McLean County Farm Bureau

Prime Timers Meeting
2025-02-27 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | McLean County Farm Bureau, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Prime Timers will meet Thursday, February 27 at 11:30 a.m. the McLean County Farm Bureau Office, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington.

Lunch will be available for $5 per person (sandwiches from Jason’s Deli). Reservations for lunch are required by February 25.
The Prime Timers group is geared for any Farm Bureau members of retirement age.

Integrated Water Management Workshop
2025-02-26 09:00 - 2025-02-27 16:30 | IL
Learn about water and nutrient manage during this 2 day workshop where University of Illinois staff will share knowledge to help increase productivity and minimize environmental impacts.

More information & Registration

Anhydrous Ammonia Training
2025-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | ASMARK Agricenter
Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower Training is available at the Asmark Agricenter @1:00pm on February 24.
To register visit: www.ilfb.org/NH3

A Night for Agriculture
2025-02-22 17:30 - 21:00 | McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Join us February 22, 2025 for a fun night to celebrate & support the 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 Co. Ag in the Classroom + the Food & Farm Fun Zone at McLean Co. Fair
Nurture the Future through Ag Science Grants for teachers & FFA Matching Grants
Cultivate Excellence through Ag Leadership Scholarships

Farm Succession Virtual Series "Cultivating Communications"
2025-02-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
SIUC School of Medicine is hosting a virtual series on farm succession. Join presenters, Wesley Tucker, a Farm and Ranch Transition Specialist from Missouri Extension, and Monica McConkey, an Agricultural Mental Health Counselor in discussion.
“Cultivating Communications: The Farm Meetings” is a discussion about the types of farm meetings, their purpose, who is involved, and how to navigate differences.
To register for one or multiple sessions, call 618.443.7692 or email mblock95@siumed.edu

Farm Succession Virtual Series "Planting the Seeds"
2025-02-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
SIUC School of Medicine is hosting a virtual series on farm succession. Join presenters, Wesley Tucker, a Farm and Ranch Transition Specialist from Missouri Extension, and Monica McConkey, an Agricultural Mental Health Counselor in discussion.
The first session offered is “Planting the Seeds: The Process of Farm Succession Planning” which is a discussion about basic steps for creating a plan and what to consider along the way
To register for one or multiple sessions, call 618.443.7692 or email mblock95@siumed.edu

2025 IFB Young Leader Conference
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-08 | IL
Cruise your way into leadership at the 2025 IL Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference Feb. 7-8, 2025 in East Peoria.
Keynote speaker Elaine Froese – the ‘Canadian Farm Whisperer,’ an expert in farm transition planning, plus a variety of workshops & training sessions.
Click here to check out the conference agenda. Registration deadline Dec. 20, 2024.

Everything Local Conference
2025-01-29 08:00 - 2025-01-31 17:00 | Bank of Spingfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, IL, 62701, United States
Illinois Specialty Growers Association and partners host the annual Everything Local Conference. This will take place in Springfield, January 29-31, 2025.
For more details and registration click here

Beekeeping 101
2025-01-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Bloomington High School, 1202 E Locust St, Bloomington, IL, 61701
The Central Illinois Beekeepers Association is hosting a Beekeeping 101 class for those interested in getting started. See the flyer below for more details.

Herbicide Strategy Workshop
2025-01-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Illinois Soybean Association, 1108 Trinity Ln, Bloomington, IL, 61704, United States
The Illinois Soybean Association partnered with McLean County Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension to host a lunch-and-learn workshop focused on the EPA’s new Herbicide Strategy. Attend to learn about changes in pesticide policy, help them understand the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Herbicide Strategy, and provide concrete steps they can take to prepare their farm operations. A complimentary lunch is included with your registration.
Click here to learn the background of the EPA Herbicide Strategy
The advantages of attending include:

Access to expert knowledge
Achievable strategies
Insight into new regulations
In-person engagement

MCFB Annual Meeting
2025-01-16 17:00 - 17:30 | IL
Notice is hereby given that the McLean County Farm Bureau will hold the organization’s Annual Business Meeting Thurs., Jan. 16 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.

Office Closed - Happy New Year!
2024-12-31 - 2025-01-01 | IL

Office Closed - Merry Christmas!
2024-12-24 - 2024-12-25 | IL

Beef House Christmas Bus Trip
2024-12-18 09:30 - 17:00 | IL
Join us for a delicious and exciting bus trip to the Beef House in Covington, Ind. for their annual Christmas Show Wed., Dec. 18.

You’ll enjoy round trip bus transportation, a tasty Beef House buﬀet meal and a matinee musical show featuring a blend of sacred and secular Christmas favorites.

The cost is $75 per person for Farm Bureau members and $85 for non-members.

The bus will depart from the McLean County Fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. and return approximately 5 p.m. (central time).

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m. (eastern time).

The registration deadline is Dec.11 and a minimum of 30 people must be registered by Dec. 1 to secure the bus.

Prime Timers Christmas Luncheon
2024-12-05 11:30 - 14:00 | McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington, IL, 61705, United States
Farm Bureau members of retirement age are invited to the annual Prime Timers Christmas luncheon on Thursday, December 5 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 by December 2.

Office Closed - Happy Thanksgiving!
2024-11-28 - 2024-11-29 | IL

MCFB Board Meeting
2024-11-19, 2024-09-17 | IL

Prime Timers Meeting
2024-10-24 11:30 - 13:30 | IL
Prime Timers will meet Thursday, October 24 at 11:30 a.m. the McLean County Farm Bureau Office, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington.

Lunch will be available for $5 per person. Reservations for lunch are required by Oct. 22.

Speaker: Kay Henrichs, Master Gardener
Topic: Pollinators/Monarch Butterflies
The Prime Timers group is geared for any Farm Bureau members of retirement age.

Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower Training
2024-10-08 13:30 - 15:00 | ASMARK Agricenter
Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower training will be offered Oct. 8 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. at the ASMARK Agricenter, 14171 Carole Drive in Bloomington.
To register online click here or contact Jenny Eisenbeis at Illinois Farm Bureau at 309-557-3207. Additional dates and locations for in person training around the state are listed on the website.
Online certification can also be completed at any time through the Illinois Department of Agriculture at agr.illinois.gov/
The training covers properties of ammonia, safe operating practices, transportation safety, personal protective equipment & first aid and emergency/leak response.
Effective April 1, 2022, Illinois growers and grower farm operators who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia, or otherwise maintain anhydrous ammonia equipment must complete certified grower training.
Certification is valid for three years, after which a refresher course is needed to recertify.

Harvest Fun Night
2024-10-02 16:00 - 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 – 6 p.m. Wristbands will be available for pick-up at the farm activity entrance starting at 3:45 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 Professional/Voting & Collegiate Farm Bureau members! Registration deadline Sept. 30.

Barn Keepers Barn Tour
2024-09-14 08:00 - 16:00 | IL
McLean County Barn Keepers will host their 16th Annual Barn Tour in Arrowsmith Township Sept. 14 from 9 am to 4 pm.
The Arrowsmith Community Center will be serve as the tour headquarters for registration from 8 am to 2 p.m. The Witt-Webber-Carrell American Legion Auxiliary will have coffee and donuts in the a.m. and a light lunch available from 11-2.
The self-guided tour costs $20. per carload and $15 for Barn Keeper members. You will be able to get out of the car at each destination. The owners will be at the site to answer questions. Not only will there be barns but also animals, antique farm equipment, collections. etc. The site of the 1730 battle of the Fox Indians will also be of interest.This even is RAIN OR SHINE!

Weathering the Storm - Stress Management Workshop
2024-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Gridley Public Library
Local farmers care for their communities, which we know can take a toll on them. From unpredictable weather patterns to the rising cost of goods, farming is stressful. The Weathering the Storm program helps farmers and local growers understand the signs and symptoms of chronic stress. Join University of Illinois Extension Family Life Educator Sara Attig as she shares how to identify common stressors, recognize symptoms, and access practical management tools and techniques to reduce the effects of unwanted stress.
To register, call the Gridley Public Library at (309) 747-2284.
*There is a 5 participant minimum for this workshop to take place.

Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower Training
2024-09-05 13:30 - 15:00 | ASMARK Agricenter
Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower training will be offered Sept. 5 or Oct. 8 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. at the ASMARK Agricenter, 14171 Carole Drive in Bloomington.
To register online click here or contact Jenny Eisenbeis at Illinois Farm Bureau at 309-557-3207. Additional dates and locations for in person training around the state are listed on the website.
Online certification can also be completed at any time through the Illinois Department of Agriculture at agr.illinois.gov/
The training covers properties of ammonia, safe operating practices, transportation safety, personal protective equipment & first aid and emergency/leak response.
Effective April 1, 2022, Illinois growers and grower farm operators who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia, or otherwise maintain anhydrous ammonia equipment must complete certified grower training.
Certification is valid for three years, after which a refresher course is needed to recertify.

Office Closed - Labor Day
2024-09-02 | IL

Prime Timers
2024-08-22 11:30 - 13:30 | IL
Prime Timers will meet Thursday, August 22 at 11:30 a.m. the McLean County Farm Bureau Office, 2242 Westgate Drive, Bloomington.

Lunch will be available for $5 per person (sandwiches from Jason’s Deli, chips & dessert). Reservations for lunch are required by August 20.
Speaker: Maureen Brunsdale, ISU Milner Library
Topic: Circus History in Bloomington-Normal
The Prime Timers group is geared for any Farm Bureau members of retirement age.

Ag History Bus Tour
2024-08-08 08:00 - 12:30 | IL
Join us for an ag-mazing bus tour of northern McLean County & into Woodford County.
Highlights: Yuton Grain Elevator; White Oak Wind Farm; several sites in Hudson; Oneida Ghost Town; Evergreen Stables; various stops in El Paso; Kappa; Coon Ford Bridge
Tour narrated by Local Ag Historian, Don Meyer & McLean County Museum of History Librarian, Bill Kemp
Cost: $40 for Farm Bureau/Museum members, $45 for non-members
Coffee and donuts will be available at 7:45 a.m. Bus will leave from the McLean County Fairgrounds promptly at 8:15 a.m. and return approximately 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited to 50 passengers, with a minimum of 28 people required to secure the motor coach.
Registration is due by July 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Register online or call the Museum at 309-827-0428 to pay with a credit card.
Teachers can earn 4 PDCHs from the University of Illinois Extension Livingston-McLean-Woodford Unit. Please note on your registration if you are a teacher and wish to obtain the PDCHs.

IL Soybean Association Ag Legislative Breakfast
2024-08-05 07:30 - 09:00 | IL
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) invites McLean County farmers to an Ag Legislative Breakfast Monday, August 5 from 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Gain insights into the state and federal legislative landscapes and ISA’s eﬀorts to advocate for Illinois farmers.

The event will be held at the ISA office 1108 Trinity Lane in Bloomington.
The event is open to anyone in the ag community, ISA membership is not required.

A light breakfast will be provided. The event will also include the Illinois Pork Producers
Association.

To register, click the button below or contact Matthew Johnston at ISA at matthew.johnston@ilsoy.org or (309) 846-
4598.

Ag Tech Innovation Showcase
2024-08-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Heartland Commuity College, 1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL, 61761, United States
What’s the next generation of on-farm innovation?
Join Illinois Farm Bureau on August 1 to find out at the 2024 AgTech Innovation Showcase from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Heartland Community College Ag Complex.
The event is free to join & includes lunch.
Learn more and register at https://on.ilfb.org/agtech24

MCFB Foundation Golf Outing
2024-07-15 09:30 - 15:30 | IL
Golf Outing – July 15, 2024

Time: 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $90 per golfer or $360 per foursome
Includes golf cart(s), 18 holes of golf, lunch, snacks and ribeye dinner!
Plus raffles, contests & prizes
Location: The Den Golf Course, Bloomington
You can also join us for the ribeye dinner for just $20!

All proceeds benefit the ag education efforts of McLean County Farm Bureau Foundation
