SIU Outstanding Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Illinois Farm Bureau has named Southern Illinois University Collegiate Farm Bureau as the Outstanding Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter for the 2025-2026 academic year, recognizing the chapter’s expansive programming, strong member engagement and consistent execution of its chapter goals.

The Outstanding Chapter Award recognizes the top Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter for their efforts in actively implementing the mission and goals of Illinois Collegiate Farm Bureau while making strides to both set and execute their chapter specific goals over the course of the academic year.

Nearly 50 SIU students attended the IFB Annual Meeting, marking a 60% increase from the previous year.

The chapter also surpassed participation goals at the Young Leaders Conference, Leadership Training and Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference.

Additionally, six students competed in Collegiate Discussion Meet, earning first- and second-place finishes, further highlighting the chapter’s commitment to leadership development and uniting student voices.

Service and outreach were central to the chapter’s efforts throughout the year. Members organized a campuswide “Fill the Bucket” Harvest for All food drive, bringing a tractor to the center of campus to collect donations while engaging students in conversations about agriculture.

The event raised more than 600 pounds of food for the Saluki Food Pantry and introduced agricultural literacy materials to students unfamiliar with the industry.

The chapter also expanded its commitment to agricultural education by completing 13 Ag in the Classroom visits across nine elementary schools in southern Illinois.

These visits allowed collegiate Farm Bureau members to advocate for agriculture while developing communication skills and serving their local communities.

“We need to make sure the next generation is passionate about agriculture, even if they don’t have an agricultural background,” the chapter shared in its application. “This program allows us to serve the community while helping our members grow as communicators and leaders.”

The chapter distinguished itself through strong partnerships with Jackson and Union County Farm Bureaus, working together on educational outreach, sponsorship opportunities and student engagement.

These relationships enhanced both the chapter’s programming and its connection to the broader Farm Bureau network.

SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau also emphasized industry exposure through hands-on learning opportunities, including a tour of the Little Grassy Fish Hatchery with additional industry visits planned for the spring semester.

Strong partnerships with Jackson and Union County Farm Bureaus played a significant role in the chapter’s success.

County Farm Bureaus supported student participation in statewide events, assisted with Ag in the Classroom outreach and collaborated on chapter initiatives throughout the year. These partnerships helped strengthen members’ connections to the Farm Bureau network beyond campus.

Inclusivity and member engagement were key components of the chapter’s culture. The chapter welcomed students from a variety of majors and backgrounds, creating opportunities for each member to find their place within the organization.

“Collegiate Farm Bureau provides the most diverse experiences of any organization on campus,” the chapter stated. “We are proud to have representation from every department in the College of Agriculture and additional non-ag majors.”

By offering consistent, well-rounded programming and fostering meaningful connections, SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau demonstrated its ability to unite students as the voice of agriculture on campus and in surrounding communities.

The chapter will be formally recognized at the IFB Annual Meeting in December for its achievements during the 2025-2026 academic year.