McLean County Farm Bureau

A Night for Agriculture
2024-02-24 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Join us February 24, 2024 for a fun night to celebrate & support McLean County Farm Bureau Foundation!

5:30 p.m. – Social Hour
6:30 p.m. – Dinner & Program
$75 per person – Steak Dinner, Cash Bar, Silent & Live Auctions, Raffles & More!

Your support helps us…

Grow Knowledge through McLean County Ag Classroom + the Food & Farm Fun Zone at McLean County Fair
Nurture the Future through Ag Science Grants for teachers & FFA Matching Grants
Cultivate Excellence through Ag Leadership Scholarships

Grain Marketing Fundamentals
2024-02-22 18:30 - 20:00 | McLean County Farm Bureau, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Ready, set – market! Expand your understanding and skills for successfully marketing your grain with two upcoming classes:

Feb. 22 – Grain Marketing Fundamentals
Feb. 29 – Next Level Grain Marketing

Classes will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the McLean County Farm Bureau building, 2242 Westgate Drive in Bloomington and also available virtually (via Zoom).
Instructors:

Dr. Maria Boerngen, Illinois State University
Brian Basting, Advance Trading

Registration costs:

Farm Bureau member fee (per farm): $20 per class/$40 for both
Non-member registration fee (per farm): $25 per class/$50 for both

More than one person per family/farm can attend the classes. Minimum of 12 farms must register for the class to be held.

Prime Timers
2024-02-22 11:30 - 13:30
Prime Timers will meet Thursday, February 22 at 11:30 a.m. the McLean County Farm Bureau Office, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington.

Lunch will be available for $5 per person (pasta, salad & bread from Avanti’s). Reservations for lunch are required by February 20.
Speaker: Jane Chamberlain, LeRoy Replex
Topic: Heart Healthy activities
The Prime Timers group is geared for any Farm Bureau members of retirement age.

Private Pesticide Applicator Clinic & Test - Springfield
2024-02-16 08:00 - 15:00 | Illinois Department of Agriculture, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL, 62702, United States
University of Illinois Extension will host private pesticide applicator training & testing Feb. 16 a the State Fairgrounds/IL Department of Agriculture building in Springfield.

Private Applicator Training – 8:00 am – 11:45 am
Private Applicator Testing – 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The cost is $45 and pre-registration is required.

That Won't Happen to Me - Emergency Planning on Your Farm
2024-02-12 09:30 - 13:00 | Epiphany Farms Estate, 23676 E 800 North Rd, Downs, IL, 61736, United States
Does your farm have an emergency plan of action in place if the need should arise?
Join Farm Broadcaster, Mike Pearson, for “That Won’t Happen to Me – Emergency Planning on Your Farm” at Epiphany Farms Estate February 12.

Doors Open 9:30 am
Brunch Served at 10:00 am
Program Begins at 11:00 am

Hosted by Illinois Farm Bureau & COUNTRY Financial
Registration will be open December 1st through January 26th.
Click here for more details

Ag Bites Breakfast
2024-02-06 08:00 - 09:30 | Heartland Commuity College, 1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
Rise and shine for Ag Breakfast Bites to check out the new Agriculture Building at Heartland Community College.

The event will be held Tuesday, February 6 in the new ag facility.

Agenda:

7:30 a.m. – Doors Open
8 a.m. – Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – Program

Speaker: Heartland Ag Faculty & Students
Hear about Heartland’s first study abroad trip to South Africa plus stick around for the opportunity to tour the new ag building at 9 a.m.
Ag Bites is geared for professional & voting members.

Conservation Cropping Seminar
2024-01-31 09:00 - 15:30 | Illinois Department of Agriculture, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL, 62702, United States
Learn about ways to improve soil health, integrate cover crops and implement sustainable techniques at the Conservation Cropping Seminar Jan. 31, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with both virtual and in-person options available.

The event will be held at the Illinois Department of Agriculture Block Building in Springfield. The in-person registration is $25 (lunch included) and virtual registration is $15. Soil & water CEUs will be available.

Registration deadline January 24.

MCFB Annual Meeting
2024-01-18 17:00 - 18:00
Notice is hereby given that the McLean County Farm Bureau will hold the organization’s Annual Business Meeting Thurs., Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Farm Bureau office 2242 Westgate Drive in Bloomington.
The business meeting will include financial and program reports as well as any other business that may be properly presented.

Any voting member is welcome to attend. Reservations are not required.

Annie's Project Registration Deadline
2024-01-16
Annie’s Project training oﬀers the opportunity for farm women to learn and network together.
The 6-week educational program will be held Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 23 – Feb.
7, 2024 at Beck’s Hybrids, 90 N Fayette St in El Paso, Ill.

Cost is $50 per person and class size is limited to 20 participants.
Registration closes Jan. 16.
To register, contact University of Illinois Extension’s McLean County office at (309) 663-8306 or click here to sign-up online.

Annie’s Project oﬀers farm women an opportunity to:

Learn from women experts in the agriculture industry
Develop lifelong partnerships
Gain knowledge & confidence in farm management

The program focuses on five areas of risk management: financial, legal, market, production, and personal risk.

Topics covered include estate/succession planning, insurance, financial documents, farm leasing and mental health first aid. Click here for the program flyer.
Annie’s Project empowers women to become better farmers or farm business partners through networks, education, and resource sharing.

Annie’s Project is a nationwide program established in 2003. To learn more about the program and see other dates and locations, visit anniesproject.org.

2024 Illinois Farm Economic Summit
2024-01-10 08:00 - 13:00 | Par-A-Dice Hotel, 21 Blackjack Blvd, Peoria, IL, 61611, United States
Join the University of Illinois Extension farmdoc team for the 2024 Farm Economics Summit. Three dates & locations will be offered:

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 – Mt. Vernon, IL – DoubleTree Hotel
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – Peoria, IL – Par-a-dice Hotel
Thursday, January 11, 2024 – Dekalb, IL – NIU Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center

Schedule for each event includes:

7:45 – Registration
8:15 – Introduction and Overview – Todd Gleason
8:20 – Grain Market Outlook – Joe Janzen
8:50 – South America’s Crop Production Under the El Niño Influence – Joana Colussi
9:20 – Enterprise Budgets and Farm Income – Nick Paulson
9:50 – Break
10:10 – Farm Bill Update – Jonathan Coppess
10:40 – Macroeconomic Update – Gerald Mashange
11:10 – Biofuels Markets – Scott Irwin
11:40 – 1:00 Question & Answer / Wrap-Up
12:10 – 1:10 Lunch (Included)

Office Closed - Happy New Year!
2024-01-01

Office Closed - Merry Christmas!
2023-12-25

2023 Farm Assets Conference
2023-12-15 08:30 - 16:00 | I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
The 2023 Farm Assets Conference is scheduled for Friday, December 15 at the i-Hotel & Illinois Conference Center on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. central.

Presented by the University of Illinois Extension & farmdoc team.

Registration is $80 per person through December 8 and $90 thereafter.

Agenda:
8:30am | Doors Open
9:00am | An Update on Brazilian Crop & Trade Prospects
– Joana Colussi, University of Illinois Global Agribusiness Management
9:30am | The 2023 Farm Bill
– Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois Gardner Agriculture Policy Program
– Andrew Larson, Illinois Soybean Association Government Relations
– Brad Stotler, Illinois Corn Growers Association Public Policy
10:15am | Break
10:30am | Row Crop Farming in a War Zone
Roman Gorobets, Farmer – Ukraine
11:00 | The RFS, Renewable Diesel, SAF & the Future of Biofuels
– Scott Irwin, University of Illinois Agricultural Economist
11:30am | Lunch
12:30pm | farmdoc S&D Tables & Price Prospects
– Joe Janzen, University of Illinois Agricultural Economist
– Nick Paulson, University of Illinois Agricultural Economist
1:00pm | ACE Commodity Markets Discussion
– Matt Bennett, Co-Founder AgMarket.net
– Joe Janzen, University of Illinois Agricultural Economist
– Brian Stark, Profit Center Manager, Clymers, Delphi, & Frito Lay Grain
– Collin Watters, Illinois Corn Growers Association
1:45 | Break
2:00 | Field Crops Production Issues
– Emily Heaton, University of Illinois Director of I-Regen
– Emerson Nafziger, Emeritus University of Illinois Extension Agronomist
– Nick Seiter, University of Illinois Extension Field Crops Entomologist
3:00pm | The Value of Farmland
– Michael Gunderson, Chief Credit Officer – Farm Credit Illinois
– Bruce Sherrick, Director TIAA Center for Farmland Research

Prime Timers Christmas Luncheon
2023-12-07 11:30 - 14:30
Farm Bureau members of retirement age are invited to the annual Prime Timers Christmas luncheon on Thursday, December 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Mini Expo at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington.
A catered meal will be provided along with musical entertainment. The luncheon is free, but reservations are required.

Office Closed - Happy Thanksgiving!
2023-11-23 - 2023-11-24

Farmland Owners Conference
2023-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Illinois Central College
Landowners are invited to this fast-paced, one-day conference to gain a better understanding of how to best manage and maintain their land, work with the tenant and/or farmer, and plan for the future legacy of the land.
Registration fee includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Participants will hear from 18 agriculture professionals on a wide range of topics.
Topics:

How to Manage Your Farm
How Much is Your Farm Worth
Is My Cash Rent the Right Amount?
How to Stop Soil Erosion
Is My Farmer Using Good Tillage Practices?
Do I Have Enough Insurance?
What Will Happen with Grain Prices?
Do I Need a Farm Manager?
What Farm Records Do I Need?
What Do I Need to Know About Government Programs?
Land Surveys and Boundaries?
What Do I Need to Know to Pass My Farm to My Children?
Is Farm Tile Worth the Cost?
Are Their Legal Issues in Farming I Should Know About?
Carbon Credits and Cover Crops?
Is Organic Production Profitable?
Is My Farmer Current on Modern Production Practices?
Annie’s Project, a national non-profit to educate and empower women will conduct a meeting about that national organization.

Prime Timers
2023-10-26 11:30 - 14:00
Prime Timers will meet Thursday, October 26 at 11:30 a.m. the McLean County Farm Bureau Office, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington.

Lunch will be available for $5 per person (boxed lunch from Jason’s Deli). Reservations for lunch are required by October 24.
Speaker: Carrie Vogel, McLean County Ag in the Classroom
Topic: Fall into Agriculture Activities
The Prime Timers group is geared for any Farm Bureau members of retirement age.

Harvest Fun Night
2023-10-11 16:30 - 19:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Rd, Normal, IL, 61761
Join us for some fall fun at Rader Family Farms just west of Normal, sponsored by McLean County Farm Bureau Young Leaders.
Kids & families welcome! Activities available 4:30 – 6 p.m. Wristbands will be available for pick-up at the farm activity entrance starting at 4:15 p.m.
Last entry for the Corn Maze is at 5 p.m.
6 p.m. – Supper provided
6:30 p.m. – Speaker(s): Rader Family Farms
Free for McLean County Farm Bureau members! Registration deadline Oct. 9.

MCFB Board Meeting
2023-09-12

BarnKeepers Barn Tour
2023-09-09 08:00 - 14:00
Saturday Sept 9, 2023

Blue Mound & Martin Townships
the tour will start at Neuhaus Nursery, 29738 E 1400 North Rd, Colfax, IL 61728

Registration between 8am to 2pm

$20 per carload gets you the tour map and a booklet with the histories of all barns included on the tour.

Pond Shocking Demonstration
2023-09-07 18:00 - 19:00
Pond Shocking Demonstration near Downs, IL! Join us for an evening of information on pond stocking basics, population health and pond management goals hosted by McLean County Soil & Water Conservation District and Herman Brothers Lake Management.
RSVP required, location will be sent to all that register.
Register by calling: 309-452-3848 ext 3
Event Flyer

Cover Crop Aerial Demonstration
2023-09-06 09:00 - 12:00
Join the McLean County Soil & Water Conservation District September 6, 2023 at 9:00am for an informational meeting and aerial application demonstration. Speakers will discuss current cover crop cost share programs, the nutrient loss reduction strategy, and cover crop aerial application information.
Speakers and Topics Include:

Cover Crop Programs and Cost-Share Opportunities: Taylor Clark, NRCS Soil Conservationist
Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy: Trevor Sample, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Sustainable Elements of Cover Crops: Dr. Shalamar Armstrong, Purdue University
Aerial Application and Demonstration: Kris Peterson, Pontiac Flying Service

Location Details 20478 N. 2900 East Road, Lexington, IL 61753
Registration Required: 309-452-3848 ext 3
Event Flyer

Labor Day - Office Closed
2023-09-04

ISU Ag Day
2023-09-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Hancock Stadium, N Main St, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
Illinois State University Ag Alumni invite you to the Ag Day Football Game September 2 at Hancock Stadium.
Ag Day apparel can be ordered online by Aug. 9.
More Info

Ag Breakfast Bites
2023-08-31 08:00 - 09:30 | Illinois State University Alumi Center, 1101 N Main St, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
Get the essentials to fuel your success at Ag Bites – breakfast, networking & a look at key issues in agriculture.
Join us Aug. 31 at the ISU Alumni Center in Normal.

8 – Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – Program

Speaker: Heather Thompson, Director of Innovation, GROWMARK
Ag Bites is geared for Farm Bureau Professional & Voting members.
Registration deadline Aug. 30.

Prime Timers
2023-08-24 11:30 - 14:30
Prime Timers will meet Thursday, August 24 at 11:30 a.m. the McLean County Farm Bureau Office, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington.

Lunch will be available for $5 per person (boxed lunch from Jason’s Deli). Reservations for lunch are required by August 22.
Speaker: Kiel Nowers, Sergeant, Bloomington Police
Topic: Protecting Yourself from Scams
The Prime Timers group is geared for any Farm Bureau members of retirement age.

Ag After Hours: IL Soybean Association
2023-08-16 17:30 - 19:30 | IL Soybea, 1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL, 61704, United States
Join McLean County Farm Bureau Young Leaders for a tour of the IL Soybean Association offices and hear the latest in market development & communication efforts.

5:30 p.m. – Meet & tour IL Soy office
6 p.m.

Eileen Urish, International Markets Manager
Claire Weinzierl, Communications Manager

6:30 p.m. – Drinks & Appetizers at Crafted Commons

Please RSVP by Aug. 15.

Landowner Utility, Energy & Carbon Meeting
2023-08-14 18:30 - 20:00 | McLean County Farm Bureau, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Join us for a look at utility, energy and carbon sequestration projects with an informational meeting for landowners to be held Mon., Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Illinois Farm Bureau staff Laura Harmon, attorney and Bill Bodine, Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs will provide an overview items to consider before signing a legal document that affects your property.
Topics covered at the meeting will include:

Wind/Solar Leases/Easements
Agriculture Impact Mitigation Agreements
Carbon Sequestration & Pipelines
Transmission Lines
Condemnation/Eminent Domain
Broadband/Fiber projects

A number of wind, solar and carbon sequestration projects are soliciting landowners in various areas of the county.
A major transmission line project could impact landowners in Danvers, Allin, Dry Grove, Dale and Bloomington townships. The line is proposed along existing right of way in Old Town, Dawson, Arrowsmith and Cheney’s Grove. For more information, click here.

2023 McLean County Fair
2023-07-26 - 2023-07-30 | McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Admission Tickets/Specials

Carnival Info/Prices

McLean County 4-H

4-H Show Schedule

Grandstand Line-up

Wednesday – Tobin’s Pizza Big Smokers Tractor Pull and local Pickup Truck Pull-Offs a 6 PM
Friday – “YaBud” Country Music Night, featuring Dylan Scott at 7 PM
Saturday – Don Owen Tire and Auto Demolition Derby at 7 PM

Get Tickets

HogWild 5K Race & 2K Walk
2023-07-23 08:00 - 10:00 | McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Run or walk in, around and through the fairgrounds July 23 with the 5K run or 2K walk. Plus enjoy a delicious porkburger after the race! Race time 8 a.m.

Early bird registration by June 23:

5K race – $25
2K walk – $20
Includes t-shirt, good bag & 4 McLean County Fair admission tickets

Late registration (June 24 or later)

5K race – $30
2K walk – $25
Includes t-shirt, good bag & 4 McLean County Fair admission tickets

All proceeds support McLean County youth and the educational efforts of McLean County Fair!
