This week’s column comes from the President Abraham Lincon Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, where Illinois Farm Bureau members from across the state are staying and participating in the 2026 Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs and Leadership Conference. Conference attendees enjoyed many great speakers including Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, President of the Illinois Senate Don Harmon, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emmanuel “Chris” Welch, Economist with American Farm Bureau Danny Munch and Chief Economist for the National Corn Growers Association, Krista Swanson. Outside of general sessions attendees had over 15 breakout sessions to choose from. The program wrapped up with the Legislative Reception that allows attendees to connect with their legislators, adopted legislators and other Farm Bureau members. If this conference sounds like something you’d be interested in attending, save the date for the 2027 on Tuesday, February 16th.
Cubs Brewers Bus Trip Tickets: Are on sale exclusively for Illinois Farm Bureau members until March 6th. This bus trip will take place on Sunday, June 28 with a game time of 1:10p.m. Tickets will cost $90 per member. Don’t delay reserving your seats as we have less than 12 tickets available. Please call 815-232-3186 to reserve your spot today.
Scholarships Are Open: Carroll County Farm Bureau Foundation and Stephenson County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships are now available.
Carroll County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships are due March 4, 2026. Visit www.carrollcfb.org for more information
Stephenson County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships are due on March 27, 2026. Visit www.stephensoncfb.org.
Ogle/ Carroll Freezer Meals are back: We are excited to announce that we are offering a spring freezer meal fundraiser to raise money for Agriculture in the Classroom in Ogle and Carroll Counties. If you are familiar with our holiday freezer meals these are similar. They are five different menu items and two individual portions of each. The menu includes cheesy hamburger casserole, pulled pork mac and cheese, cheesy chicken enchiladas, chicken bacon ranch (improved recipe), chicken fajitas with peppers and onions. If you pay using cash or check the meal sets are $90 and can be ordered by sending a check or stopping by our office at 811 South Clay Street, Mt. Carroll. Meals can be ordered for $95 online at https://square.link/u/WTgzIuf7 . Orders are due by March 3 at 1p.m. Pickup will be Monday, March 30th at the Carroll County Farm Bureau from 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. and at the Ogle County Farm Bureau from 4:00p.m.-5:30p.m. If you have questions, please call 815-244-3001.