September Field Notes

9/6/22

Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau Updates

Farmer Resources

Membership Benefits

FarmWeek News and Markets

Agriculture Rescue Day

As we approach harvest, now is a great time to reflect on safety around the farm. We are excited to offer this opportunity to our area first responders as well as local farmers and ag employees. For more information contact our office at 815-942-6400. No RSVP is required but it is appreciated.

Fire Districts are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Join us at Corn Fest!

If you are interested in volunteering for the event reply to this email or contact our office.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GRANTS

The 2023 application cycle for the Environmental Stewardship Grant Programs is now open. The Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors again committed $150,000 to the Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program and $25,000 to the Pollinator Conservation Grant Program.

These programs directly support County Farm Bureau and farmer-led projects that allow our members to lead the direction and outcomes, encouraging them to answer their own questions about many environmental topics. The environmental team will serve as partners on projects and can assist with project management and subject matter expertise.

The Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau board of directors have set a goal for our 2022-2023 project year, to increase awareness of the work our farmers are doing to protect water quality right here in Kendall and Grundy counties. If you have a project that may benefit from the funding and resources from this grant, contact our office.

The deadline for County Farm Bureaus to submit applications and budget worksheets is Friday, October 28th, 2022

Click here to learn about the 2021 projects

Harvest for All Form

Truck Driving Scholarships Available

Truck drivers are critical for transporting farm commodities, inputs, and food throughout our state and nation. Without truck drivers, the entire supply chain breaks down. The Driving Agriculture Forward Scholarship Program, funded by the Illinois Farm Bureau, offsets the cost of required commercial truck driver training and ensures more well-trained, safe drivers are available to drive agriculture forward.

More information and a link to apply can be found at https://iaafoundation.org/our-mission-at-work/student-scholarships/apply-for-truck-driving-scholarships/

For information on the new training requirements and how to become a trainer visit https://www.ilfb.org/resources/farmer-rural-resources/transportation-resources/

Other Area Ag News

University of Illinois Extension Job Openings

University of Illinois Extension Unit 9 representing Will, Grundy, and Kankakee counties is currently seeking a Unit Director.

The County Extension Director serves as a full time professional staff member with primary responsibility for providing leadership to and communicating the educational mission of the local multi-county unit and University of Illinois Extension. The primary responsibilities of the County Extension Director are local program management, personnel management, interpersonal effectiveness, organizational leadership and development, fiscal management and facilities management. The County Extension Director is the local representative of University of Illinois Extension and is responsible for facilitating and establishing relationships with diverse audiences, and collaborating and partnering with people to improve the lives of individuals and the communities in which they live.

Click here for a full list of duties and how to apply

Grundy County SWCD Tree and Fish Sales

2022 Fall Tree Order Form - Orders are due September 14th by noon and pickup will be September 21st from 2:30pm-4:30pm.
2022 Fall Fish Order Form - Please take note, the fish pickup is in the afternoon this fall again instead of the morning. All Grass Carp orders are due by September 7th and everything else is due by September 14th. Pickup will be at 2 pm Wednesday, September 21st. We apologize, but due to a fish kill, Albino Catfish will not be available this year.

Kendall County SWCD Tree and Fish Sales

Fall Fish Sale Orders –All Orders Due: September 6th

Fish Pick Up: Wednesday September 21st @ 11am

Fall Tree Sale Orders –All Orders Due: September 29th

Tree Pick Up: Thursday October 6th 12 noon- 4PM

Green Thumb Farms seeking fall hire. Potential for year round employment. CDL preferred, not required. Experience preferred, not required

South of Morris IL (113)

Contact 815-768-7066

Something to Share

As harvest approaches there is an endless list of things to accomplish. It's important to remember that our own health shouldn't take a backseat. The Farm Family Resource Initiative seeks to improve the health and well-being of Illinois farm owners and families by:

Identifying farm family needs, including mental health needs
Identifying available resources for farm families
Creating new resources for farm families
Developing a network of partners to respond to farm family needs

If you or someone you love are in need of assistance

Call or Text 1-833-FARM-SOS (833-327-6767)

Learn more

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

Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau | kendallgrundyfb.com