It certainly feels like spring and that means farmers are planting or preparing to plant. Farmers are masters of adjusting. They often adjust plans on the farm because of weather, equipment breakdowns and even the occasional loose animal. Farmers remind us to be flexible and to adjust as needed. With planting upon us farmers will begin to plant, meaning there will be more equipment on the roadways while moving from field to field. If you see these “Slow Moving Vehicles” or SMV’s please slow down, move over and provide them with space. This will help keep all parties safe during the planting season.

Summer Teacher Workshop, Trucks, Trains, and Transportation: June 16 & June 17, 2025, from 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. each day. This workshop is perfect for those who want to learn about agriculture and want NEW hands-on activities for your students. This workshop includes a fun learning experience while touring farms and ag businesses with special presentations by Illinois Ag in the Classroom. Teachers can register for one or both days. To learn more or to register visit https://tinyurl.com/SAI-2025-Registration.

How Farm Bureau Served Our members in March:

1. Sixteen Illinois Farm Bureau members traveled to Washington, D.C., and met with Congressional offices, government agencies and new Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, advocating for a new farm bill, expanding ag markets, an extension to the Tax Cuts and Jobs bill and more.
2. Twenty-five members graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program, a comprehensive leadership-development course focused on communication, political involvement, ag economics and more.
3. IFB submitted public comments to the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) opposing a proposal to implement California’s vehicle emission limits and electric vehicle sales mandate in Illinois, encouraging IPCB to consider expanding biofuels instead of imposing burdensome regulations on Illinois farmers.
4. IFB awarded $105,000 in rural development grants, supporting local projects across the state, including emergency services and economic development.

Trip Spotlight Ozark Country Christmas in Branson: This trip will kick off the holiday season, November 13-16, 2025. This trip is in partnership with County Farm Bureaus in Northwest Illinois and Tri State Travel. Trip highlights include Gran Jubilee Evening Show, The College of the Ozarks, Texas Tenors, Sanders Family Christmas, Hits of the sixties, a show at the beautiful “Sight and Sound Theater” and much more. To learn more about this trip you can call or stop by your local county Farm Bureau for copies of the flyer/registration. Additionally, you can view an online flyer at www.stephensoncfb.org under the “upcoming trip” tab.

Event Space to Rent: With graduation right around the corner, don’t wait to book your event at the Carroll or Stephenson County Farm Bureau buildings. Rooms start as low as $100. Summer Saturdays and Sundays are limited. Call the Farm Bureau of your choice for availability and to learn more about the rental process. Carroll County Farm Bureau 815-244-3001 or Stephenson County Farm Bureau at 815-232-3186.