Even though Mother’s Day just passed, it is never too late to reflect on what our mothers have done for us. I know I am lucky to have a mother who is willing to help me move more times than I have fingers on one hand, often in miserable temperatures. One move included straight-line winds and torrential downpours. She’s often my call when I am driving home from a late-night meeting. She’s my go to plus one during spring and fall busy season. Moms are our motivators, supporters and sounding boards. On the Farm, mom’s and wives play vital roles. They are often called upon in all capacities, whether that be to help feed cattle, milk, run to town to pick up parts or bring meals to the field so the planters/combines do not have to stop for more than a few minutes. I was recently at a scholarship awards program where the speaker told the students to be sure to thank their parents for all they had done for them, even when they were in trouble because that is important too. So, here’s to all the moms out there, thank you for all you do. We do not tell you nearly enough.
Membership Value Program Business Spotlight:
Stateline Solar located at 310 W Main Street Lena, IL offers Farm Bureau members a $500 discount on solar installation. Must mention discount prior to contract signing. To learn more visit www.statelinsolar.com or call 815-580-3011.
Stockton Pit Stop located at 642 South Main Street Stockton, IL offers Farm Bureau members a 10% discount on entire bill, dine in only. To learn more visit www.thepitstopstockton.com or call 815-947-5015.
Milwaukee Zoo Bus Trip, Thursday, June 25: Join the Stephenson and Carroll County Farm Bureaus as we travel to the Milwaukee Zoo on Thursday, June 25th. The bus leaves Freeport Walmart at 8:00a.m., arrive at the zoo around 10:00a.m. We will depart the zoo at 4:00p.m. and return to Freeport Walmart around 6:00p.m. Trip cost includes transportation, gratuities, and zoo admission. Farm Bureau member price $35, Non-Member Price $60 and Youth ages 3-12 $25. Anyone under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Reserve your spot before May 25 by calling the Carroll County Farm Bureau office at 815-244-3001 or Stephenson County Farm Bureau at 815-232-3186.
Illinois Farm Bureau Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill: Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson commented today on the U.S. House of Representatives vote to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. “Illinois Farm Bureau applauds the House for passing the 2026 farm bill and building upon previous actions to strengthen the farm safety net," said Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson. "Farmers are long overdue for a modernized five-year farm bill after operating under multiple extensions since 2023. "We urge the Senate for swift passage of this critical piece of legislation, which puts Illinois farmers closer to obtaining certainty while continuing to face a challenging farm economy.”
Included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 are:
- Enhancements to standing disaster programs, expanded eligibility, and a framework to deliver future assistance to specialty crops.
- Improvements to EQIP, CSP, and the reauthorization of CRP through 2031.
- Increased funding for trade promotion programs such as MAP, FMD, EMP, TASC, and PTF.
- Authorization of state-led local food purchasing programs similar to LFPA, and inclusion of full-fat fluid milk in SNAP dietary incentives.
- Updates to loan limits and resources for new, young, beginning, and veteran farmers in their transition to farming.
- Strengthening broadband connectivity to rural communities.
- Support for research and development for specialty crops as well as land-grant and non-land-grant colleges of agriculture.
- Establishment of a commission on NASS modernization to improve the efficiency of NASS data collection and quality of the statistics reported.
- Increased access to REAP.
- Establishes an advisory committee for specialty crop growers to ensure they have a seat at the table during crop insurance policy discussions.
- Reforms reporting requirements under AFIDA to ensure accuracy and transparency of data on farmland owned by foreign persons or entities.
To learn more about Illinois Farm Bureau visit www.ilfb.org .
Limited number of Cubs Brewers Bus Trip Tickets Available: This bus trip will take place on Sunday, June 28 with a game time of 1:10p.m. Tickets will cost $90 per member and $115 for non-members. Don’t delay reserving your seats as we have less than 4 tickets available. Please call 815-232-3186 to reserve your spot today.