NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage Paid Macomb, IL 61455 Permit #455
®
“An agricultural grassroots organization- devoted to ensuring the quality of life for our county Farm Bureau members- today and tomorrow.” www.mcdonoughcountyfarmbureau.org
Vol. 4 No. 7
Enjoy the Ride with Theme Park Discount Tickets Do you ever feel like your life is a roller coaster… jammed-full of ups and downs? Sometimes all you can do is hang on and enjoy the ride. And, if you’re a Farm Bureau member… save some money along the way! This summer you can take advantage of special savings on theme park tickets to eight popular attractions sure to fit your travel schedule. With savings on each ticket, you can take the whole family and save even more! Special ticket savings are available for Six Flags St. Louis, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL; Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri; King’s Island in Cincinnati, Ohio;
Raging Rivers in Grafton, Illinois; Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana; Adventureland in Des Moines, Iowa; and Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Each park offers unique attractions, rides, shows and specials. There’s something for everyone in your group – from the timid to the most adventurous. For ticket prices and more information, contact the McDonough County Farm Bureau at 309-837-3350. So go ahead… hop on and enjoy the ride… and the extra change in your pocket! (Be sure not to lose it on the roller coaster.)
See TICKET PRICES on page 5
Pictured here (left to right) are Richard Ochs, District 13 IAA Director; Colby Hunt, McDonough County Farm Bureau Vice President; Jeffrey Butler, McDonough County Farm Bureau President and Troy Uphoff, District 11 IAA Director. Both Uphoff and Ochs, past ALOT graduates, also serve on the ALOT Advisory Committee.
Local Leaders Graduate From Leadership Program Jeffrey Butler and Colby Hunt recently graduated from the Illinois Farm Bureau leadership program “Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow" (ALOT). Twenty-six Illinois Farm Bureau members representing 17 counties successfully completed the 32nd agricultural program designed to
Pictured front, from the left: Ashley Carter, West Prairie FFA; Joanna Bollinger, West Prairie FFA; Beau Huffman, Bushnell-Prairie City FFA. Back: John Edgar, President, Illinois Association FFA; Sam Kipling, West Prairie FFA; Tyler Suter, Bushnell-Prairie City FFA and Lance Curtis, Bushnell-Prairie City FFA.
Students Attend Youth Conference More than 500 FFA members, County Farm Bureau Managers, FFA advisors from 80 Illinois counties attended the 2011 Illinois Farm Bureau® & Affiliates Youth Conference, April 4-5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield. "Lights, Camera, Take ACTION" the theme of this year’s conference, offered FFA members in their junior year of high school, a unique opportunity for career and personal development. This year’s attendees got the opportunity to visit with representatives about scholarships, internships, leadership programs, and career opportunities from community colleges, universities, agriculture commodity groups, and the
June 13- Dr. Steve Johnson Mtg July 11-15- 4-H Fair July 13- Farmer for a day- a.m.; Fairgrounds
Illinois Farm Bureau and its family of companies at a career fair. The conference also provided a series of breakout sessions that outlined opportunities in agriculture and provided information about the Illinois Farm Bureau and its family of companies. The annual two-day conference is sponsored by Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliated companies, which include GROWMARK, COUNTRY Financial, Prairie Farms and the IAA Credit Union. Please visit www.youthed.org or http://www.facebook.com/ilfbyea for more information on the Illinois Farm Bureau & affiliated companies Youth Education program.
July 13- Ag Olympics- afternoon; Fairgrounds For more agriculture related dates, visit our website http://mcdonoughcountyfarmbureau.org
give participants a head start on tackling tomorrow's responsibilities. The eight-week training program allows participants to study and develop leadership skills in the areas of communication, political process, agricultural economics, and global issues.
Page 2 • The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester
For being a member of the McDonough County Farm Bureau, please enjoy these membership benefit discounts
McDonough County Farm Bureau® Harvester is published bi-monthly by the McDonough County Farm Bureau®, 1601 West Jackson, Suite 100 Macomb, IL 61455.
SAVE 10% on tax preparation
Non-Profit Org. Postage Paid at Macomb, IL. Farm Bureau Officers and Directors Jeffrey Butler........................................President Colby Hunt...................................Vice President Grant Curtis ........................................Secretary Mark Wolford.......................................Treasurer Farm Bureau Office Personnel Sarah Grant ...........................................Manager Margaret Harn .......................AITC Coordinator Beverly Drake ..............Administrative Assistant Jan Armstrong ......................................Secretary Country Insurance and Financial Services Kim Hartman...........................Agency Manager West Central FS Barry Schmidt .......................................Manager Office Phone: 309-837-3350 Fax: 309-836-3212 Email: mcdfb@logonix.net www.mcdonoughcountyfarmbureau.org Please send address changes to McDonough County Farm Bureau® 1601 West Jackson, Suite 100, Macomb, IL 61455.
10% off
any dinner meal 307 University Dr., Macomb • 309-836-2938
International Sandwich Shop
00 large 16” sub Buy any$1 two OFF sandwiches and anyorlarge 16” sub(large) or sandwich. get 2 bags of chips Buy any two large 16” sub or sandwiches and get 2 bags of chips FREE 1 FREE 16oz. fountain soda. and and 1 FREE 16oz. fountain soda.
FREE
10% off Any purchase
711 W. Adams, Macomb • 833-1910
Not valid with any other discount
Yâwzx 9 YÄÉÜtÄ VÜxtà|ÉÇá 122 N. Lafayette 309-833-3999
The
S
10% off
with purchase of 1lb. any flavor
ook
10% Off
5% OFF
Labor & Parts
120 N. Johnson, Macomb 309-833-2713
Buy 1 pizza, get an equal value pizza FREE!
15% discount on all single adult or family memberships. Excludes youth and senior memberships.
10% OFF
labor on brake & chassis work and
5% OFF
parts & tires.
10% OFF any purchase! Not valid with any other discounts
$22 for 18 holes w/cart.
309-837-7272 521 West Jackson, Macomb
The YMCA of McDonough County 400 E. Calhoun Macomb 309-833-2129
1103 E. Jackson, Macomb 309-833-2151 1414 E. Jackson 309-833-3098 530 W. Jackson 309-833-5860 Macomb Walmart
Gold Hills Golf Course 10980 E. 900 St. Colchester, IL 309-837-2930
309-833-5591 • 110 S. Dudley, Macomb
15% off signage
Not valid with any other offer. Must present card for discount
US Highway 136, Colchester, IL 62326 • 309-776-3891
309-836-9336 • 1601 W. Jackson Suite 104, Macomb
Macomb
1408 W. Jackson • 836-3904 www.TropicalisleTan.com 313 University Dr. • 836-3214
*Excludes Duration Paints and sale prices
One Time Purchase
10% off 15%(products OFF Any Salon Item & services)
Simply walk into any of the 2,600 participating Sherwin-Williams stores nationwide, show them your Illinois Farm Bureau membership card, and receive a whopping 25% off any purchase.*
*excludes floral
Free quarter lb. fudge
service call labor 4043 W. Jackson, Macomb
Free shipping with online purchases
10% OFF catalog prices & much more
merchandise
N
crapbook
$300 for 31-60hp $500 for 45-90hp J & Farmall $500 for 90-120hp Maxxum Series
Free Soft Drink with any meal purchase
1514 W. Jackson Macomb 309-837-6231
15% off
your entire purchase *excludes clearance items
325 W. Adams St. Macomb • (309) 833-3410
25% OFF
10% off
Siding & Windows
837-7733 1-800-942-3506
Siding and Window Company 1155 E. Jackson, Macomb, IL
Free Ring Cleaning & Inspection by house jeweler, usually while you wait.
$2.00 off 20 lb. LP tank fill.
10% OFF all meals
DIAMOND DEN 35 East Side Square Macomb 309-837-2573 1620 East Jackson Macomb 309-833-5508
1736 E. Jackson, Macomb 309-836-7902
$1.00 OFF
Now open for Breakfast 6AM
from 11am - 4pm.
1420 W. Jackson, Macomb 309-836-7625
per person, per membership
Does not include specials.
5 E. Side Square • 836-3689
30% Off Discount for New Tax and Payroll Accounts for 2011 Sevices
Barsi-Depoy Tax & Business Service “No worry” Tax preparation Individual, Corporate, Small Business - Accounting and payroll services Business Center • Locally owned for over 40 years
34 W. Side Square, Macomb • 309-833-5996
The Enchanted Florist
127 W. Calhoun, Macomb • 837-9159
Bonnie’s Bridal & Prom Boutique 10% off Bridesmaids Gowns 1601 W. Jackson Suite 202, Macomb 836-9199
$1 OFF in stock Sweeper Bags
MR. SWEEPER
204 N. Lafayette, Macomb
309-837-3536
Macomb Audiology and Hearing Aid Center 10% off Hearing Aids
112 W. Jackson St., Macomb, IL • 309-836-5031
$2.00 OFF Pizza a large or family size pizza
1506 E. Jackson Macomb 309-837-4999
WEST CENTRAL FS, INC. 1202 WEST PIPER • MACOMB, IL •
309-833-2168
Patronage Refund when applicable
The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester • Page 3
IFB members use social media for information, online chat Wisdom, youth mix in father-son farm partnerships When a local farmer stuck the corn planter in a field’s wet spot this spring, he called his farming partner for help to remove it. The farm partner (a.k.a. his dad) arrived and said, “Now, if you had done what you’re supposed to do, we’d be out of this clean and simple.” The farmer son paused. Then he blurted, “Rambo II.” Farmer Dad confirmed the answer to his movie quote trivia. Then, they proceeded to rescue the planter. It seems appropriate near Father’s Day to highlight the father-son partnership, one of the most common ownership structures of Illinois farms. Fathers and sons farming together should be easy to find in any county of the state, as 94 percent of Illinois’ farms are owned by families. The various combinations of spouses, parents, children, nieces, nephews and cousins share similar goals and values, yet carry their own uniqueness. And while not even all father-son business relationships are the same, the above-mentioned duo can represent some of the healthiest. They regularly lighten some farm situations with movie quotes, combining their shared enjoyment for the big screen with their passion for farming. More than one father-and-son farming operation tells me their parent-child ownership of the farm is motivating. The family connection makes the farm more than just a job. They possess the mutual feeling to please the other with how they plant a field or conduct the livestock chores. After all, their successes and failures are intertwined. The partnership makes them think about the future, the next generation and how their actions today can make the farm better tomorrow. Generally, self-employment offers the opportunity for a business to train an employee or business partner from birth. Fathers expose their interested children to farming tasks at an early school age, teaching safety first, such as how to put the tractor in neutral, set the safety stops on equipment or approach a pen of cattle. They often work on jobs side by side until the child shows some independence in a task. They learn to share similar work ethics and viewpoints, which creates unity in the business. The level of trust intensifies and the father knows the son’s capabilities, as he was trained from an early age. Yet both admit they’re still learning. The partnership is a good mixture of wisdom and youth, especially with today’s farm technologies. It’s where fresh ideas meet proven results. A son recalls marveling his dad’s strength as a child. The father feels proud watching his son grow and share his life’s passion and choosing to farm when the opportunity was presented. Proof of that and other reactions to daily situations may simply arrive unspoken, perhaps with body language. Meanwhile, a farm mom told me she gains satisfaction observing a good father-son relationship develop and see that it’s working as envisioned. There is a business to run, yet you still want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together. As in any relationship, it comes with moments of disagreement. They can be “hot under the collar” one minute and then perfectly fine the next, she tells me. Still, a father says they make better decisions with more than one mind to offer opinions. By the end of the day, they look forward to the storytelling about life, the farm’s history or the day’s routine. At break time, they “round up the usual suspects.” (“Casablanca.”)
Agrivisor.com provides Farm Bureau members with market advice, strategies, and insight that help make every decision educated and as profitable as possible.
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Farm Bureau members are using Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about Illinois Farm Bureau. IFB provides general information, especially about organization programs, online at www.facebook.com/ilfa rmbureau and www.twitter.com/ILFar mBureau , said Mary Ellen Fricke, IFB promotion manager. Another Facebook site www.facebook.com/ilfb is geared toward Young Leaders and their activities, Fricke said. The Young Leaders Facebook page offers information about various contests, and photos of their industry tour and other activities. Members should be aware that time is needed for photos to be displayed on computers with slower Internet speeds. Another Twitter site www.twitter.com/Julie_ RFDRadio covers agriculture and Illinois news along with updates from
Julie Root, RFD Radio news manager. Farm Bureau members need to have a Facebook account to view information on the Facebook site. An individual may read the Twitter posts with a Twitter account; however, he cannot add or respond to the information without a Twitter account. Accounts on both programs can be established free of charge. To view the Twitter posts, go online to www.twitter.com and type the Farm Bureau or RFD address into the search area. Websites such as Facebook help Farm Bureau members connect with each other and with consumers, lawmakers, and a variety of people, Fricke noted. Farm Bureau Facebook pages are updated about once a day, while the Farm Bureau Twitter page receives 10 to 30 posts daily, primarily about agriculture-related news
and Farm Bureau programs, Fricke said. Fricke encouraged Farm Bureau members who are new to social media to consider starting with Facebook. She compared Twitter to citizens band radio because it has its own language. Farm Bureau
members seeking advice about use of social media may go online to www.ilfb.org/social. The site offers videos and downloads with how-to guides and other suggestions for using social media to communicate.
20% DISCOUNT on hearing services from Beltone
40% to 50% OFF LASIK eye surgery
*Bail Bond Cards* Available at MCDFB for $3 per card
As a member you have access to the IAA Credit Union.
Show your Farm Bureau pride! SAVE 30% off brand name online retail prices.
www.iaacu.org
Wyndham Hotel & Resorts
SAVE 10% on the best available rate at more than 4,000 Wyndham Hotel & Resorts, Super 8s and more
Case IH Tractors
SAVE $300 on Farmall tractors (18-55 horsepower)
SAVE $500 on JX Series tractors (45 to 80 PTO horsepower)
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RFD Radio Network
Get the best in farm news and reports with the RFD Radio Network. Listen locally at WLRB in Macomb!
This weekly publication is provided to MM members with the latest in farming news and classifieds.
Save on long distance calls!
Private Offer from Dodge on select vehicles.
Theme Park Tickets
Call the Farm Bureau for more information.
SAVE UP TO 20% at nearly 4,000 Choice Hotels
Save $$$ during the spring and summer with our discount at exciting theme parks. Keep watching for information about the 2009 ticket season! Member # 5204193 Purchase eyewear for 30% off regular retail prices from: Sears, Pearle Vision, JCPennys & Target Optical Stores Save 20% on top brand contact lenses
Page 4 • The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester
Part of Our Future is Remembering Our Past Do you recognize any of these faces from the past? Please call or drop by and let us know who these folks are.
Brett J. Powell Agent Lawrence F. Kane
Cathy Ekstrand
Branch Manager lkane@s-pelmwood.com Cell: 309.231.0846
Market Advisor cekstrand@s-pelmwood.com Cell: 309.231.9784
Toll-free 866.334.9779 • phone 309.358.1000 fax 309.358.1029 115 W. Main Street, PO Box 109, Yates City, IL 61572
Insurance & Financial Services
PO Box 79 Office tel (309) 652-3889 Blandinsville, IL 61420 Office fax (309) 652-3849 brett.powell@countryfinancial.com 1107-050
What is farming smart?
It’s getting locally proven products, designed especially for your needs. Not every seed company can say their products have been locally proven – but we can. FS Seed products have been developed and tested right in your own backyard. Only the latest technologies are chosen to maximize the profit potential of your farm’s conditions. You can trust that the FS Seed products that you plant in your fields were designed with you in mind. Talk to your Local Crop Specialist at West Central FS about the right FS Seed products to fit your operation’s unique growing conditions.
Farming smart begins with FS Seed ©2010 GROWMARK, Inc. The FS and FS Seed logos are registered trademarks of GROWMARK, Inc.
The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester • Page 5
USDA says pink pork is OK New cooking guidelines from the nation's food-safety agency confirm Pork Checkoff research that shows pork can be consumed safely when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a three-minute rest time. The guidelines were announced today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). The new recommended temperature is a significant 15 degrees less than what was previously recommended and typically will yield a finished product that is pinker in color than most home cooks are accustomed to. "Our consumer research has consistently shown that Americans have a tendency to overcook common cuts of pork, resulting in a less-than-optimal eating experience," said Dianne Bettin, a pork producer from Truman, Minn., and chair of the Checkoff's Domestic Marketing
Members attend Truck meeting FB members attended a truck meeting presenting by Kevin Rund in March. Handouts from the meeting at still available at the Farm Bureau office.
Theme park ticket prices
Selling Price
Gate Price
Savings
$31.50
$48.72
$17.22
$35.00
$58.69
$23.69
Committee. "The new guidelines will help consumers enjoy pork at its most flavorful, juicy - and safe - temperature." The revised recommendation applies to pork whole-muscle cuts, such as loin, chops and roasts. Ground pork, like all ground meat, should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of cut or cooking method, both the USDA and National Pork Board recommend using a digital cooking thermometer to ensure an accurate final temperature. The new recommendation evolved from a 2007 Pork Checkoff-funded research project conducted by Ohio State University to measure consumer eating preferences. As part of that project the university researchers tested how various end-cooking temperatures affected eating preferences. But the researchers needed to know if temperatures below 160 degrees would be safe if that turned out to be consumers' preference.
SIX FLAGS - St. Louis 1-Day General (3 yrs & up) Tickets INCLUDE water park.
SIX FLAGS - Great America 1-Day General Children 2 and under are free. Tickets include Hurricane Harbor. Tickets not valid for Fright Fest.
SILVER DOLLAR CITY - Branson, MO Adult (12 yrs. & up)
$55.00
$59.11
$4.11
Child (4-11 yrs.)
$44.00
$48.36
$4.36
Age 3 & under are free. AFTER 3 NEXT DAY FREE -- SDC 1-day tickets can be redeemed after 3:00 p.m. to visit the park and utilized for a full day immediately following the first day visit. Ticket DOES NOT include White Water or Celebration City. Cheaper for seniors to purchase the adult ticket.
KING'S ISLAND - Cincinnati, OH Adult 1-Day (3-61 or 48" & over)
$30.00
$51.99
$21.99
Child/Senior (Ages 3 and up, under 48"/62+)
$24.00
$31.99
$7.99
Adult 2-Day (3-61 or 48" & over)
$52.00
$51.99
$0.00
Adult 1-Day (over 48")
$15.00
$19.52
$4.52
Child/Senior (under 48" & 60+)
$12.00
$16.43
$4.43
Adult/Child (54" & up)
$36.00
$42.95
$6.95
Child/Senior (under 54" & 60+)
$31.00
$32.95
$1.95
$27.00
$35.00
$8.00
Age 2 and under are free. Ticket holders can enjoy the park after 5 p.m. (Ohio time) the night before a full day visit for an additional $10 fee at the gate. 2day tickets DO NOT have to be consecutive days. Price INCLUDES entrance to Boomerang Bay (formerly WaterWorks.) No 2-day child tickets.
RAGING RIVERS - Grafton, IL
Age 2 and under are free.
HOLIDAY WORLD & Splashin' Safari - Santa Claus, IN
Age 2 and under are free. 2nd consecutive-day ticket available at park @ $21 if purchased on the first day's visit. Free Parking - Unlimited soft drinks.
ADVENTURELAND - Des Moines, IA
Good Any Day (Ages 3-61, 48" or taller) Good Any Day Junior/Senior (Ages 3-61, under 48" or 62 and older)
$38.00 $19.00
$46.99 $21.00
$8.99 $2.00
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Page 6 • The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester
Commodities Conference 2011 By Margaret Harn
Summer is in the air! Children, thinking of fun things to do; teachers, packing up their rooms while reviewing the year just finished. But, it’s not the end of learning, as many teachers and students will be involved in Ag in the Classroom activities this summer. Teachers have the opportunity to travel to Quincy University on June 7, 8, and 9 to participate in Summer Ag Institute. Sharon Knorr from Adams County, Dawn Weinberg from Hancock County and I will be facilitating the institute. This year’s theme is “Environmental Education for the Classroom.� During the session, teachers will be engaged in activities they can take to the classroom in the fall. The activities will be centered on environmental issues such as water, soils, wind and plants. In addition, commodities representatives from beef, pork, dairy, soybeans, and corn will be on hand to share materials available for teachers. The highlight of the 3 day session is the field trips to Adams Electric to view their wind turbine, West Burlington to tour the ethanol plant, and Fort Madison to tour the Seimons plant where wind turbines are produced. Teachers attending the Summer Ag Institute will be awarded CPDUs for certification or they can get three hours of graduate credit through Quincy University. Children in the area will have many opportunities to learn through Ag in the Classroom this summer. The McDonough County 4-H fair will be July 11-15. Ag in the Classroom will be sponsoring Ag Olympics on July 13 at the fair starting around 3pm. Kids compete in whacky events for cash prizes! In the morning of the 13th, young children can participate in “Farmer for a Day� where they will get to “milk� a cow, gather “eggs,� and other farm related activities. Children can come between 9am and noon to participate. For more information on either of these activities, please call the Farm Bureau office at 837-3350. Great fun for kids and parents or grandparents, too! I will be teaching “Dairy Days� at this summer’s Kid College sponsored by Spoon River College. The program runs July 11-15 in one hour morning sessions. Children will be exploring all facets of dairy production from the cow to the glass of milk. We will make some of the dairy products we learn about such as butter, cottage cheese, and ice cream. Children will also learn how to milk a cow! Please call Ashley Riggins at Spoon River College for more information. The number is 833-6031. Do you know a youngster who is interested in history? On July 25-29, Illinois History will be offered at Lakeview Nature Center near Spring Lake. I will be teaching a session on what it would be like to be a farm kid in the 1830’s. For more information on this program, please call the Macomb Park District at 8334562. You might also find me at Macomb’s Farmer’s Markets this summer in the kid’s tent. We will do simple crafts relating to fruits and vegetables that can be found at the market. Summer is a very busy time for Ag in the Classroom, not only for activities for kids and teachers, but gearing up for the next school year. Please contact me if you or someone you know would be interested in Ag in the Classroom programming for this summer or fall.
"Local to Global: Knowledge is Power" is the theme for the 2011 Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, 2011. The event will be held at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Broadway Avenue, Normal with sessions beginning at 8:45 a.m. and concluding at 4:15 p.m. The conference will feature an opening general session on using knowledge and technology in local to global consumer choices. The featured speaker for that session will be Grady Bishop, Director of U.S. Swine Business of Elanco. He will examine consumer buying and purchasing trends, food marketing trends, and agricultural production. He will also explore the modern myth that consumers do not want modern, efficient technology used in food production. Sixteen breakout sessions will center around topics including the weather, animal rights, international trade, environmental regulations, fertilizer futures contracts, and media skills. The closing presenter will be Jerry Carroll, an ag humorist. The commodities conference is intended for farmers, producers and professionals in the agricultural industry. Cost is $35 per person and includes lunch. Preregistration is preferred. Registration information (including on-line registration) will be available after June 15 on this webpage. On-site registration will also be available the day of the event and will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Marriott. Additional details (including a draft agenda, registration details, and brochure) will be available in the near future.
McDonough County
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Confessions of a Farm Wife Bringin' Home the Bacon There are pork ribs simmering in my crockpot. We had grilled pork chops for dinner last night. Nearly every meal we have had has had the element of bacon in it. No, we're not becoming crazy Atkins Diet folks, nor are we giving up on beef, chicken, and other means of protein. Last week, we met Joe's folks "in the middle" for pizza and to pick up pork. How many of you have ever had pizza and a pig in the back of your SUV (don't worry, not a live one)? My guess is not many. Regardless, it got me thinking about how fortunate I am to not only have the opportunity to know my beef producer, but my pork producer, too. We are so lucky to have a grocery bill that rarely includes any sort of meat. It is truly a blessing, as much as two deep freezes in my garage are great for these blessings. Anyway, we are so very fortunate to know our growers, but who else is? Am I a select group? With the push to eat locally and know your grower as well as know where your food comes from, how does one get the opportunity like I do to truly know where my food is coming from? Is it at a farmer's market? Is it from a glossy ad in the meat case at Whole Foods? Is it from word of mouth of moms at a mom's group? Seriously, how does one truly know where his or her food comes from? Luckily, around here, you just drive down the road, check your Facebook wall for Joe's advertisements of beef quarters and halves for sale, as well as ask around. But, if you're a city dweller, how do you do this? When all you see for miles is house upon house upon strip mall upon expressway, where do you even start this relationship process. This is my quest. I want you, city readers, to try to find a true grower of something. Not a picture at the market, not a random person you met once at the fly by night farmer's market. Get a relationship with some one who produces something for YOU. It is not out of the question for us to travel two hours south to deliver beef to friends of friends, as well as offer them pictures and testimonial information in regards to our operation. Try to find some one like us...or for that matter, come see us. As much as I would love to say that all of our friends and friends of friends who have purchased beef from us know exactly where and exactly how their beef grew up, I can honestly say that we have had little to no questions, visits, whatever to our farm for the sole purpose of knowing where and how the cattle are raised. None. Nada. Zip. Isn't that against every fiber of a person's being who is buying locally? Is that poor consumerism? NO! It's called TRUST. Our buyers trust us, based on our character and the quality of the product. There is no reason for these fine friends to believe otherwise. We have the reputation, and Joe has the know-how to do good things in this business. That is why it is important to us to keep livestock regulations in the hands of the producers, not the crazy nuts who want us to basically live as the cavemen did. As much as I love to say that our farm produces food...this woman cannot live on beef alone, and the corn and soybeans we produce are used in fuel and other products. I can't run out and pick an ear from the field behind my house. I can grow sweet corn, but only in July. So what happens in December? How will Joe "bring home the bacon", as well as truly bring home the bacon for us to eat if regulations and crazy people put us out of business? Think about it. Enjoy your choices. Enjoy your steak, but try to figure out, some way, some how to know who is putting it on your plate.
The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester • Page 7
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS December 22, 2009 The McDonough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors met in regular session on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Farm Bureau conference room. Colby Hunt, Adam McMillan, Larry Hopkins, Jeffrey Butler, Steve Hood, Mark Wolford, Todd Dixon The meeting was called to order by Butler. The invocation was given by Wolford. Also present were Tony Laesch, Country Financial Agency Manager; Kim Hartman, Country Financial Agency Manager, Doug Errands, Country Financial District Agency Manager; Barry Schmidt, West Central FS Manager; Whitney Homer, AITC Coordinator and Brian Puetz, ILFB Regional Manager.
January 18, 2010
The McDonough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors met in regular session on Monday, January 18, 2010 at 7 p.m. in the Farm Bureau conference room. Colby Hunt, Adam McMillan, Larry Hopkins, Jeffrey Butler, Steve Hood Chad Russell, Mark Wolford, Todd Dixon The meeting was called to order by Butler. The invocation was given by Hunt. Also present was Sarah Grant, Manager. The minutes from December were read silently and motion was made to approve and seconded. Motion carries.
February 21, 2011
The McDonough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors met in regular session on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Farm Bureau conference room. Adam McMillan, Jeffrey Butler, Mark Peterson, Grant Curtis, George Dixon, Larry Hopkins, Mark Wolford, Colby Hunt, Steve Hood The meeting was called to order by Butler. The invocation was given by Wolford. Also present were Sarah Grant, Manager; and Terry Pope, IAA District 9 Director. The guests gave their reports. Terry Pope reported on activities with ILFB and legislation. The minutes from January were read silently and motion was made to approve and seconded. Motion carries.
March 21, 2011
The McDonough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors met in regular session on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Farm Bureau conference room. Adam McMillan, Jeffrey Butler, Mark Peterson, Grant Curtis, George Dixon, Larry Hopkins, Mark Wolford, Colby Hunt, Steve Hood The meeting was called to order by Butler. The invocation was given by Wolford. Also present was Sarah Grant, Manager; Barry Schmidt, West Central FS; Kim Hartman, Country Financial and Kevin Siebert, IAAA. The guests gave their reports. Hartman reported on life insurance and upcoming financial seminars. Schmidt reported on the price of energy and fertilizer. Siebert present-
Laesch gave an update on his position change and the new agency manager appointee. Schmidt reported on the year that West Central FS had. He gave an update on the WGM progress. Homer reported on the recent activities of AITC. The minutes from September were read silently and motion was made to approve and seconded. Motion carries. The Financial Report from September, October and November was given. The Membership Report for September, October and November was given. A motion to approve members was made and seconded. Motion carried. Old Business: An update was given on our new building. An update was given on the IAA Annual Meeting activities. An update was The Financial Report from December was given. The Membership Report for December was given. A motion to approve members was made and seconded. Motion carried. Old Business: Upcoming marketing meetings were discussed. A strategic plan update meeting for the board will be held. The board completed a board self evaluation in preparation. Information on the upcoming Ag Mech show was given. Plans for Food Check out were discussed. Information on the upcoming acquaintance day was given. A potential Springfield trip was discussed.
given on our regional advertising for the year. An update was given on the marketing meeting held in November. New Business: An update was given on updating our strategic plan. Information was given on the Ag Mech Show, Feb 27/28. Information was given on directors up for rotation on the board. Discussion was held on Food Check Out Day. Discussion was held on Task Forces. The new radio commercial was discussed. Information was given on Acquaintance Day. Discussion was held on a legislative trip to Springfield. Other Business: Grant gave the manager’s report. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Adjourn time- 9:30 p.m.
New Business: The 2010 Scholarships for the Foundation were discussed. Task Forces will meet after the strategic plan and tentatively scheduled for early March. Information was given on the FB ACT changes. Information was given on the Leaders to Washington Program and Adam Nielsen’s new blog. Other Business: Grant gave the manager’s report. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Adjourn time- 8:30 p.m.
The Financial Report from January was given by Wolford. The Membership Report for January was given by Butler. A motion to approve members was made and seconded. Motion carried.
SRC was postponed to a later date. An update was given on the upcoming Country Financial meetings. Next meeting will be held on March 24th. An update was given on the Foundation Golf Outing. Date is tentatively set for August 20th.
Old Business: An update was given on the Ag Mech Show raffle. Steve Hood sold the most tickets as well as the winning ticket. An update was given on the Foundation Annual Campaign. No updates were reported in regards to the wind project. It was reported that a donation will be made to Loaves and Fishes in celebration of Food Check Out Week. The Acquaintance Day program plans were reported. The topic will be ag careers with Brett Powell, Rick Battles and Ray Bunch speaking. An update was given on the audit. A final report has not been received yet. The board training hosted by
New Business: The governance minute was read and discussed. An update was given on Ag Week. Books will be donated to local classrooms. An update on the Truck Mtg with Kevin Rund was given. It will be held on March 28th at 6:30 p.m. Other Business: Grant gave the manager’s report. President Nelson’s Annual Mtg address was watched. Motion to adjourn was made by McMillan and seconded by Hunt. Adjourn time- 9:32 p.m.
ed the audit report. The minutes from February were read silently and motion was made to approve and seconded. Motion carries. The Financial Report from February was given by Wolford. The Membership Report for February was given by Butler. A motion to approve members was made and seconded. Motion carried. Old Business: An update was given on the comprehensive plan. An update was given on the Foundation Annual Campaign as well as a training with Susan Moore in June. A motion was made and seconded to conduct this training. It was reported that Spoon will host a board member training on April 14th. The Foundation golf outing will be held on August 20th at Gold Hills golf course. An update was given on Ag Week activities. An
update was given on the upcoming Truck Meeting with Kevin Rund. It was reported that we will have a booth this year at the WIU Envirothon. New Business: The governance minute was read and discussed. Scholarships for next year were discussed. A discussion was held on the current status of the regional advertising tv ads. It was reported that we will be supplying treats for the Spoon River College Finance series. A potential visit to Chicago to meet with our adopted legislator was discussed. The new Ford discount was discussed. Other Business: Grant gave the manager’s report. Motion to adjourn was made by McMillan and seconded by Hood. Adjourn time- 9:59 p.m.
Classifieds Classified ads are free to all McDonough County Farm Bureau members. To submit items, please call the office at 309-837-3350 or email at mcdfb@logonix.net. Submissions will appear on www.mcdonoughcountyfarmbureau.org first and then appear in the next edition of the Harvester.
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FOR SALE New: Currently have a JD 200 series mower deck. Need a JD series 300 mower deck. For sale or trade. Sandy Howerter 309-255-2785 –––––––––––––––––– West Prairie Premium Wholesome Freezer Beef Kenne & Debby Dallefeld 14170 N. 1400th Road, Macomb, Il Home 309-836-8566 cell 309-333-1417 kdbbranch@juno.com We sell packaged beef as well as quarters, halves and wholes. • Deliveries made locally every Wednesday 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. • Macomb Farmers Market • Pick-up at the farm by appointment West Prairie Farm Beef is raised locally on our farm in rural McDonough County. We’re committed to raising premium quality beef without using implants (growth hormones) or antibiotics in the feed. All corn, hay and silage fed to our cattle is grown on our farms. We use an environmentally friendly method of farming, which includes the use of calcium, composted poultry manure, and organic dry fertilizer. We use cover crops for fertilizer and erosion control. We use predator wasp in order to greatly reduce the use of pesticides. We hold an Illinois State retailer’s license and a McDonough County Permit. –––––––––––––––––– Building Awning for sale. Black with lettering. Easily painted. Includes metal grid for hanging. Call Farm Bureau for more info 837-3350 ––––––––––––––––––
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Page 8 • The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester
Get to Know Your Policy How well do you know Farm Bureau policy? In order to better understand it, MCDFB will run monthly excerpts from the 2011 policy book. Interested in learning more about how our policy system works? It all starts with you! For more info contact the office!
poses. 6. Seek legislation imposing stiffer penalties for theft of anhydrous ammonia for methamphetamine production. We encourage counties to consider the establishment of Juvenile Justice Councils.
113. LAW AND ORDER We support action to: 1. Bring about firm, fair, and prompt enforcement of existing laws. 2. Increase enforcement of existing littering laws. 3. Provide aid to victims of crime. 4. Create greater awareness of and increased activity by our members in surfacing, selection and election of qualified persons who will be capable of administering effective law enforcement programs. 5. Require that the County Sheriff and State’s Attorney be notified by the State Department of Corrections when an inmate from their county is released from a state correctional institution. 6. Reduce the fiscal impact imposed on local governments related to the increasing of minimum federal jail standards. Such efforts should relate to providing state and local government jurisdictions with flexibility to meet minimal care standards for such facilities. We will support: 1. Effective enforcement of present laws and the enactment of new legislation where needed to prevent the illegal production, importation, manufacture, or distribution of narcotics, drugs, harmful substances, and related paraphernalia. 2. Work programs for prisoners. 3. Continued efforts to inform the victim of the impending release of an inmate. We oppose the “early release program” as a solution to prison overcrowding. We will seek legislation to provide for severe and mandatory sentences for crimes committed with weapons. The defense of one’s person or property with a weapon needs to be more clearly defined legally. We will: 1. Work with county Farm Bureaus in developing coalitions to address the problems with methamphetamine production and use. 2. Encourage vigorous education efforts to inform youth, parents, and others concerning the harmful effects of substance abuse including the dangers of methamphetamine production and use. 3. Work with local, state, and federal officials in addressing the issue of methamphetamine production and use. 4. Work with our urban legislators to help educate them on the severity of this problem in rural areas and the cost to the taxpayer for treating methamphetamine addicts. 5. Encourage the research and development necessary to produce an economical additive for anhydrous ammonia to prevent its use for the production of methamphetamine or other illegal pur-
114. LEGISLATIVE BODIES We will support: 1. Legislation prohibiting members of the General Assembly from receiving remuneration from any taxing body for other than incidental services rendered on a part-time basis. 2. Legislation to provide for a “sunset” of all new state and federal programs which spend tax resources. 3. Limiting the Governor's amendatory veto power to only technical corrections and matters of form. 4. A restructuring of the Illinois legislative redistricting process that will be conducted by an unbiased third party, will not be based on political affiliation and prior election results, and districts will be compact, contiguous, and impartial to party or incumbency. Districts should follow county, township, and municipal boundaries as much as possible. 115. LOCAL GOVERNMENT We support the principle of strong local government and the assignment of responsibility for government services to that unit of general government which is closest to the people and can economically provide the service. We will support legislation: 1. Providing uniform requirements, including the printed full name of the voter, for signers of all public petitions. 2. Permitting consolidation of additional county functions between counties. 3. That ensures that any electronic registry of mortgage loan information shall not affect the current system of recording documents affecting title to real property with the county clerk or recorder. 4. Providing for salaries of all local officials to be set by the appropriate local unit, rather than by the state legislature. 5. Requiring at least 15 percent of registered voters as signers on petitions within any territory proposed to become a new taxing district or within any area proposed to be annexed to an existing taxing district. 6. Requiring that a referendum to expand a taxing district be approved by a majority of voters in both the existing district and in the area proposed to be annexed. When a new taxing district is to be created encompassing both incorporated and unincorporated areas, the referendum should require approval by voters within the incorporated area and a separate approval by voters in the unincorporated area. 7. More clearly defining what issues are appropriate for non-binding advisory referenda for units of local government. We will seek legislation to provide for:
1. Selection of special district board members by election. 2. Disconnection from or dissolution of any special district by referendum. 3. Uniform fiscal years, classification of accounts, budgets and audits for all taxing bodies. 4. Additional authority for forest preserve districts to sell real estate, including farmland. 5. A referendum of registered voters in the township or townships to approve the site where municipalities propose to annex property for the location of any type of waste disposal facility, prison or other entity which could directly affect the lives of people residing in the area. 6. The requirement that any municipality or any other unit of local government considering annexation of farmland notify affected landowners by registered or certified mail at least 30 days prior to the filing of such annexation. 7. The capability of counties, townships, and special districts to levy impact fees to support local services during the time between construction of a project and when tax revenues would normally be received and to levy impact fees to support local infrastructure improvements in areas of new development. We support: 1. The shifting of additional responsibilities from the federal government to state governments if, at the same time, adequate access is made to the tax structure to allow for the financing of such programs by the states and a commensurate reduction is made in federal taxes. We will support state and local governments in the development of their capabilities to discharge these added responsibilities. 2. The shifting of responsibilities from the state government to local governments only if the state government reduces its taxes proportionately or provides local governments the resources to carry out such responsibilities. 3. Improvements in state agency programs which provide needed training and education for local government officials. Such programs should include management and financial training related to local government. 4. The consolidation or combination of special taxing units or local government units and programs where such consolidation or combination is planned and approved by local initiative and referenda. 5. Efforts by local government officials, county Farm Bureaus and other organizations to increase public participation in the overall functions of local government. 6. Efforts to ensure that citizens who do not currently live in a library district but wish to receive library services can receive equal and affordable access to the public library system. 7. Encouraging local governments to make compensation breakdowns and pension sweeteners more readily available to public scrutiny. 8. Amending the Cemetery Oversight Act, so
Farm Fact
that the provisions of the law are not overly burdensome for cemeteries. We will strongly oppose all efforts to mandate inclusion of areas not currently served by a library district into existing library districts.
of the Month Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world.
How ideas become Farm Bureau Policy 6 steps 1 Farmers tell their county Farm Bureau about an idea, need or concern. 2 The county Farm Bureau researches and considers the idea.
Siesta Pizza
3 The idea is considered at the state level. 4 Farmers throughout Illinois vote on the idea and if approved, it becomes Farm Bureau policy. 5 Some Illinois Farm Bureau policy is turned into American Farm Bureau Federation policy. 6 The farmer benefits from the new policy. gvxx4477NT0206
1 (8 ounce) package crescent dinner rolls 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 teaspoons dry taco seasoning mix 2/3 head lettuce, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped ½ cup sliced black olives 1 (8 ounce) package Mexican-style shredded cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place crescent rolls on sprayed pizza pan and pinch seams together. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. In medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning and spread mixture over crust. Sprinkle vegetables and cheese on top.
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