McLean Farm Bureau members learned how to harness the power of grassroots advocacy during the organization’s annual Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference (GALC), held Feb. 17 in Springfield.

Centered on the theme “The Power of Grassroots,” this year’s conference highlighted the impact of member voices shaping policy at every level. Local, state political leaders and legislators met with Farm Bureau leaders from across the state, including 8 members of McLean County, to discuss IFB’s 2026 legislative priorities. The event culminated in a legislative reception for elected officials, who met with IFB members.

“The power of grassroots is in each and every one of you,” IFB President Philip Nelson said during his opening remarks. “You are the people who develop the policies. You’re the people that work with legislators to see those policies get implemented.”

Attendees also heard from numerous lawmakers, including Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, as well as U.S. House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, outgoing Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, and U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood.

GALC is the annual central event around IFB’s longstanding efforts to connect members and legislators. Other programs include IFB’s Adopt-A-Legislator program, which fosters long-term personal relationships between urban legislators and farmers across the state. IFB’s Leaders to Washington trips also connect farmers with national legislators through visits on Capitol Hill.

“The Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference is where grassroots power comes to life,” said Kevin Semlow, IFB executive director of governmental affairs and commodities. “We’re focused on equipping members to advocate for the policies they care about. It’s an opportunity to learn, engage and connect, because when our members lead, agriculture’s voice is heard.”