Harvest Newsletter 
 News & Updates 
Looking Towards the Future 

      For many years the Grundy County Farm Bureau has been looking at our future. With that we would like to make our members aware that we are in preliminary discussions with the Kendall County Farm Bureau regarding a future merger of our two County Farm Bureaus. 
     
      Both Farm Bureau boards are  considering the future of both organizations and see the  declining number of farmers in both counties, currently in  Kendall Co. there are 470 farmer members of which 48%  of these members are 65 years old or older. Grundy Co. is  experiencing the same as our farmer base grows older by  the year. Financially, a combined organization would be  very strong and would be able to thrive in the future.
      
      Some would ask why now? Dan Reedy, the Farm Bureau  manager in Kendall Co. since 1981 has announced his  retirement for Feb. of 2019. With his retirement forthcoming,  he can help with the transition as well as working with  the manager of the combined unit.            
      
The process that we will go through would be: 
1. Each board would adopt  a resolution to consolidate.
2.A date would be set where  meetings would be held in both counties on the same day. 
3.Proxies would be sent out to all voting members of each  organization to be sent back by the date of the meetings.
4. The results of the proxy vote will determine if  a consolidation happens. 

      The 2 boards will decide before these meetings the  number of board members and how they will represent the  2 counties, the dues rate for our farmer members, and the  location of the combined unit. Determination of the new  manager and all employees will be decided by the new  board of the joint organization.

We invite all members to let us know your thoughts on the consolidation.

Thank you! 
GAVC to add Ag Program! 

         The Grundy Area Vocational Center is pleased to announce they will be offering Agriculture Education beginning in the 2018 - 2019 school year. The program will be available to Junior and Senior High School students from Coal City, Gardner, South Wilmington, Minooka, Morris, Reed Custer, and Wilmington High Schools. Students will study a wide range of agricultural topics including Animal Science and Agronomy. Additionally, students will become FFA chapter members and work to find creative methods to serve the community with their skill and knowledge of the agricultural industry. GAVC has received immense community support with several anonymous offers to support the program with land, tools, equipment, financial resources, and more. We are so grateful for the warm Grundy County welcome to the agriculture community and look forward to providing this wonderful opportunity for our students. 

       A huge thank you to all our members who are helping make this possible! The Grundy County Farm Bureau will be helping speak with students interested in the program about Ag Education in November. If you are interested in helping please contact Victoria at 815.942.6400.






Due to changes with our supplier the Grundy County Farm Bureau is now selling Kendall County Pork Producer's Pork Spice. Stop in and try the new seasoning! $6 a shaker. While you're here check out all the items we have available for members. 
Defensive Driving 

The Grundy County Farm Bureau and COUNTRY Financial agents Matt Seidel and John Mueller will be hosting a Defensive Driving Course on October 25th and 26th from 10am to 3pm both days. Both days must be attended to receive the certification. Cost of the class is $20 and includes materials and lunch both days. The course explores the causes of vehicle collisions and teaches how defensive driving principles can prevent most costly incidents. Upon completion you may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance. Rated drivers 55 and over who have not had a motor vehicle accident or violation within the past 12 months are eligible. Safety specialist Doug Sommer will walk attendees through an informative and entertaining course which is relevant to today's driving environment and standards. 

Reservations are required as class size is limited. 

Contact (815) 942-6400 to make your reservation or for more information.

Save the Date! 

The Grundy County Farm Bureau along with COUNTRY Crop Specialist Matt Johnson will be hosting a winter crop meeting Monday December 18th at 10 am at the Farm Bureau Office. Lan downers looking to learn about changes coming to the 2018 Federal Crop Insurance Program, Farm Bill, Grain Market Updates, and other Ag topics will get their chance during a winter crop seminar. 
Upcoming Events! 
Event Calendar

October
24th- 8th Grade Career Fair 
25th-26th- Defensive Driving Course 

November 
16th-Young Leader Meeting
29th- Ag Breakfast R Place
30th- Winter Container Program
23rd-24th- Happy Thanksgiving! Office Closed   

December 
2nd-5th- IAA Annual Meeting 
18th- Winter Crop Meeting 
25th- Jan 1st- Merry Christmas! Office Closed 
Membership Benefit Spotlight 

Illinois Farm Bureau and John Deere recently announced a new partnership providing Farm Bureau members special access to the John Deere's GreenFleet™ Loyalty Rewards program with a free two-year Platinum 2 membership! Along with equipment discounts, GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards Platinum members are eligible for special parts savings, Home & Workshop Products discounts and other members-only promotions.

Learn More Here