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.” July 2009
http://mcdonough.countyfarmbureau.org
Vol. 3 No. 7
Farm Bureau Foundation names four scholarship recipients Four youth from McDonough County have been named recipients of the 2009 McDonough County Farm Bureau® Foundation Scholarship. Each of the recipients will receive $500 to be applied toward the cost of continuing their education in agriculture. During the past sever-
al years, the county Farm Bureau Foundation has provided assistance in scholarships to local individuals. The primary focus of the not-for-profit Foundation is to promote agricultural education. The Foundation is supported by individual contributions, including those from McDonough County Farm Bureau
members. Kari Kelso, the daughter of Clarke and Deborah Kelso, is a 2008 graduate of Macomb Senior High School. She is currently attending Oklahoma State University majoring in Animal Science. Jordan Tate, the son of Dennis and Beverly Tate, is a 2006 graduate of
West Prairie High School. He is currently attending the University of Illinois- Urbana/ Champaign and majoring in Agriculture Engineering. Austin Tate, the son of Dennis and Beverly Tate is a 2008 graduate of West Prairie High School. He plans to attend Ranken Technical
Kari Kelso
Jordan Tate
Pictured from left to right is Wyatt McGrew and MCDFB President, Jeff Butler
College to study carpentry and building construction technology. Wyatt McGrew, the son of William and Marcia McGrew is a 2007 graduate of BushnellPrairie City High School. He is currently attending Western Illinois University majoring in Agriculture education with a minor in busi-
ness. The McDonough County Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to be able to support agricultural education through its scholarship program. Congratulations to the 2009 McDonough County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship winners.
Pictured from left to right is Austin Tate and MCDFB President Jeff Butler
Pagliai’s Pizza Joins Discount Program
Dr. Steve Johnson
Pagliai’s Pizza of Macomb has joined the MCDFB local discount program. Upon presentation of your membership card, they will offer MCDFB members a free drink with purchase. Pagliai’s Pizza opened in 1959 and is owned by Richard, Roberta and Tim Thorman. They provide Macomb with the best in Italian dining. Please join us in welcoming them to the discount program!
Farm talk meetings
Dr. Steve Johnson presented at a marketing meeting in June. Pictured from left to right is MCDFB director, Mark Wolford and Dr. Steve Johnson from Iowa State University. Dr. Johnson will be back in Macomb for another presentation Monday, November 23rd, Mark your calendars! You won’t want to miss it!
The Illinois Farm Bureau has scheduled regional farm talk meetings this summer. Please mark your calendars to attend the meeting in Macomb on Monday, August 24th at 11 a.m. at the VFW Hall, 1200 East Jackson. Illinois Farm Bureau President, Phillip Nelson will offer updates on major issues and IFB’s activities to address these issues. This is also a great opportunity to hear what’s on your mind! Please call Sarah at the Farm Bureau office for more information, 309-837-3350.
Pictured is part owner, Tim Thorman
Welcome New Members The McDonough County Farm Bureau® would like to welcome the following to our organization for the month of April & May. Michael & Teresa McFadden Satasha & Anthony Havens Lester & Twila Zeisler Marilyn Fitch Cody Cooper James Todd Adkisson Todd & Sandra Teel Travis & Krystal Yeoman
Matthew Canon Georgia Gum Megan Harper Craig & Donna Lant Paul Miller Larry Butcher Bonnie Bozard Brand Kingery Lowell & Jan Armstrong
July 13-17- McDonough County 4-H Fair July 22-29- Summer Ag Institute July 29- Commodities Conference, Springfield August 1- Ag in the Classroom at the Farmers Market in the Children’s Tent!
August 24- Regional Farm Talk with President Phillip Nelson, Macomb VFW August 29- Ag in the Classroom Golf Outing, Gold Hills For more agriculture related dates, visit our website http://mcdonough.countyfarmbureau.org
Page 2 • MCDFB • June 2009 McDonough County Farm Bureau® Harvester is published monthly by the McDonough County Farm Bureau®, 440 N. Lafayette St., Suite 105, Macomb, IL 61455. Non-Profit Org. Postage Paid at Macomb, IL. Farm Bureau Officers and Directors Jeffrey Butler………….……....President Colby Hunt....………………....Vice President Mark Wolford..…......………....Secretary Todd Dixon ………………...…Treasurer Farm Bureau Office Personnel Sarah Grant…...........…….Manager Beverly Drake……………Administrative Assistant Jan Armstrong....................Secretary Whitney Homer... Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Country Insurance and Financial Services Tony Laesch…………………...Agency Manager West Central FS Barry Schmidt…………………Manager Office Phone: 309-837-3350 Fax: 309-836-3212 Email: mcdfb@logonix.net http://mcdonough.countyfarmbureau.org
Illinois Farm Bureau Amateur Photo Contest Picture Illinois! The beauty (and even humor) of Illinois’ rural life comes into focus with Illinois Farm Bureau’s Second Annual Photo Contest. It's a chance for you, as a member, to capture your favorite images of the rich diversity of our state's agricultural landscape and its people. It's a great way to show off your favorite photos, and maybe even win a prize. The contest is for amateurs only. It's for all ages, and open to IFB members and their families. Make sure your photos were taken in Illinois, sometime between 2007-2009. There are three categories to inspire you: • Kids & Critters • All in a Day's Work • The Back 40 If that's not enough, maybe some cash incentives will help get you going! • 1 grand-prize winner will receive $150. • 3 first place winners will receive $75 each
For being a member of the McDonough County Farm Bureau, please enjoy these membership benefit discounts
Please send address changes to McDonough County Farm Bureau® 440 N. Lafayette St., Suite 105, Macomb, IL 61455.
10% off
any dinner meal 307 University Dr., Macomb • 309-836-2938
Free Drink with purchase
Pagliai’s Pizza
15 East Side Square • 309-836-2788
Yâwzx 9 YÄÉÜtÄ VÜxtà|ÉÇá 122 N. Lafayette 309-833-3999
The
S
EATING
837-3830
4043 W. Jackson, Macomb
309-836-9336 • 1601 W. Jackson Suite 104, Macomb
$5 off any cutom cake 1/2 sheet or larger.
15% discount on all single adult or family memberships. Excludes youth and senior memberships.
309-837-7272 521 West Jackson, Macomb The YMCA of McDonough County 400 E. Calhoun Macomb 309-833-2129
10% OFF
labor on brake & chassis work and
5% OFF
1103 E. Jackson, Macomb 309-833-2151
parts & tires.
10% OFF any purchase! Not valid with any other discounts
$22 for 18 holes w/cart.
Allow 3 days for delivery/pick up. Code: KLYCKS
325 W. Adams St. Macomb • (309) 833-3410
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
837-7733
Siding and Window Company 1-800-942-3506 1155 E. Jackson, Macomb, IL
Free Ring Cleaning & Inspection by house jeweler, usually while you wait.
$2.00 off 20 lb. LP tank fill.
DIAMOND DEN 35 East Side Square Macomb 309-837-2573 1620 East Jackson Macomb 309-833-5508
10% OFF all meals
1736 E. Jackson, Macomb 309-836-7902
$1.00 OFF
Now open for Breakfast 6AM
Does not include specials.
1420 W. Jackson, Macomb 309-836-7625
from 11am - 4pm.
15% off
One Time Purchase
Siding & Windows
120 N. Johnson, Macomb 309-833-2713
836-SIGN (7446) - 224 S. Normal, Macomb
10% Off
25% OFF
Labor & Parts Buy 1 pizza, get an equal value pizza FREE!
ook
with purchase of a 12 month membership plan
Macomb
5% OFF
*excludes floral
FREE MONTH
(products & services)
1408 W. Jackson • 836-3904 www.TropicalisleTan.com 313 University Dr. • 836-3214
15% off
Not valid with any other offer. Must present card for discount
15% OFF Any Salon Item
309-833-5591 • 110 S. Dudley, Macomb
custom signs and truck lettering
US Highway 136, Colchester, IL 62326 • 309-776-3891
on all invoices
20% OFF
regular membership fee
10% off
Free quarter lb. fudge
N
10% off Labor
LECTRICAL LUMBING
Special Note: This contest was an idea of the Public Relations Action Team, to promote both the beauty of Illinois agriculture and boost member involvement. You too can spread your ideas statewide. Talk to your county Farm Bureau about joining one if IFB's Action Teams.
merchandise with purchase of 1lb. any flavor
crapbook
• 3 second-placers get $25 each • 1 Members' Choice wins $50 (chosen at the IFB Annual Meeting in December) Winners will be announced in Partners and Farmweek. Winning photos will be published in IFB publications, on the IFB website and displayed at the IFB annual meeting. For official rules visit Ken Kashian's Photo Gallery. There you'll also find a fast and easy way to electronically send us your digital photos. Entries can also be mailed. Either way, we need them by October 15. What are you waiting for? Start snapping! If you have any questions, you can contact Dawn at (309) 557-2293 or dheggie@ilfb.org.
Adding 20% off the book rate for new customers 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
your entire purchase *excludes clearance items
5 E. Side Square • 836-3689
10% Discount
The Enchanted
Florist
127 W. Calhoun, Macomb • 837-9159
Bonnie’s Bridal & Prom Boutique 10% off Bridesmaids Gowns 121 N. Scotland, Macomb 836-9199 (behind Maclan Plaza)
Buy 1 large pizza & get one large 1-topping free. Dine in or carry out only. 10% discount on purchase of buffet and drink.
312 N. University Dr. Macomb 309-833-3100
$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
10% OFF all meals
1625 W. Jackson, Macomb 309-837-7272
$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
MCDFB • June 2009 • Page 3
Manager’s Corner
If the garage smells great, you’ll want to roll in the hay field He stepped from the attached, two-stall garage, exhaled and smiled. “Ahh,the garage smells great,” he said. I swallowed my laughter too late; he was serious. The combination of vehicle fumes, grass clippings and basketball possessed the mood-lifting powers of lavender for this New York City resident. He views the garage and its corresponding fragrance as a small-town luxury. The New Yorker visited my in-laws’ home recently with eight of my sister-in-law’s friends. This visit is among several interactions I have throughout the year with big-city friends who experience our area of tiny-town Illinois. I learn something new to appreciate at every meeting, but the garage’s odor was among the least of my predictions. I decided that if he likes the garage so much, he should vacation here for some rural aromatherapy with fragrances we country folk most enjoy. The three or four times a summer when Grandpa mows the hay tops the list. The hay’s sweet smell is worth bottling, and jumping the fence for, if you’re a cow. Or, I suggest smelling welcome rain through slow nasal inhalation with your eyes closed. By “welcome,” I mean a rain the crops need. Farmers breathe through only their mouths when the crops don’t need the rain. (OK, not really. But by comparison, it’s hard to enjoy the smell of a grilled ribeye steak when you’re full.) I’m unsure whether I like the smell of the rain or everything it makes wet besides our dog. It takes practice to appreciate the fragrance of quality, black soil. I believe the aroma of freshly turned soil keeps the neighbor content with his cabless tractor for field work. Meanwhile, most farmers use tractors with a climate-controlled cab, leaving only those outside the glass to ride high on soil fumes. Then, I could offer an itinerary filled with other pleasant, rural fragrances: fall’s harvest air, lightly toasted marshmallows on a wiener roast fire or the local pork producers’ food pavilion at the county fair. After a few aromatherapy sessions, we could step inside for a home-cooked dinner, an aroma commonly shared and appreciated, whether in Little York or New York. I predict that most anyone can prepare a meal that smells better than the garage.
*Bail Bond Cards* Available at MCDFB for $3 per card
Earlier in June I had the opportunity to be part of a walking food tour in Chicago. It was put together by a company called Food Planet. The tour takes about 3 hours and you visit several local establishments, taking time to sample their special delicacy before moving on to the next stop. They offer two tours and we were on the Near North Tour. We visited a pizzeria, a spice and herb specialty shop, a fudge shop, a gourmet food and catering shop, a Jewish deli, a tea merchant and an aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil store. Let me just say- I was a bit skeptical of this. I thought, wait a minutewe get to eat, but not a lot- and I have to walk everywhere? But- I was so wrong! This tour was amazing and I would definitely do it again.
It’s so interesting. As you can guess from the shops listed above, these are not stores that you’d usually find locally. The spice and herb shop is the place that the Food network goes when they need a spice expert! We learned all kinds of interesting information about where they get their herbs and spices and how they grind them. They also shared some interesting information about how hard it was for them to get certified organic herbs and spices. Since many of those products come from foreign countries and very poor at that- it is very hard to get those cultures to produce certified organic spices and herbs. The tea merchant we visited brewed everyone a fresh iced tea and showed us the types of tea that can be made depending on what is
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This weekly publication is provided to MM members with the latest in farming news and classifieds.
Glass Specialty Company $500 off the retail price of medium and heavy duty trucks.
miss any of the other goodies I normally see on my pizza. While this has kind of been a shameless plug for Food Planet- (I promise they’re not paying me)- I just really enjoyed this tour and definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to get away from Michigan Avenue and try something different in Chicago. The tour allows you to see Chicago in a way that is much different from the hustle and bustle downtown. Just the information you learn about the neighborhood and the architecture is well worth the $40 it will cost you. You can find out more info about this tour by visiting their website at www.chicagofood planet.com
Save on long distance calls!
Agrivisor.com provides Farm Bureau members with market advice, strategies, and insight that help make every decision educated and as profitable as possible.
Private Offer from GM on select vehicles. Call the Farm Bureau for more information.
done to the tea leaf. For someone that thought there was two kinds of tea- hot and cold- this was a wealth of knowledge! I’ve always been quite the coffee connoisseur but I’ve definitely been paying more attention to the tea I see in the stores. Possibility one of my favorite stops was a local pizzeria. This was our last stop and by this time we had made it all the way to “Old Town” and were very hungry! The pizzeria made a stuffed cheese and spinach pizza for us to enjoy. It was delicious and healthy! I know that sounds crazy, but it has a heart healthy designation because of the thin crust, low fat cheese and spinach! I’m not much of a vegetable pizza person but I honestly didn’t
Show your Illinois Farm Bureau member card at the Glass Specialty Company and receive a $15 gift certificate to Wal-Mart.
Get the best in farm news and reports with the RFD Radio Network. Listen locally at WLRB in Macomb!
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 Duration Paints and sale prices
SAVE 10% on tax preparation
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SAVE UP TO 20% on sports cars, luxury sedans, SUVs, and other exciting and practical rentals from Enterprise, Alamo, Hertz, and National.
10% OFF Grainger Industrial Supplies 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
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Page 4 • MCDFB • June 2009
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
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
VISIT US ONLINE! Want the latest in the Farm Bureau news? Visit us online at http://mcdonough.countyfarmbureau.org or on our new blog at mcdonoughcountyfarmbureau.wordpress.com
We’re going GREEN! Help us go green by sending us your email address. We’d be happy to send you information about upcoming programs and a link to the online version of this newspaper!
Legislators Contacts It is important to let our legislators know your point of view. As a courtesy to our members, we are providing the contact information to be able to do just that! President Barack Obama The White House, District of Columbia 20500 Phone: (202) 456-1414 Fax: (202) 456-2461 U.S. Senator Roland Burris 523 Dirksen Senate Office Building, District of Columbia 205101305 Phone: (202) 224-2854 Fax: (202) 228-3333 U.S. Senator Richard Durbin 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2152 Fax: (202) 228-0400
http://ilga.gov/senate/Sena tor.asp? GA=95&MemberID=1279 sullivan@senatedem.state.il.us Representative Richard P. Myers 200-7N Stratton Building Springfield, IL 62706 Phone: (217) 782-0416 Fax: (217) 782-5257 331 North Lafayette Street Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 836-2707 Fax: (309) 836-2231 http://ilga.gov/house/Rep .asp? GA=95&MemberID=1187 repmyers@macomb.com
525 S. Eighth St. Springfield, IL 62703 Phone: (217) 492-4062 Fax: (217) 492-4382 www.durbin.senate.gov
Representative Phil Hare 1118 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-1317 Phone: (202) 225-5905 Fax: (202) 225-5396
Senator John M. Sullivan 417 State Capitol Springfield, IL 62706 Phone: (217) 782-2479
1535 47th Ave., #5 Moline, IL 61265 Phone: (309) 793-5760 Fax: (309) 762-9193
926 Broadway, Suite 6 Quincy, IL 62301 Phone: (217) 222-2295 Fax: (217) 222-2944
261 North Broad St., #5 Galesburg, IL 61401 Phone: (309) 342-4411 Fax: (309) 342-9749 http://hare.house.gov
440 N Lafayette Ste 100 Macomb, IL 61455 (309) 833-5526 Fax (309) 833-5687
MCDFB • June 2009 • Page 5
Farm Bureau Hosts “Ride Alongs� The McDonough County Farm Bureau invited local officials and leaders this Spring to “Ride Along� with a local producer in an effort to bring about a better understanding of agriculture. For the second year, one county board member, and two local leaders were invited to experience the Spring planting season firsthand. County board member, Earl Godt rode along with MCDFB President, Jeff Butler of Blandinsville, Country Financial agent, Brett Powell rode with MCDFB Vice President, Colby Hunt of Blandinsville and Nathan Woodside, former Macomb Eagle Publishing Manager rode with MCDFB Director, Todd Dixon of Plymouth. We really love taking local leaders to the country and showing them what it means to cultivate the land. Agriculture is such a strong part of our county and it’s important for leaders to understand where their food comes from. We’re proud to say that farmers not only in our county by all over the country produce the safest, abundant and still the most affordable food in the world,� commented Sarah Grant, Manager of the McDonough County Farm Bureau.
Summer Ag Institute Planned
Pictured from left to right is MCDFB Vice President, Colby Hunt and County Financial Agent, Brett Powell.
The 2009 Summer Ag Institute for teachers is scheduled for July 22-24 & 27-29, 2009. The weeklong course focusing on agriculture will offer three graduate credit hours in cooperation with Western Illinois University. The tour helps pre K-12th grade teachers integrate instruction about the food and fiber industry into their present curriculum. Teachers attending the Summer Ag Institute will learn about agriculture, the food and fiber system, consumer issues relating to agriculture, and teaching resources. Teachers will also have the opportunity to apply new understanding in developing new and unique lessons for use in their classrooms. The sessions provide elementary and secondary teachers a better understanding of the scope and scale of Illinois agriculture, its impact on each person's life and on the economy of Illinois and the nation. For more information please contact Whitney Homer at the Farm Bureau office (309-837-3350), aitc@logonix.net or Dr. Andy Baker at WIU 309-298-1246, AJ-Baker@wiu.edu
Pictured from left to right is County Board member Earl Godt and MCDFB President Jeff Butler
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS April 13, 2009
The McDonough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors met in regular session on Monday April 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Office with the following members present: Colby Hunt, Adam McMillan, Joel Lewis, Jeffrey Butler, Steve Hood, Larry Hopkins, Mark Wolford, Chad Russell, Todd Dixon The meeting was called to order by Butler. The invocation was given by Wolford. Also present was Sarah Grant and Whitney Homer, AITC Coordinator, Barry Schmidt The guests for the evening gave a report. Homer reported on meetings attended and upcoming events. Schmidt reported on fuel and fertilizer prices and the status of WGM. The minutes from March
were read silently and motion was made and seconded. Motion carries. The Financial Report from March was given by Dixon. The Membership Report for March was given by Grant. A motion to approve members was made and seconded. Motion carried. Old Business: An update was given on the wind farm. Information was given on the meeting to be held. Information was given on the upcoming Ride Alongs. Information was given on the Safety Day held in Bushnell. Information was given on the new membership system. Information was given on the new blog. Information was given on the applied for grant. New Business: Discussion was held on the
outlook of the newspaper. Emails will start being collected. Update was given on the latest action request. Discussion was held on the organic ag article in FarmWeek. A motion was made and seconded by Dixon to offer three scholarships to teachers attending SAI. Discussion was held on the AP story on ethanol. Motion was made and seconded to send Whitney to AITC conference. Motion passes. Information was given on the READY bus and on our donation of books. Information was given about the manager review process. A motion was made and seconded to buy two trophies for the 4-H fair Other Business: Grant gave the manager’s report. Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Motion carries. Adjourn time- 9:30 p.m.
Real answers for real financial security
Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference July 29, 2009
#ROWNE 0LAZA 3PRINGlELD s AM TO PM
(AVE YOU EVER LOOKED AROUND THE FARM AND BEEN SURPRISED BY HOW MANY REPAIR JOBS HAVE PILED UP "EFORE YOU KNOW IT PATCHWORK HAS GROWN INTO REMODELING /UR INDUSTRY IS THE SAME WAY IN NEED OF AN INDUSTRY WIDE MAKEOVER !TTEND THE )&" #OMMODITIES #ONFERENCE AND GATHER INSIGHT FROM THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST ,EARN MORE ABOUT GLOBAL FOOD AND FUEL TRENDS LONG TERM CHALLENGES FOR AGRICULTURE AND MORE
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Anthony J. Laesch Agency Manager 15411 N. State Rte. 100, Suite B Lewistown, IL 61542
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Page 6 • MCDFB • June 2009
Farmers Joining the Food Conversation By Cyndie Sirekis
Little, round stickers that proclaim “I Met a Farmer Today!” and “I Met a Rancher Today!” are among the most popular promotional items available through the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Farm Bureau farmer and rancher members hand out the stickers to people as they talk with them about food and agriculture at fairs, festivals, farm tours and community events. The popularity of these simple stickers points to a hunger among consumers (who are on average, three generations removed from farming) for information about the food they eat, where it comes from and who produces it. And, America’s farm and ranch families are more interested than ever in reaching out to consumers to talk about the food they grow and the art, science and business of farming. Individual producers do this in person, online or both. Online, recent posts to AFBF’s FBlog by farmers and ranchers explore a variety of food-related topics including, “The Real Story of Ag,” “Food, Inc.,” “Helping Hands and Good Conversation” and “Family Farmers Produce Safe Food.” Also online, the micro-blogging social media tool Twitter offers a new twist on finding concise consumerfriendly information on just about any subject, including food and farming. If you’re using Twitter, search for #foodfact, #foodandfarmfact and #farm to find 140-character messages sent by all types of farmers, ranchers and growers. Despite the pervasiveness of electronic communication, when meeting face-to-face, most producers still prefer to offer printed resources that people can hold in their hands to help tell the story of modern farm and ranch production. One example is the
“Food and Farm Facts” book (previously “Farm Facts”) and a smaller pocket guide version produced by the AFBF. These printed materials highlight today’s modern agriculture. Other excellent printed resources with state-specific agricultural information also are available from most state Farm Bureaus. In 27 states, consumers have the opportunity to learn about 80 potato growers who are featured in a new FritoLay campaign that celebrates local people and communities. Localmarket events around the country to celebrate the farmers and the local communities that play a role in making Lay’s Potato Chips are planned. Consumers can go also online, type in a product code from a bag of chips and find out where the spuds for their snack were grown. Producers are geared up and out in full force talking with consumers about how they grow food and take care of their farm animals throughout the year. Examples include dairy farmers celebrating June Dairy Month, rice grow-
ers talking up their grain in September during National Rice Month and Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week in February, when farmers and ranchers offer tips to consumers about how they can stretch their grocery dollars. Of course, growers don’t need a specially designated month or week to put their faces on the many issues affecting their families, businesses and rural communities. A growing number are reaching out to consumers every day of the year, in addition to working hard, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, to produce food for Americans and many other people around the world. Cyndie Sirekis is a director of news services at the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Commodities Conference July 29, 2009 Ever looked around the farm and been surprised by how many repair jobs have piled up? It’s easy to get so focused on machinery or harvesting that the smaller repair jobs get overlooked. Before you know it, patchwork has grown into remodeling. Illinois’ ag industry is the same way. It’s in need of an extreme makeover. Gather insight on how agriculture will undergo this process, from the best and brightest at Illinois Farm Bureaus Commodities Conference. DATE/LOCATION The conference will be held Wednesday, July 29, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. AGENDA General session speakers will discuss how green policies may rewire how you farm and agriculture’s bright future given global trends.
Extreme Global Food and Fuel Trends will be discussed by a trio of experts, including Neil Conklin, President, Farm Foundation; Tami Craig Schilling, Monsanto Public Affairs; and Dr. Robert Thompson, U of I Gardner Chair for Ag Policy. Dr. Jay Lehr, science director of the Heartland Institute, will talk about the great future ahead for American agriculture. Among the breakout sessions offered at this years conference, topics and speakers include: - The Ethanol Market: Time to Retool?, Dr. Bill Tierney, LMC International Ltd. - Proposition 2 and Animal Welfare Issues, Ria di Grassi, Livestock Director, California FB - Nuts and Bolts of Wind Energy, Rob Sharkey, Bureau CFB President & IAA Sr. Counsel Jerry Quick - The China Market Revisited, IAA Director Henry Kallal and
Champaign CFB past president Scott Bidner - Market Outlook, Rob Huston, AgriVisor - Weather Outlook, Jon Davis, Chesapeake Energy - Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Project, Robert Finley, US Geological Service - ACRE - A New Revenue Tool, Doug Yoder, Illinois Farm Bureau - Rural Financial Markets: Built to Survive the Economic Earthquake, Dr. Paul Ellinger, U of I Extension COST The cost to attend is $35. This includes all conference materials, lunch, and breaks. REGISTRATION To register please contact the McDonough County Farm Bureau office at 309-837-3350, or visit www.ilfb.org to register electronically. Deadline for pre-registration is July 17.
IFB Seeking Grassroots Issues Team members Farm Bureau members interested in Illinois agriculture policy issues have until Aug. 14 to apply for the Illinois Farm Bureau Grassroots Issue Teams (GRITs) program.
August 24, 26, 31 Annie’s Project –$50 - 1-3:30pm
September 2 and 9 August 26 Utilizing Cover Crops Telenet Series - $10/topic – 12-1:15pm
September 9, 30 August 26 Salsa Making - $25 - 6:30-8:30pm
August 31 NRM Telenet – From Field to Furnace $5- 1:30 and 6:30
All registration deadlines are one day prior to the event unless otherwise listed.
For more information about these programs or other services provided by the University of Illinois Extension Office, please visit our website at
mcdonough.extension.uiuc.edu Or call 309-837-3939 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agriculture Consumer and Environmental Science United States Department of Agriculture • Local Extension Councils Cooperating
The GRITs program provides members opportunities to address emerging policy issues as well as identify new educational programs. The goal is to increase farm income for members. A new team, renewable resources and energy, has been added this year. The other seven teams are conservation and natural resources; crop production and
trade; equine; livestock and dairy; risk management and farm programs; rural life; and special crops and labor. GRITs teams meet twice a year. The first meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18 in Bloomington with the second meeting scheduled next March as determined by the committee. Additional meetings, either in person or by
conference call, may be considered as needed. IFB reimburses appropriate expenses including mileage for the two scheduled meetings. Interested Farm Bureau members should contact their county Farm Bureau or visit the IFB website to obtain an application. GRITs members will be announced in October.
MCDFB • June 2009 • Page 7
‘Annie’s Project’ to be offered Lisa Fulkerson, County Extension Director – McDonough County
By Whitney Homer
Even though school is out for the summer, Ag in the Classroom coordinators and teachers are staying busy. Over 580 coordinators and agriculture teachers met at the National Ag in the Classroom Conference held on June 24th through June 27th, in St. Louis, Missouri. This is a large event and specifically exciting for Illinois coordinators because Illinois and Missouri teamed up to host the annual traveling conference this year. I was fortunate this year to attend the conference. While in St. Louis, I met many new faces from all different states and brought home tons of free resources to help our Ag in the Classroom program here in McDonough County. Upon arrival, National Ag in the Classroom Conference participants attended a newcomers meeting. Here, participants discovered everything that would be included in the conference and what to expect. Following, that evening, Ag in the Classroom participants attended an Italian dinner that was created to imitate the popular St. Louis area “The Hills.” The Hills is a predominately Italian neighborhood that holds a lot of culture to the St. Louis area. Traveling workshops were scheduled for Thursday. First on the agenda, our group visited the St. Louis Science Center where we got to tour their new life science lab. After figuring out what type fingerprints each of us have, we were able to solve our own mystery- CSI style. Upon leaving the Science Center, our group traveled to Forest Park, also located in St. Louis. Forest Park was the home of the 1904 World’s Fair. It took two years to construct the World’s Fair, which was open for seven months after. The agriculture palace was said to have a 23 acre roof and house huge exhibits made out of corn and soybeans. Most buildings were made of a pine and plaster-of-paris mixture. Unfortunately, all but two buildings were torn down after the fair that hosted 20 million people. While at Forest Park, we visited the St. Louis Mounted Police. The mounted officers are in charge of patrolling the parks at all hours. The stables currently house 10 horses. Next, we visited Schafly’s Bottling Company, a native micro brewery in St. Louis. They are the 3rd producer of beer in St. Louis behind “those big guys with the Clydesdales.” For the evening we enjoyed a private tour of Grant’s Farm, the 281 acre home of the Busch family. The farm has over 1,000 animals representing more than 100 different species from six continents. Friday it was down to business. We attended several workshops put on by presenters from several of the 50 states. It was interesting to see how their ag in the classroom programs revolved around that specific state’s agriculture commodity and how their lessons differed for Illinois. Some of the most popular workshops attended were the “Amber Waves of Grain,” “Hi Cotton,” and “An Ag Day? Why.” All workshops were beneficial to the participants, whether you were learning several new lesson plans and strategies or listening and learning about issues such as “Bridging Agriculture with Culture.” To begin Saturday morning, conference participants attended a “state breakfast.” States were divided into specific tables, each having a representative, and participants were asked to sit at a table other than their home state and learn about that state’s agriculture. More mini-workshops were attended to close the conference. Child storybook writer, Gail Gibbons spoke at the luncheon. Gail has written several books that are incorporated into the Ag in the Classroom curriculum and kits. The National Ag in the Classroom Conference was a huge success. As a first-year Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, it was very beneficial to meet with other coordinators and see how they do things. The sights of St. Louis were fun and educational as well.
FREE Classifieds! Did you know that classified ads are free to all McDonough County Farm Bureau members? There must be something you’d like to have someone take off your hands! To submit item for this section, call us at 309-837-3350 or email at mcdfb@logonix.net. Also, feel free to cut out this ad and return it to us via the mail at 440 N. Lafayette St., Suite 105 in Macomb. All submissions must be received by MCDFB by the third Monday of each month to appear in the upcoming month.
To assist with serving the needs of area farm families, University of Illinois Extension-McDonough, Henderson, Warren and Mercer are presenting Annie’s Project. What is Annie’s Project? Annie’s Project is a program designed to empower farm women to be better business partners through participation in a series of six educational sessions examining the business of farming. Some of the topics covered during the sessions include time management, business planning, financial recordkeeping, commodity marketing and management, farmland leasing and purchasing, retirement and estate planning, and government farm programs and policies. Time will also be spent working at computers learning to use the internet and various farm analysis tools. The series of classes will be offered at the 4-H Center in Macomb from 1-3:30pm on August 24, 26, 31, September 2 and 9. A sixth class on ag production is being planned for a later date at the Monsanto research farm in Monmouth. As a result of a grant from the USDA Farm Service Agency, we are able to offer the program at a reduced cost of $50 per person. The fee
includes all materials and computer use. Class space is limited. For additional information about the event, or to place your name on a list to reserve a spot for this program, contact University of Illinois Extension—McDonough County at 309-8373939 or lfulkers@illinois.edu Registration is requested by August 7, 2009.
Classifieds Classifieds ads are free to all McDonough County Farm Bureau members. To submit items call us at 309-837-3350 or email at mcdfb@logonix.net. All submissions must be received by the third Monday of the month to appear in the upcoming month.
SERVICES Tractor & implement refinishing. Color match or custom PPG Certified. 1-866-562-8911 ––––––––––––––––––
FOR SALE SWISHER, PULL BEHIND 44" LAWN MOWER 10.5 HP OHV BRIGGS & STATION $700.00 OBO (309)255-5500 USED VERY LITTLE, VERY GOOD SHAPE, READY TO MOW –––––––––––––––––– 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. –––––––––––––––––– Rebuilt Manure Spreaders 1-New Idea #17 and 1-IH #100 Ron McGrew 309-775-4502 –––––––––––––––––– Building Awning for sale. Black with lettering. Easily painted. Includes metal grid for hanging.
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WANTED
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Lots of old fence to sink in cement to hold plastic hose. “Free” or “Cheap” 309-836-8335
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Page 8 • MCDFB • June 2009
Getting to Know Your Farm Bureau Policy How well do you know Farm Bureau policy? In order to better understand it, MCDFB will run monthly excerpts from the 2008 policy book. Interested in learning more about how our policy system works? It all starts with you! For more info contact the office! 69. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE The growth of the organic food and product markets provides new income potential for Illinois farmers of all sizes. The integrity of this program and process should be maintained. We support: 1. All methods of agricultural production and marketing provided they offer opportunities to all producers who qualify or meet required standards. 2. Efforts to enhance marketing opportunities for producers of organically-grown commodities just as we support
such efforts for conventionally-produced crops. 3. The requirement that all producers, handlers, and retailers must be certified by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)accredited certifying agent to sell, label, or represent their products as organic. 4. The current program requirement that organic producers be responsible for taking appropriate measures (e.g., buffer strips) to protect their crops from pollen drift or other factors affecting the integrity of their crops. 5. Enhanced auditing and enforcement of the USDA-certified organic program in line with its increasing economic importance and growth. 6. Broad availability of information on the USDA-certified organic program, certification process, and labeling requirements, as well as other unbiased information on organic products or production.
Zucchini Puff 1 1/2 cups zucchini, grated (about 2 medium zucchini) 3 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup onion, grated 1/2 teaspoon thyme 2 eggs, separated 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup fine breadcrumbs, divided 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1 tablespoon butter, melted Sprinkle zucchini generously with salt. Drain on paper towel, about 30 minutes. Press to remove excess water; pat dry. Melt butter in saucepan. Add onion. Cook until transparent. Remove from heat. Add thyme, beaten yolks, milk, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and zucchini. Stir until mixed. Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into zucchini mixture. Lightly spoon mixture into buttered 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, melted butter and remaining breadcrumbs. Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and top is golden.
70. PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ACT We urge: 1. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, with the support of the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), to more aggressively enforce current anti-trust laws pertaining to packer mergers, market concentrations, packer feeding, and contracting. Open, competitive markets which include access to slaughter space and the number of contracted slaughter days should be monitored and enforced if necessary. 2. The Department of Justice to watch for a potential monopoly on a regional, rather than a national basis. 3. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) be included in the decisionmaking procedure with respect to proposed mergers and acquisitions of meat packing firms. 4. Slaughter capacity be added to the USDA’s hog reports. We will support: 1. Legislation that grants GIPSA authority to prosecute violators and seek restitution for producers in cases involving agricultural production, processing, and marketing violations. 2. Incorporation of a dealer trust provision to the Packers and Stockyards Act. The bonding requirement for livestock dealers and packers should be reviewed on an annual basis and be adjusted to reflect the volume of the maximum financial
exposure to producers and/or their brokers and then be made available to the public. We will seek changes to the administration of the Illinois Livestock Auction Market Law that will clarify, as well as strengthen, language relating to the use of custodial accounts by livestock auctions. We oppose packers owning livestock before slaughter with the exception of producer-owned closed cooperatives and producer-owned livestock fed and retail-marketed within the provisions of a specialty product marketing alliance. 71. PLANT PATENTS AND PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION For decades, the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) has played a critical role in the protection, maintenance, and propagation of agricul-
tural seed varieties. While the advent of biotechnology and the applicability of plant and utility patents to plants have complicated the plant protection landscape, PVPA should still play a primary role in the protection and propagation of current and future plant varieties. In order to do that, PVPA must remain relevant and effective. We support: 1. PVPA as the exclusive statute governing the Intellectual Property Rights for the breeders of plant varieties. 2. Maintaining the international and domestic gene/germplasm banks/stores. These should remain easily accessible to the public. 3. Continued plant variety research in the public sector. 4. Compensation for the public contribution in a joint public-private venture.
Analysis. Advice. Action. Lawrence F. Kane
Branch Manager lkane@s-pelmwood.com Cell: 309.231.0846
Cathy Ekstrand
Market Advisor cekstrand@s-pelmwood.com Cell: 309.231.9784
Toll-free 866.334.9779 • phone 309.742.3208 fax 309.742.2208 119 W. Main Street, PO Box 199, Elmwood, IL 61529
SEE YOUR AD HERE! Advertising Space is Now Available The McDonough County Farm Bureau Harvester reaches over 2000 households in McDonough County each month! We have the lowest column rates around and many sizes are available!
Contact Sarah at 837-3350 or email mcdfb@logonix.net for more information.
Wind Energy Links Illinois Wind Working Grouphttp://www.wind. ilstu.edu/ American Wind Energy Association www.awea.org Illinois Wind www.illinoiswind.org
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. 3
Farm Fact
of the Month Soybean oil, a renewable resource, is used to make soy ink. More than 80,000 newspapers in the United States use soy inks.
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