Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliate companies were proud to sponsor the Illinois FFA BUILD Conference in Decatur October 14-15. Members from Normal Community, Normal West and Tri-Valley FFA Chapters participated in this year’s event/ Through five different sessions, FFA members learned how to BUILD their leadership, image, relationships, team and perspective, as well as to BUILD up others. Students also heard from two keynote speakers, participated in friendly team competitions, and attended an opportunity

Global trade and economic issues served as the main focus for Ag Day held Oct. 18 for a group of twenty-three local business leaders. McLean County Farm Bureau sponsors Ag Day each year for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Leadership McLean County program. Dr. Lucas Maxwell of Illinois State University kicked off the program with an overview of the global food system and food related issues. Mike Doherty, Illinois Farm Bureau, offered a look

Checking out the visibility from the tractor seat proved to be an eye-opening experience for local high school students at Rural Route Safety Days held at Tri-Valley High School Sept. 23 and Olympia High School Sept. 27. Students had the chance to climb in the tractor cab to see what farmers can see and what they cannot see from the driver’s seat. Farmer volunteers shared safety tips and personal experiences with close calls or collisions.

Congratulations to McLean County Farm Bureau member, Rachel Hawk, on being selected as the winner of the 2019 District 7 Discussion meet! The discussion meet offers Farm Bureau members ages 18-35 the opportunity to hone public speaking skills and participate in group discussion of current issues. At the district event, participants discussed two topics cell-based meat and agricultural market development. Hawk will participate in the statewide competition during the 2019 Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting