January Field Notes
1/14/21
Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau Updates
Upcoming Events
All events are virtual unless specified
January
19th- Young Leaders Listening Session
**Other Dates Available**
February
16th-18th: Governmental Affairs and Leadership Conf.
**More Information Coming Soon**
March
2nd & 4th: On the Road Seminar
27th: Draw Down
2021 Draw Down
For over a decade the Grundy County Farm Bureau Foundation and Grundy County Friends have joined together to host the annual Draw Down. Proceeds from the event help support youth programs such as 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom across Grundy County.

In 2020 we were forced to abruptly change plans for our annual event and pivot to a virtual format. We hoped more than anything that we would be able to join together in 2021 but the safety of all our attendees is our first priority. With that being said we are happy to announce that the 2021 Draw Down will proceed as a Virtual Event.

Participants may enter our annual Draw Down for the chance to win $1500! Tickets are $35 a piece and will be drawn during a live drawing hosted online. There are $5000 in total cash prizes. New this year, buyers can purchase additional $10 tickets to be entered into a raffle to win a Gun Safe. Number of tickets sold for the Safe Raffle are not limited. 

This year we will also host a virtual silent auction. The auction will consist of items collected for the 2020 Draw Down as well as additional items collected for the 2021 event. The auction will open in March and run for 2 weeks. More information to come!
2021 Scholarship Applications Now Available!


The Foundation Scholarship Applications are now available for both the Kendall Foundation and Grundy Foundation. High School Seniors and those perusing higher education are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due
March 31st 2021.


IFB Consumer Engagement Training

Illinois Farm Bureau will be hosting a consumer engagement training event on Tuesday, January 26 (6-8pm) and Wednesday, January 27 (6-8pm). This two-day training is open to all members and will be held via Zoom

Day 1: Tuesday, January 26 6-8pm
Food culture and consumer trends: Understanding consumer perspectives on food and agriculture
Featuring keynote speaker, Eve Turow-Paul

Day 2: Wednesday, January 27 6-8pm
Engagement in action: Strategies to succeed with online engagement and content creation in a virtual world
 
Register here to attend the training. Attendees will have the option to choose to attend one or both sessions and are encouraged to register for both. Information on how to join will be sent to the email address provided after registration is approved. Additional information is available at ilfb.org/ConsumerEngagement.
The Future of Ag Forum 2021
January 27th, 12:00 – 2:00 PM
We are partnering with the IL Beef Association, the IL Pork Producers Association, and the IL Milk Producers Association to bring you two panels in a one-day virtual session focused on changes for the livestock industry. We’ll examine how the world has shifted for the farmers who raise animals and how changing logistics and expectations are being shaped by consumers and retailers.
 
We hope you will join us, ask hard questions, and seek connection with your peers across the state. 
 
We’re excited to once again welcome Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, to serve as our Moderator.
Young Leaders Listening Session
As we wind down the year and look forward to a fresh start in 2021, we are excited to announce a “Young Leaders Listening Session” with some of our Governmental Affairs Staff. The recent election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rollercoaster farm economy this year have created unique challenges and opportunities for our members. In deciding to cancel our Young Leader Conference, the State YL Committee wanted to look for other opportunities to engage young farmers and their families.
 
On Tuesday, January 19th, we invite Young Leaders to join either an afternoon or evening virtual meeting to share their perspectives with Governmental Affairs staff on these topics:
  • Post-Election Opportunities and Concerns
  • The Farm Economy and Pathways to Economic Success for Young Farm Families
  • Engaging in IFB Policy Development on Issues Important to Young Farm Families

Afternoon Session: 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Evening Session: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
 
To register email Victoria at manager@kendallgrundyfb.com and let her know if you would like the afternoon or evening session.
We teamed up with COUNTRY Financial® ag experts to host virtual agribusiness webinars. We’ll help you understand important ag industry updates and how it may impact your farm operation – so you can make informed decisions about your farm’s future. Join us throughout January and February to as we provide you updated information and answer viewer questions in real-time. RFD’s Rita Frazer will host these 90-120-minute live meetings, and each session will cover crop/farm bill updates (Doug Yoder, COUNTRY Financial), legislative updates (Adam Nielsen, Illinois Farm Bureau) and provide a farm legacy planning overview (Joe Buhrmann, COUNTRY Financial).

You can choose from one of four live webinar dates and times below.
Each session is about 90 minutes long.
• Tues., Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m. CST
• Wed., Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. CST
• Tues., Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. CST
• Thurs., Feb. 25 at 12 p.m. CST

As their library of resources continues to grow check back for recorded resources including:
·        Farm Bill Updates
·        COUNTRY Financial Private Product Updates
·        COUNTRY Financial Crop Claims Review
·        COUNTRY Financial Precision Planning & Drone Technology Overview
·        Agrivisor Market Outlook for 2021
We will continue to keep you updated as these resources go live.

Visit COUNTRYFinancial.com/AgWebinars for more information and to sign up today.
Other Area News
Farm Service Agency Signup Reminder
2021 Program Signup for ARC-PLC ELECTION AND ENROLLMENT:

Producers are reminded that for 2021 they can change their ARC-CO, ARC-IC or PLC Elections on a farm's base acres. 2021 Enrollment must be completed on any farm without a 2019 multi-year contract.  As a reminder, a multi-year contract only remains in effect if there are no changes to the farm records. Changes to farm records which may cancel a multi-year contract include; share changes, producer changes, election changes, reconstitutions, etc...

Producers have until MARCH 15, 2021 to timely complete both ELECTION AND ENROLLMENT for 2021.

Farms with a 2019/2020 election and multi-year enrollment will remain unchanged if producers do not specify, they want to elect a new program for 2021.

Please contact the FSA office at 815-942-0359 ext. 2, to ensure your farms are enrolled for 2021 or if you would like to change your current election.

CRP General Signup Ends February 12

Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) can sign up for the popular program until Feb. 12, 2021. The competitive program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes. Call the FSA Office at 815-942-0359 ext. 2 for more information.
2021 Plat Books are Here!

Books are $25 each and are available in our office Monday-Friday.

We would also like to provide the option for curbside pickup, simply call our office at 815-942-6400 when you arrive and we can bring your books to your car for you.


Staff contacts:
Victoria- manager@kendallgrundyfb.com
Chris (for all membership related questions)- membership@kendallgrundyfb.com
Kathy- assistant@kendallgrundyfb.com
Ann (Ag in the Classroom)- aitc@grundycfb.com