Have you heard of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Allies in Agriculture program? This program is a partnership effort between county Farm Bureaus® and local government officials across Illinois. It is designed to improve communication, help these officials better understand the significance of agriculture to their county, and encourage farmers to better understand local government duties and structure. To facilitate that effort, county Farm Bureaus are working with county officials to adopt a Pro-Agriculture Resolution. These proclamations signify that government officials in that county understand agriculture's importance. Counties that pass these resolutions are given plaques that they can proudly display to demonstrate their status as one of our Allies in Agriculture. During the month of March both the Carroll County and Stephenson County boards adopted Pro Agriculture Resolutions. We appreciate their support of agriculture within our counties and northwest Illinois. To learn more about this program or to see what other counties have received the Allies in Agriculture designation visit www.ilfb.org/ifb-in-action/allies-in-agriculture/
Twenty-Five Graduate From Illinois Farm Bureau Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow Program: Twenty-five Illinois Farm Bureau members recently graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow, an extensive leadership development program designed to help participants develop leadership and advocacy skills and to become a voice for Illinois agriculture. ALOT provides selected IFB members an opportunity to learn a broad range of process and content skills to enrich their leadership abilities and enhance agriculture’s voice in Illinois. Started in 1979, ALOT is an extensive leadership development program offering more than 80 hours of comprehensive classroom instructions covering the following four major areas of study: communication skills, political process, agricultural economics and global issues. Sessions are conducted by university educators, business leaders, past ALOT graduates and IFB staff. The 2025 ALOT graduating class represented 15 Illinois counties and included nine full-time farmers, 10 part-time farmers, and participants from other agriculture-related industries. Local Graduate: Alyssa Nelson, of Carroll County, joined her family’s farming operation near Chadwick. After graduating from the University of Illinois with her bachelor’s in animal science, she continues a legacy of strong focus on cattle health and nutrition, as well as soil health and conservation practices. When she’s not farming, she enjoys flying, hiking and playing the harp. Nelson is also involved in her county’s Farm Bureau Young Leaders and a local flying club.
Trip Spotlight, Farm Progress Show Bus Trip: Join the Carroll and Stephenson County Farm Bureaus as we travel to Decatur for this year’s Farm Progress show on August 26.
Trip Details:
6:00a.m.: Depart Freeport Walmart
6:30a.m.: Depart Lanark location TBD
9:45a.m.: Arrive at the Show
4:00p.m.: Depart for Home
5:30p.m./6:00p.m.: Dinner on the way home
7:45p.m.: Arrive at Lanark Drop off
8:15p.m.: Arrive at Freeport Walmart
Trip Cost includes Transportation, gratuities and water. Meals and show entry on your own. To reserve your spot please call the county where you plan to be picked up at Carroll, 815-244-3001 and Stephenson 815-232-3186.
ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH START HEARING: Illinois Farm Bureau is excited to announce a new partnership with Start Hearing. Start Hearing is owned by Starkey, the only American owned and operated hearing aid manufacturer. With savings up to 60% off, Start Hearing’s products feature numerous hearing aid models, many of which are virtually invisible. Features include Bluetooth compatibility with streaming capabilities, fall detection and GPS locator, rechargeable 51-hour battery, and language translation features. Start Hearing has a national network of more than 3,000 providers to serve our members throughout their hearing journey from hearing protection to hearing aids and services. SoundGear is Starkey’s line of advanced hearing protection products, offering both active and passive options tailored for various work and recreational environments. To learn more, please call 1-888-304-8536 or visit www.starthearing.com/partners/ilfb
Spring Rawleigh Product Order: Kick off spring by ordering Rawleigh Products. The Stephenson County Farm Bureau is now accepting orders for Rawleigh products. Orders will be accepted until Monday, April 21 at noon, with an estimated delivery of May 7th just in time for Mother’s Day. To make this program even sweater all proceeds from his order will be donated to the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Foundation to fund Agriculture in the Classroom and scholarships. Order forms are available on our website www.stephensoncfb.org or by calling 815-232-3186.