Member News

A $15,000 grant from McLean County Farm Bureau is presented to Olympia FFA by Darren Davis, McLean County Farm Bureau Vice President. The funds helped the ag department build a new livestock facility on the school campus.

Farm Bureau Helps Local FFA Chapters Grow New Opportunities

McLean County Farm Bureau is investing nearly $20,000 in local agricultural education efforts through the FFA Capital Grant program to help grow capacity for hands-on learning. Ridgeview FFA and Olympia FFA received grant funding in 2025, $4,978 and $15,000, respectively. “We’re happy to help our local high school agricultural education programs upgrade their equipment and facilities,” says Brian Dirks, McLean County Farm Bureau President. “The goal of the McLean County Farm Bureau FFA Capital Grant

Read More »

4-H Members Recognized for Outstanding Agricultural Leadership

  Ten Illinois 4-H members who exemplified outstanding leadership in the agricultural industry and demonstrate a desire to remain engaged were recently recognized as 2025-26 Illinois Sustaining the Future Award recipients. As Sustaining the Future Award recipients, these dedicated and hard-working 4-H members are invited to attend the Premier 20 Leadership Conference, an elite youth leadership and professional development opportunity, to be held April 27-28, 2026, at the Illinois Farm Bureau headquarters in Bloomington. Award

Read More »
54794110704_7252a130a4_c

ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU MEMBERS ADVOCATE, MAKE CONNECTIONS DURING LEADERS TO D.C. TRIP

Eleven Illinois Farm Bureau leaders recently met with members of Illinois’ congressional delegation at their Capitol Hill offices to share their story and advocate on top issues such as trade, farm income and the farm bill.  Among them, Michael Rhoda, Chenoa, representing McLean County Farm Bureau, attended IFB’s Leaders to Washington trip Sept. 9-10 in Washington, D.C. During the trip, he spoke with FSA Administrator Bill Beam & U.S. Rep. Sorensen to share first-hand accounts

Read More »
IMG_7810

Adopted Legislator Visit to Calumet City

McLean County Farm Bureau toured Calumet City’s key facilities and projects on the horizon during a recent visit with State Representative Thaddeus Jones. The day began with a tour of Calumet City’s Library and Police Station, where local partners shared their ongoing efforts to provide community resources. The group also visited South Suburban College’s CHARM Center, a recycling facility, which is preparing to expand and even recycle spoiled dairy products. In addition, Rep. Jones invited

Read More »

2025 Golden Clover Awards

The 2025 Golden Clover Awards honor six individuals who dedicate/ed their time and talents to the McLean County Fair and 4-H. 2025 Honorees: Marie Denzer-Farley, Golden Clover – 4-H leader for over 20 years, a previous director of the McLean County Farm Bureau & Fair Board, Chair of McLean County Farm Bureau Member Engagement committee since 2015, active with McLean County Pork Producers.   Brian & Linda Dirks, Golden Clover – Involved in 4-H their

Read More »

Upcoming Events