April was National Safe Digging Month.  Did you know that hitting just one underground utility line can lead to injuries, expensive repairs, fines, and annoying service interruptions? It's crucial to always dial 811 before beginning any digging project, regardless of its size. Taking this straightforward precaution can help avoid accidents and keep everyone safe.

Six things to know before you dig:

1. Call JULIE 48 hours before work begins. It’s the law.
2. Signs indicate pipelines in the area, not precise locations.
3. Pipelines can shift over time.
4. Double-check third parties that are coordinating the project.
5. Gas providers will work with you.
6. Give the marker flags a wide berth.

Dial 811 or visit JULIE’s website:  http://illinois1call.com

Membership Value Program Business Spotlight:

Rite-Way Furniture and Appliance: Offers Farm Bureau members a 25% discount off Rite-Way’s low price on furniture and mattresses. They are located at 20 East Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032. To learn more visit www.ritewayfreeport.com or call 815-235-4911.

Slumberland Furniture of Freeport: located at 305 West South Street, Freeport, IL 61032 offers Farm Bureau members a 5% discount off entire furniture purchase (excluding tempurpedic, Stearns & Foster, Purple, Posturepedic plus hybrid, Posturepedic plus foam and gift cards.). To learn more visit www.slumberland.com or call 815-233-2300.

IFB Young Leaders, Collegiate Farm Bureaus and Illinois FFA Chapters Raise More Than $233,000 for Hunger Relief: BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Recognizing tremendous need in their communities, Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders, Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapters and Illinois FFA Chapters in 2025 proudly raised more than $ 233,000 for hunger relief and community assistance, donated a total of 154,000 pounds of food and tallied nearly 15,000 volunteer hours. The effort was part of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national Harvest for All Program, in which farm and ranch families donated a total 50 million pounds of food and raised more than $870,000 to help fight hunger and assist in other community service outreach. The monetary and food donations totaled the equivalent of 13 million meals, according to AFBF. “The IFB Young Leaders continue to show an outstanding dedication to addressing food insecurity across our communities,” said Perry W. Harlow, IFB young leader program coordinator. “Through these efforts, Young Leaders are having a meaningful impact on Illinois families facing hunger.” He added, “These results speak to more than generosity alone. They reflect the strong sense of compassion and commitment to community service that is central to the Young Leader mission.” Each year, IFB Young Leaders, Collegiate Farm Bureaus and Illinois FFA Chapters through their local county Farm Bureaus support food banks with innovative food drives and donation campaigns to alleviate hunger during the Harvest for All program. In March, IFB Young Leaders and Collegiate Farm Bureaus were recognized for hosting some of the most innovative programs and for tallying the most volunteer hours nationwide. They also placed second in total dollars donated. As one of three states receiving the Most Innovative award, IFB Young Leaders and Collegiate Farm Bureaus received a $250 grant from Nationwide. Their members showcased innovation and service through community, farmer and educator support projects. At Southern Illinois University, the collegiate Farm Bureau hosted “Agriculture in the Plaza,” featuring a tractor display, hands‑on learning and a “fill the bucket” food drive. In response to Hurricane Helene, the IFB Young Leader Committees from five counties organized a Hay Donation Drive, sending seven semi loads of hay to livestock producers in western North Carolina. The IFB State Young Leader Committee also assembled and delivered classroom supply bags for first‑year agriculture teachers, providing essential materials for FFA activities and strengthening connections between educators and Farm Bureau.

IFB recognized IFB Young Leader committees with outstanding programs and donation contributions in 2025 during the organization’s annual meeting.

2025 Most Outstanding Harvest for All Programs:

• Edwards CFB Young Leaders Bring on the Beef
• Livingston CFB Young Leaders Breakfast on the Farm
• Kane CFB Young Leaders Backpacks of Hope

Harvest for All Top Contributors awards recognized CFBs with outstanding hunger-relief efforts. Each was selected based on a combination of overall pounds of food donated, volunteer hours and dollars raised. Winners in each category were also selected. Award recipients were given a cash prize to further their Harvest for All efforts.

2025 Harvest for All Top Contributors:

• First Place Overall, Livingston CFB Young Leaders
• Second Place Overall, Carroll CFB Young Leaders
• Third Place Overall, Henry CFB Young Leaders

2025 Harvest for All Top Category Winners:

• First Place Pounds of Food Donated, Livingston CFB Young Leaders
• First Place Dollars Raised, Carroll CFB Young Leaders
• First Place Hours Volunteers, Kane CFB Young Leaders

The Illinois Harvest for All program demonstrates the generosity of Illinois agriculture. IFB encourages local involvement and partners with county Young Leader Programs, FFA chapters and collegiate Farm Bureau chapters to fight food insecurity in Illinois.