For the past 20 years the Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders have been committed to reducing food insecurity within Carroll County. On January 24, 2025, Carroll County Young Leaders collected donated corn that was then sold to Eastland Feed and Grain. In addition to corn donations the Young Leaders accepted monetary donations. This year the group raised $33,353.76. Each food pantry received a donation of $8,383.44 along with 110 pounds of ground beef. This program wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous donors. These donors include: Kevin & Diann Adolph, Kurt Alexander, Larry Alexander, Harold Andresen, Aaron & Melinda Appel, Randal Appel, Badtke Farms, Gerald & Diann Cassens, D & R Stoner Farms, Daehler Farms, Durward Farms, Eastland Feed and Grain, Sheldon & Julie Ebersole, Faulkner Farms, Chris & Deanna Fink, Rod & Gerald Fink, 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 Farms, Walter & Levonne Nelson, Alyssa Nelson, Les & Michelle Nelson, ODK Farms, Brent & Carrie Pollard, Bill & Denise Pilgrim, Curtis & Anna Pilgrim, White Oak Agri Solutions, Jon and Lisa Meade, Allen Rahn, Elmer & Annette Rahn, Justin & Ellen Rahn, Correy & Kellie Rahn Family, Kyle & Nicole Ruter, Bryan & Chelsea Schoeny, Kent & Julie Schoeny, Schoeny Family Farms, Austing & Marti Schriner, Dennis Schriner, Keith & Joanie Schriner, Smith Farms, Steve Queckboerner, Stitzel Hog Farm, Steve & Jamie Stoner, Sturtevant Grain Farms,  Rod & Gerald Fink, Tom Fink Family, Vos Farms, Bill Weber, White Oak Agri, Brian & Sharon Witt, Witt AG Solutions, Brad, Brett& Ben Woessner, and Ray & Melissa Woessner. 

IFB SPRING FIELD DAYS TO HIGHLIGHT NUTRIENT LOSS RESEARCH, BEST PRACTICES:
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) will host five Nutrient Stewardship Field Days this spring for farmers and industry partners to collaborate and discuss ongoing research and innovative approaches to nutrient stewardship. “As the planting season fast approaches, these field days offer an opportunity for farmers to get up-to-date insights on nutrient management and novel techniques to apply in their fields,” said Bena Pegg, IFB environmental program manager. “These programs are designed to offer insight on both economic and environmental sustainability. Farmers and ag consultants alike are welcome.” Hosted through IFB’s Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program, the upcoming spring Nutrient Stewardship Field Days will focus on a variety of topics including cover crops, strip/till no-till practices, regenerative agriculture and provide basic input on biosolids. More field days will take place later this summer. Farmers, as well as those interested in learning more about agriculture’s role in protecting the environment, are invited to join IFB, its membership and partnering organizations to learn more about past and current Illinois conservation practices and research. A schedule for the 2025 Spring Nutrient Stewardship Field Days is listed below with dates, addresses, hosting county Farm Bureaus (CFBs) and brief summaries of each event.

Spring field days and topics include:

• Will County Farm Bureau, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26, Will-South Cook SWCD office, New Lenox. Field day highlights novel research on nutrient and litter management and a brief overview on biosolids and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Lunch provided. RSVP to 815-727-4811.
• Montgomery County Farm Bureau, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27 at 7051 Morrisonville Ave, Harvel. Tour local no-till, strip-till and cover crop fields and learn more about cover crop best management practices and the Illinois NLRS. CEUs available. Lunch provided. RSVP to 217-532-6171.
• Washington County Farm Bureau, 6-8 p.m. March 27, Addieville Community Club. This field day will focus on the county’s multiyear cover crop project and effects on soil health and return on investment. Dinner provided. RSVP to 618-327-3081.
• Jo Daviess Nutrient Stewardship Field Day, April 4 at 4629 IL Rt. 78, Stockton. Time TBD. No RSVP needed. This field day will focus on animal management and soil health. Contact Jo Daviess CFB by calling 815-858-2235 for more information.
• Clinton County Nutrient Stewardship Field Day, 10-noon April 26 at Sugar Creek Valley Farms, 12555 Poettker Rd., Aviston. This field day will focus on cover crops, early planting, and equipment demos. Lunch provided. RSVP to Clinton CFB by calling 618-526-7235.

The 2025 Nutrient Stewardship Field Days are funded through IFB’s Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program. Since 2015, IFB has awarded a total of $1.35 million for more than 156 county Farm Bureau-led nutrient projects. For a third year, IFB has distributed grants for farmer-focused programs and materials to support pollinators and Monarch butterflies. The 2025 grant awards support 18 projects with 25 participating county Farm Bureaus and nine Pollinator Conservation projects with 17 participating county Farm Bureaus.

Carroll County Office Hour Reminder: The Carroll County Farm Bureau is open Monday-Thursday, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. If you need additional assistance or to meet outside of this timeframe please contact Manager, Victoria Hansen at 815-244-3001 or by email at [email protected].

Trip Spotlight Warrens Cranberry Festival: Join the Carroll and Stephenson County Farm Bureaus as we travel to Warrens, Wisconsin for the Annual Warrens Cranberry Festival. This Festival features over 3 miles of shopping and over 1,200 vendors. This trip will take place on Friday, September 26.

Trip Schedule:

            6:30a.m.: Depart Carroll County Farm Bureau

            7:00a.m.: Depart Freeport Walmart

            10:00a.m.: Arrive at Cranberry Festival

            4:00p.m.: Depart Festival

            5:30p.m.: Dinner on the way home

            6:30p.m. Depart for Freeport Walmart

            8:00a.m.: Arrive at Freeport Walmart

            8:30p.m.: Arrive at Carroll County Farm Bureau

The trip cost includes transportation, all gratuities and water on the bus. Farm Bureau Member price is $80 and Non Member price $100. Reserve your spot by calling the county you plan to be picked up at Carroll 815-244-3001 or Stephenson 815-232-3186.

Plat Book Reminders: Stephenson County Farm Bureau has 2025 plat books.  Each book is $35 for active Farm Bureau members and $55 for non-members. Carroll County Farm Bureau has 2024 Plat Books. Carroll County Plat books are $35 for members and $55 for non- members.