Illinois Farm Bureau

The successes by farmers and the accomplishments by the state’s Department of Agriculture were highlighted to open the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable.

With the interim nutrient loss reduction goals deadline just two years away, agriculture groups are teaming up to collect verified information of what efforts are underway in fields.

While “Sustaining Our Future: A Farm Family Story” serves as a way to educate the public on the Ganschow family’s conservation farming journey and achievements, for Michael Ganschow, the film is much more personal.

As we head into the new year, I am excited for efforts to make 2023 the “Year of the Farmer.” Illinois Farm Families is also launching a major campaign to build trust in family farmers.

Illinois Farm Bureau’s first documentary, “Sustaining Our Future: A Farm Family Story,” shares farmers’ work to protect natural resources through the story of three generations of a Bureau County farm family.

Local food and specialty crop growers are joining forces for Illinois’ largest conference focused on bolstering the local food supply chain.

Supporting Illinois farmers’ local nutrient loss reduction goals and pollinator habitat preservation, Illinois Farm Bureau is awarding $175,000 in grants to county Farm Bureaus for local projects.

Classifying Holstein cows gives dairymen an unbiased evaluation of the phenotype of their cows. “That information is used in two ways,” said Maureen DeBruin, classifier for Holstein Association USA.

For over 150 years, Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel has hosted numerous extravagant guests and events, including the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, held Dec. 2-6.

Illinois will use $14.4 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to buy locally produced food and distribute it to those in need, according to state officials.

Next year, Richard Guebert Jr. will turn over the reins of Illinois Farm Bureau to the next president. But as he started his 10th and final year as president of the organization, Guebert offered some food for thought to IFB members on politics and farming.

When January rolls around and members of the 118th U.S. Congress return to Washington, two Illinois lawmakers who have been strong for agriculture will be missing from the ranks.

Whether it’s the familiar blue and gold corduroy jackets of FFA, the green 4-H shamrock or just that certain “something,” those who work in agriculture are visible. That was the message that Rachel Hood, Illinois FFA president, shared at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting.

One question that Ryan Reeverts might be asked is how he prepared for the Illinois Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, which he won at the IFB’s annual meeting in Chicago earlier this month. A better question is — how did he find the time? “I definitely try to stay busy,” Reeverts said.

Americans look forward to celebrating the simplest of gifts and gathering with family and friends around the table during the holiday season. It is also often a time of giving thanks as Illinois farmers mark the end of another growing season.