Last week both the Stephenson and Carroll County Young Leaders wrapped up some major projects. Each of these projects do good in their respective communities. The Carroll County Young Leaders announced that their Harvest for All grain drive raised $28,000 for area food pantries. This program was supported by local farmers and businesses in and around Carroll County. For a full list of sponsors see the “Harvest For All donor thank you” section below. Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders made a donation of $11,000 to the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom program. These funds were raised as part of their annual Bruce Johnson Farm to Farm 5K/10K Run held in late March. This program would not have been possible without our 230 runners and event sponsors. A total listing of sponsors can be found below. Are you or someone you know aged 18-35 and looking for ways to get involved in the agriculture community? If so, you are encouraged to join the Young Leaders Committee. To get more information please email or call your local county Farm Bureau: Carroll County Farm Bureau: 815-244-3001 or email [email protected], Stephenson County Farm Bureau: 815-232-3186 or email [email protected].
Membership Value Program Business Spotlights:
Mort’s Bar & Grill is located at 114 South Chicago Avenue, Freeport, offers Farm Bureau members a free drink with purchase of sandwich (alcohol excluded). One drink per member. To learn more call 815-233-1214.
Park Hills Golf Course located at 3240 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, offers Farm Bureau members one free bucket of balls with paid green fees, which must be used the same day. To learn more visit www.parkhillsgolf.com or call 815-235-3611.
Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Harvest For All: Through monetary donations and the donation of corn the Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders were able to donate $28,000 to county food pantries and 400 pounds of ground beef. This program would not be possible without our donor’s support. Thank you to those who made this possible. Kevin & Diann Adolph, Kurt Alexander, Larry Alexander, Aaron & Melinda Appel, Randall Appel, Asay Farms, Badtke Farms, John Bickelhaupt- COUNTRY Financial, Gerald & Diann Cassens, D & R Stoner Farms, Daehler Farms, Curtis & Sara Derrer, Durward Farms, Ryan Durward, Kara Durward & Kaleb Hermeyer, Eastland Feed and Grain, Sheldon & Julie Ebersole, Exchange State Bank, Faulkner Farms, Chris & Deanna Fink, Flikkema Farms, Ronald & Marsha Foltz, Trevor & Taylor Fransene, Freedom Hills Ranch and Adolph Red Angus, John & Susan Hopkins, Hopkins Family Farm, Ideal Farms, J & J Farms, Janssen Farms, Lamoreux Farms, Linker Farms, Ludwig Family Farm, Martz-Spear Farms, Miller Farms, MKA Farm’s, Walter & Levonne Nelson, Northern Illinois Veterinary Services, ODK, Bill & Dee Pilgrim, Curtis & Anna Pilgrim, Allen Rahn, Elmer & Annette Rahn, Justin & Ellen Rahn, Correy & Kellie Rahn Family, Kyle & Nicole Ruter, Bryan and Chelsea Schoeny, Schoeny Family Farms, Austin & Marti Schriner, Dennis Schriner, Keith & Joanie Schriner, Sloan Implement Co., Smith Farms, Steve Queckboerner, Stitzel Hog Farm, Steve & Jamie Stoner, Sturtevant Grain Farms, TBK, Tom Fink Family, Vos Farms, Bill Weber, White Oak Agri, Brian & Sharon Witt, Witt Ag Solutions, Brad, Brett & Ben Woessner, and Ray & Melissa Woessner.
Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Bruce Johnson Farm to Farm 5K/10K Run: The 9th Annual Bruce Johnson Memorial Farm to Farm 5K/10K Run held at Kent Farms in rural Winslow took place on March 28th with 230 runners, which is a record-breaking year. This event raised $11,000 for Stephenson County Ag in the Classroom program. This event wouldn’t be as successful without our many run sponsors. Thank you to those who supported this event: Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, COUNTRY Financial- Tara Hendricks, Stephenson Service Company, Adkins Energy, Stephenson County Pork Producers, Brewster Cheese, Johnson Tractor, Mahon Pioneer Seeds, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Stateline Solar, ComEd, Community Bank, State Bank, Citizens State Bank, Compeer Financial, Stateline Insurance Services Inc., B & R Grain Handling, Cornerstone Credit Union, COUNTRY Financial- Tom Edler, Durand Garage Door Inc, Elliott, Trainor and Weller, P.C., Hughes Crane Service, Kent Farms, Lena Brewing Company, New Hope Veterinary Clinic, Orangeville Animal Health Services LLC, Pro Source Electric and Automation Inc., Saunder’s Oil, Stephenson Winnebago Beef Association, The Bruce Johnson Family, True Vine Landscaping & Lawn Care LLC, COUNTRY Financial- Stacey Block, Culvers, Firehouse Seed and Service, Freeport Industrial Roofing, Kurt and Tammy Baldauf, Lena Veterinary Clinic, Nite Equipment Inc., Plager, Krug, Bauer, Rudolph & Stodden, Ltd., Schultz’s Inter-State Ag, Inc., Pastor Mike and Karen Clark, Eastland Feed & Grain, Inc., and Pearl City Elevator.
Illinois Farm Bureau Secures 2026 black vulture depredation permits: BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) recently secured statewide black vulture depredation permits through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Dec. 31, 2026. Black vultures are known to prey on young livestock and birthing mothers, causing significant injuries and even death. IFB continues to work with U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to issue federal sub-permits to livestock farmers who are experiencing issues with black vultures on their land. IFB will also continue to work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to secure the necessary state permits for farmers seeking approval. “Illinois’ black vulture population, which preys on young livestock and can cause significant financial loss for farmers, has increased significantly in recent years,” said IFB President Philip Nelson. “These federal depredation permits provide another tool for farmers to protect their livestock by streamlining the application process and reducing cost to the producer.” Black vultures, which have a dark gray head and are aggressive, should not be confused with their larger, less aggressive and red-headed relative, the turkey vulture. Turkey vultures may be found throughout Illinois. Black vultures live in southern regions but are expanding their range further north, creating depredation problems for farmers. As migratory birds, black vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, state laws and regulations, therefore, they can’t be killed or destroyed without a migratory bird depredation permit from USFWS and a Class B nuisance wildlife control permit from IDNR. IFB will issue sub-permits as a benefit to livestock farmers who are experiencing problems with black vultures and assist in securing IDNR’s required permit. The sub-permit is available to livestock farmers facing depredation of commercial livestock, which includes cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine. Approved applicants will be allowed to be a maximum of three birds, determined after consultation with USDA Wildlife Services. Following the consultation and approval, a state permit will also be provided by IDNR. Applicants must agree to follow all rules and regulations required by USFWS in the IFB statewide permit and the requirements of the IDNR permit. Illinois Farm Bureau, IDNR, USFWS and USDA Wildlife Services developed this permit process in 2021 to assist Illinois livestock producers.