions, and one virtual session.   The ALOT program is limited to 25 participants, who are chosen following interviews conducted on December 3^rd via Zoom by the ALOT advisory committee. There is an $800 tuition fee, which includes meals, lodging, and instructional materials. Applications are available online at www.ilfb.org/alot and are due by November 1^st. For more information about the program visit www.ilfb.org/alot or contact Victoria Hansen at Carroll County Farm Bureau 815-244-3001 or at Stephenson County Farm Bureau 815-232-3186 or the IFB Training and Development Department at 309-557-2038.

Save the Date for the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting: You’re invited to the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting on Monday, November 18 at our office, 210 w Spring Street, Freeport, IL 61032 at 7:00p.m. Light refreshments provided.

Carroll and Stephenson Counties Now Accepting Orders for Nuts and Candy: Back by popular demand both counties will be accepting Terri Lynn Nuts and Candies orders on or before October 18. Popular items available to order include Giant Cashews, Fancy Mammoth Pecans halves, Black Walnut pieces, Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix, Deluxe mixed nuts, fancy colossal pistachios and much more. To view our entire order list visit either county websites www.carrollcfb.org or www.stephensoncfb.org or either Facebook pages. If you don’t see something on our order form that you were looking for let us know. For questions or additional items please call your county Farm Bureau, Carroll at 815-244-3001 or Stephenson at 815-232-3186. Items will be ready to pick up the third week in November.  Additional pickup details can be found on the order forms.