Illinois Farm Bureau recognized all the County Awards of Excellence (CAE) program recipients at its Annual Meeting. CAE encompasses awards previously distributed for “Most Outstanding Program” along with the New Horizon, Liberty Bell and Pinnacle awards. More than 50 CAEs were handed out at this year’s event. Read a brief synopsis of one award-winning program in each of the eight categories.

Edward L. McMillan, an accomplished agribusiness professional with 50 years of experience in the field and serving on nearly two-dozen corporate boards, received the 2022 Illinois Farm Bureau Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award. He is best known for his leadership in agriculture and higher education, including serving as a National FFA Foundation board trustee, chairman of the Animal Feed Industry Association, and a trustee on the Animal Health Institute Board. READ MORE

Illinois Farm Bureau is urging members to contact their state legislators and adopted legislators and ask them to oppose legislation, HB 5844, which would give the public access to newly designated navigable waterways in the state and infringe on private property rights. “This is yet another affront to private property rights,” said IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. “Our constitution and our courts have ruled once again that private property rights are one of the key foundations of our state, and this legislation is trying to undo this fundamental right.” READ MORE     Members may call 217-993-9009 toll free and

Brent Pollard of Winnebago County and Jeff Weber of Massac County were elected to serve a two-year term on the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors during the organization’s annual meeting. Learn more about their ag backgrounds.

If you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, head to the Illinois Product Holiday Market in Springfield Dec. 2-4. Local farmers, bakers, jewelers, musicians and more will be on site for your shopping needs and entertainment. READ MORE

Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Union counties were designated disaster areas because of severe drought during the growing season. In addition to the six primary counties, producers are also eligible in the contiguous counties of Hardin, Jackson, Saline and Williamson counties. READ MORE