SIU named IFB outstanding collegiate chapter

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Farm Bureau named Southern Illinois University Collegiate Farm Bureau as the Outstanding Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Outstanding Chapter Award recognizes the top Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter for its 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.

SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau successfully executed a range of goals during the 2024-2025 school year. The chapter distinguished itself through growth in membership engagement, growth in membership diversity, strong county Farm Bureau partnerships and hosting a diverse range of impactful initiatives throughout the year.

Dedication to excellence was showcased through the “Fill the Bucket” challenge, a food drive combining service with agricultural advocacy where the chapter collected over 900 pounds of food for the Saluki Food Pantry and made pumpkin pie in a bag.

Members also volunteered with Ag in the Classroom, participated in a Trunk-or-Treat event, toured Flamm Orchards and engaged in the community’s Apple Fest.

In addition, the chapter maintained a high level of involvement at the state level through attendance at conferences.

The chapter strengthened partnerships with Union County and Jackson County Farm Bureaus by coordinating eight Ag in the Classroom visits and collaborating with three Young Leader groups.

The officer team prioritized long-term sustainability, completing key Farm Bureau forms and securing $2,400 in funding from on-campus organizations to expand opportunities for members.

SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau has been invited to attend the IAA Annual Meeting in December where the chapter will be formally recognized for its efforts.