LOCAL AFFAIRS
*Massac, "Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategies: Locally Leading by Doing" - Nutrient Loss Reduction strategies can be
overwhelming and possible intimidating to our local farmers. These buzz words can make a farmer concerned over their farming
operation and its future with the 2025 target dates. A local farmer wanted to provide some information for others to understand
that several of our conservation programs and current cover crop programs are helping to meet these Loss Reduction Strategies.
Over 10 videos were compiled showing different strategies and some future projects that he has started to help educate other
farmers. These videos were posted to YouTube so that they could be utilized by IFB Staff and a University. It was a great way to
show the farm and non-farm public what farmers do to help the environment. With this project came more opportunities to work
collaboratively with local university students and GROWMARK. Graduate students spent the summer collecting data from field
tiles and testing for the Nitrates & Phosphorus levels. A final report was presented to the farmer from the students about their
findings on Phosphorus. The Nitrate report wasn't completed at the presentation. The soil tests for the Nitrates are still being
completed with the local Service Company. Also through the summer, FarmWeek featured an article about his farming operation
and was also interviewed by Illiniois Agri-News. By locally leading these type of programs, more farmers will be willing to "do".
Calhoun, "Raised Funds to Keep Ag Teacher" - The purpose of this program was to raise funds to keep Ag in our schools. We are
developing members of our FFA Alumni Committee. Our school was going to have to cut the Ag teacher for the 2015-2016 year.
We had Dinner/Auction last November to raise funds. We asked the school board what it would take to keep our Ag teacher. They
stated if we could donate $20,000, they would be able to keep an Ag teacher. We raised over $24,000 and was able to donate
$20,000 to our school. We succeeded in our endeavor. Committee 40% Alumni 40% FFA 20% We put repeated articles in our local
newspaper, radio, FB and FFA newsletter, and the multi county free newspaper. Local paper (6,500 distribution)
Douglas, "Drainage Law Workshop" - Our County is heavily invested in having field tile. With the amount of tile, we are also
heavily invested in drainage districts. At a morning CFB breakfast this year, it was brought to our attention by a Farm Bureau
member that there seems to be a lot of questions and confusion when it comes to drainage districts and how they operate. To
help our members with these concerns and questions, our CFB held a workshop on drainage districts. This meeting explained how
drainage districts were formed, how to re activate abandoned drainage districts, the law behind the districts, and lastly how to
form new drainage districts. 54 people attended this workshop that included 3 speakers well versed in drainage law, drainage
engineering, and other information. A lunch was also provided for all that attended and to this date, was one of the most
successful programs our CFB has organized. There was enough positive feedback from the program that we will be conducting
another drainage law meeting to expand on the topics that were presented in the near future.
Edwards, "Farmland Assessment Changes Brochure" - With the changes to the Farmland Assessment law taking place for the
2015 year (payable in 2016), our county is going to be hit with some major increases in the amount of property taxes landowners
will pay on their farmland. To help with an understanding about why the taxes are increasing a full color, tri-fold brochure was
produced. The brochure was created in a question and answer format, as it was determined this would be the best way to convey
the information to the public. The back panel featured the phone numbers of the seven county Farm Bureaus and Supervisor of
Assessment offices involved in the production of the brochure. The brochure is at the county Supervisor of Assessment office, and
the Farm Bureau office. We are all sharing it with anyone that has questions regarding the changes. We know that this brochure
will be even more useful when the assessment change notices and tax bill arrive in the mailboxes during 2016. This brochure was
originally produced by our seven counties, but we have shared it with numerous other counties in Illinois who all have produced a
similar brochure.
Scott, "GBX HVDC TRANSMISSION PROJECT--Full Scope of Project" - FB continued its involvement with the development of a
multi-state transmission high voltage direct current project called Clean Line Grainbelt Express (GBX) which began in 2012. FB
attended each of 4 GBX open houses held in the county during the program year. It hosted a landowner meeting with IFB legal to
review issues surrounding the project. It shared information regarding GBX regularly with members through its newsletter,
mailings, e-news and e-mail. Upon GBX filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission, FB passed a resolution outlining its position
which included several action items and a commitment of up to $5,000 to assist with legal fees. It recommended its members
align with one of the landowner opposition groups. It sought and secured ILFB’s intervention in the case. CFB communicated
information to impacted landowners including 4 mailings, organized a core group of landowners and interviewed previously
organized opposition landowner groups and their attorneys. CFB met with member landowners on two occasions, conducted a
radio program outlining the CFB position and secured County, townships and a drainage district opposition to the project. CFB
hosted one of the three ICC public meetings this past summer. CFB is directly involved in helping its members develop testimony
to present to the ICC on the case. It also monitors case activity daily and serves as a conduit between the press and affected
members.
*Washington, "Agriculture in Motion - Mobile Ag Lab" - When initially approached with a fundraising request for our local
community college's growing agriculture program, our County Farm Bureau immediately looked to the other CFB's in the college's
district for something that would have a larger impact. After discussion between county leaders and the college instructors on
their needs, our County Farm Bureau partnered with 5 other CFB's to raise $30,500 to purchase a custom Mobile Ag Lab (trailer)
for the community college's agriculture program. The trailer was ordered per specifications provided by the college Ag
department, and will also include a wrap that highlights the Community College Ag Program, while promoting the 6 CFB's that
donated the equipment. Once the custom trailer is completed, there should also be enough money left over from the CFB
donations to purchase a generator capable of powering the trailer in the field, as well as a cash donation to purchase additional
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LOCAL AFFAIRS (continued)
components deemed necessary by the college. Much of the legwork for this project was done in this programming year, but final
delivery of the finished product will ultimately occur in September or October of the following program year.
Pike, "GBX HVDC TRANSMISSION PROJECT—Full Scope of Project" - FB continued its involvement with the development of a
multi-state transmission high voltage direct current project called Clean Line Grainbelt Express (GBX) which began in 2012. FB
attended each of 4 GBX open houses held in the county during the program year. It hosted a landowner meeting with IFB legal to
review issues surrounding the project. It shared information regarding GBX regularly with members through its newsletter,
mailings, e-news and e-mail. Upon GBX filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission, FB passed a resolution outlining its position
which included several action items and a commitment of up to $5,000 to assist with legal fees. It recommended its members
align with one of the landowner opposition groups. It sought and secured ILFB’s intervention in the case. CFB communicated
information to impacted landowners including 4 mailings, organized a core group of landowners and interviewed previously
organized opposition landowner groups and their attorneys. CFB met with member landowners on two occasions, conducted a
radio program outlining the CFB position and secured County, townships and a drainage district opposition to the project. CFB
hosted one of the three ICC public meetings this past summer. CFB is directly involved in helping its members develop testimony
to present to the ICC on the case. It also monitors case activity daily and serves as a conduit between the press and affected
members.
McDonough, "High School Agriculture Program" - NEED- Our largest community has been without an agriculture program at the
high school for twenty years. Several years ago, an effort has begun to start the program again and the grassroots effort has
required help in this process. PROCEDURE: As a CFB, we have been actively engaged in several meetings outlining what a
program might look like as well as gaining community support through a petition. We've been working with the curriculum
committee to outline the curriculum, helping raise money for the program, providing t-shirts to raise awareness and many other
activities. The Farm Bureau manager serves as the Treasurer of the local community group that is implementing the program. In
the Fall of 2015, the Ag & FFA program was finally approved by the Board of Education. Much fundraising was done to privately
fund the program. Over $230,000 has been raised thus far in cash and pledges. IMPACT: In the long run this program has great
potential for the future of our community as students become more knowledgeable about agriculture and increase their
leadership skills.
Perry, "Right of Way Management Program" - Our CFB worked with the County Unit Road District (CURD) to increase the amount
of plantable farmland adjacent to Unit Road District Roads by decreasing the amount of road ditch that is mowed. To accomplish
this, the CURD identified two objectives to work towards: Objective #1: Mow no more than 15 foot from the edge of the road
surface; Objective #2: Remove unused fence lines that require boom mowing. The County Engineer first met with our Directors
to gather input on the plan and to ask for assistance to promote and advertise it throughout the county. Our CFB publicized the
plan in our CFB publication and on our Facebook page to help spread the word. Essentially, if landowners felt that they have a
road ditch greater than 15 foot in width or an unused fence line along their property, they were encouraged to contact the CURD
to setup a meeting to discuss the situation further. The CURD plans to complete these projects as time allows, but needed
contact information of land owners interested in participating to start the process.
Piatt, "E-Recycling program" - We work with the SWCD office and the county board to sponsor an electronic waste day once a
quarter. We have it set up through a local organization. Individuals can drop off their items at the trailer from 9 am-12 pm on
the day it takes place. We have individuals who are here to help with unloading if need be. Once a year we host the drive at our
office and the other 3 times it is held at the SWCD office. The CFB promotes this event by advertising in the CFB publication, and
spreading information of the event by word of mouth. The event held at our office this year brought in tons of traffic. We had to
have the police come in to help with routing traffic and our recycling company had to make two more trips back to pick up all of
the items that were turned in.
Wabash, "Soil and Water Long Range Planning Meeting" - The County Soil and Water Conservation District and the County Farm
Bureau held a Long Range Planning Meeting at the Farm Bureau Office on March 23, 2015. in order to develop a long range plan
for the future of the County Soil and Water Conservation District. There were many different businesses and individuals in
attendance. Some of the organizations represented were: a local bank, farmers, Resource Conservationist/Administrative
Coordinator, FSA, District Conservationist, Soil Conservationist Technician, Service Company, and Crop Production Services. The
District wanted to reach out to other agencies and businesses to get a varied and diverse input into this futuristic plan. The
natural resource concerns for our county were discussed and what to prioritize for our area, how to educate and market those
concerns to the public, how to make the District more self-sustaining, and how financially we could strive to meet our needs in
all these areas. A long range plan had to be developed and returned to the Bureau of Land and Water Development by June 30,
2015.
*Marion, "Ag in Motion - Mobile Ag Lab" - When initially approached with a fundraising request for our local community college's
growing agriculture program, our County Farm Bureau immediately looked to the other CFB's in the college's district for
something that would have a larger impact. After discussion between county leaders and the college instructors on their needs,
our County Farm Bureau partnered with 5 other CFB's to raise $30,500 to purchase a custom Mobile Ag lab (trailer) for the
community college's agriculture program. Our CFB contributed $10,000 to this project. The trailer was ordered per specifications
provided by the college Ag department, and will also include a wrap that highlights the Community College Ag Program, while
promoting the 6 CFB's that donated the equipment. Once the custom trailer is completed, there should be enough money left
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LOCAL AFFAIRS (continued)
over from the CFB donations to purchase a generator capable of powering the trailer in the field, as well as a cash donation to
purchase additional components deemed necessary by the college. Much of the legwork for this project was done in this
programming year, but final delivery of the finished product will ultimately occur in September or October of the following
program year.
Hancock, "Pipeline Information to Landowners" - Last year, over 200 landowners in our county received notification that a
crude oil pipeline could potentially run through their land. Our CFB initiated contact with IFB and has continued to work with IFB
legal counsel, Laura Harmon, to keep landowners informed on the latest developments with this proposed project. We organized
two face to face meetings during this past year. During the first meeting, in November 2014, Laura Harmon was here in person to
give an overview of the project and provide information to landowners on how to follow the pipeline case on the Illinois
Commerce Commission's website. She also discussed the easement negotiation process and encouraged landowners to consult an
attorney before entering agreements with the pipeline company. In February 2015, we followed up with another landowner
meeting, where Laura Harmon joined via WebEx and was able to conduct the meeting from IFB home office. By this time, we
were able to provide landowners of the specific timeframe for the ICC process, as well as contact information for local attorneys
who had experience in working with ICC pipeline easements in the past. Nearly 100 landowners attended each of the two
meetings, as well as local attorneys and our state Senator. In addition to these meetings, our CFB manager attended a meeting
between the pipeline company, county engineer, and county road commissioners, as well as a meeting with the pipeline
company and our chamber of commerce. Our CFB office continues to be a sounding board for up-to-date pipeline information in
our county. Many landowners now have signed easements OR remain in negotiations with the pipeline company at this time. We
continue to persistently encourage those who are affected to consult an attorney before entering any contract. Our CFB will
remain engaged in this process in order to best serve those landowners in our county who will be affected by the pipeline.
Jackson, "Women's Gun Safety, Information, and Q & A" - The women's committee held a seminar they had been wanting to do
for a long time on gun safety. Their goal in this was to help women feel more familiar around guns and understand how they work
and the rules associated with owning, transporting, and operating one. A retired conservation officer that often does hunter
safety courses helped with the seminar. It was a very low-key, informal morning of questions and answers sitting in the shade on
a beautiful day! Following the morning program, they enjoyed a potluck lunch. After lunch, everyone that wanted to shoot a gun
they brought or try the instructors gun could. The women all had a great learning experience through this event. One lady even
learned to use the gun her son had bought her as protection. The women's committee hopes to continue these classes in the
future and maybe reach out to younger women that would like to ask questions and practice shooting in a comforting setting.
Jefferson, "Sale of city water and sanitation department" - A couple members of the City Council thought they'd try and pull a
fast one over city and county residents back in January. At the regular city council meeting it was discussed to sell the local
water and sanitation department to outside provider. Little did the council know how much of a "hornets nest" they stirred. Two
weeks later there were over 500 people at the next city council meeting. The city manager and mayor as well as the city council
was under constant attack in the newspaper. The CFB was approached by a village leader outside city limits asking what the CFB
was going to do about this? The CFB Executive Board and the manager met with the Mayor and City Manager to hear the city
version of why this is a good decision other than the "pay day" loan the city was to receive. The city supplies water to multiple
water districts outside the city limits even outside county lines in a couple cases. The water districts are charged a increased
rate over what the city purchases from the conservancy district. The income from that sale is to be used for maintenance of the
city's system which has been neglected over the years. Where the city was looking to turn that neglected system over to an
outside company and it would be their problem and not the city's for a sale of approximately $40 million. The company would in
turn fix the system on a needed basis, spreading the cost of the repairs throughout the entire company territory including the
water districts outside city limits. Water districts have been paying for maintenance of the system currently and would no doubt
see an additional water rate increase, which would be passed down to customers. When the CFB Board met and discussed this, it
was decided this proposed sale was bad for Agriculture in the county. The CFB opposed this water sale, wrote letters to the City
Council, Mayor and City Manager expressing our opinion. This issue carried on for over a month, and the outcome wasn't looking
good. The city was going to sell. At the eleventh hour news broke that the city would not sell and the proposal was dropped. It
needs to be noted that the council members that were in favor of this sale, were not up for re-election in April and the city
Manager has since taken a new position outside of the state.
Lee, "Community Leaders Luncheon" - Area Community Leaders, including Mayors, County Board Members, state
Representatives and Senators, and our local Congressman were invited to attend a Community Leader's Luncheon where the Farm
Bureau provided a complimentary lunch, and the opportunity for these leaders to hear a presentation from IFB's Mike Doherty on
the economic impact of agriculture on ___ County and the State of Illinois. The purpose of the program was to enlighten our local
leaders on the important role that agriculture plays on our economy. It is often easy to look out a field and image that a business
would have a greater economic value to a community, and we hope that this luncheon has helped demonstrate the value of
agriculture to our local officials.
Marshall-Putnam, - "USDA STRONGER ECONOMIES TOGETHER PROGRAM" - Our CFB was contacted by our local county board
chairman and asked to surface participants to help to begin to revitalize economic growth in our county. The CFB Board saw the
need to assist the county board in order to help strengthen the ag business climate in our county. The CFB then began work on
locating programming that would assist the county. After many phone calls and much research, we came across the Stronger
Economies Together (SET) Program. This program is administered by USDA Rural Development. The CFB proceeded to enlist two
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LOCAL AFFAIRS (continued)
other counties in order to meet the criteria for the grant. The CFB contacted numerous community leaders in order to obtain
letters of support for the grant application. In July of 2015, our three county region was awarded one of two grants that were
available to the state of Illinois. The process involved letters of support, a site visit by officials from USDA including a tour of the
three counties and a grant application submittal. The CFB will begin to assist the counties in their eight month journey that will
ultimately result in a comprehensive economic development plan. The CFB has hosted many of the meetings and tours necessary
for the program.
Wayne, "River Monitoring Station" - Two years ago, a major municipality ceased taking daily measurements of a river in the
eastern area of our county. Farmland around this river tends to flood in the spring, and farmers in multiple counties use the river
stage data to determine how close the river's backwater is to adjacent farmland. In addition, our first responders use the
information to determine which township roads may be closed to flood waters. We asked the U.S. Geological Survey for
information on installing a stream-gauge system on a state highway bridge crossing the river. The system would take regular
measurements of the river level, and publish that data to a dedicated website that would be available to the public. We
contacted each of the county board members, explaining the issue, the benefits of a stream-gauge, and the cost for such a
system. Volunteers from our CFB attended the county board meeting, answered questions, and convinced the county board to
accept the financial maintenance burden for the system each year. Our county Farm Bureau offered to pay for the initial
installation expense as part of the deal. We are looking forward to seeing the system online in the fall of 2015. Once operational,
we will post a link from our website to the river data.
*Kendall, "Reestablishing 4 Drainage Districts" - all year long...This project started 5 years ago when the Farm Bureau Board
realized there was a need in our county to reestablish these 4 districts, because the county to our north had reestablished theirs
so they could send water our way from 2 subdivisions that had been flooding for 30 years. All four of the districts here in our
county have not been active or had any work done in them for nearly 30 years or better and have become over grown with trees,
fallen logs and beaver dams, silt up to 2 to 3 feet deep in the bottoms covering tiles coming from the fields, which is causing
pressure on the field tiles and results in blowouts in the farmer's fields. The smallest district had 60 parcels and the largest
nearly 3700. On Aug. 15, 2014 there was a crowded court room both for and against the districts. There were petitioners against
in all 4 districts.......the judge suggested we have informational meetings and we will return to court on Nov. 7. These meetings
were set for Sept. 23 for 2 of the districts and Sept. 25 for the largest district. These meetings were scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30
where the Attorney, the engineer, the 3 commissioners will speak and present our case and our Soil and Water technician will
give a "watershed 101" short program so the general public will better understand watersheds and drainage districts, there was
also ample opportunity to ask questions of any of the presenters. After the 2 meetings in which about 100 attended both
meetings in total we answered some of the questions of the detractors but not all. Our next court date was set for Nov. 7 at this
court hearing all the petitioners against the districts had there say in court. The smallest district of 60 parcels (Big Slough)
however had all petitioners drop their petitions and the judge allowed the district to be reestablished and appointed 2 of the 3
temporary commissioners as the official commissioners for this district. The other 3 districts still had objectors and the
proceedings were continued to Jan. 15, 2015 at 1 p.m. however with a new judge. Not knowing anything about the new judge
who's courtroom we would seek these districts being reestablished gave us great concern. The Jan. 15 date in court went very
well for us; all petitioners against(which included the county, the Forest Preserve Dist, each of the 3 major communities of the
county, and the Attorney General's office) the 3 remaining districts were dropped and the Judge ruled in our favor to have these
3 districts reestablished. However, he read the law differently and would not appoint the 3 temporary commissioners as the
commissioners for the districts....he said this was a County Board function, specifically the Co. Brd. Chairman. So now our
temporary commissioners had to apply for these postilions.....there was even an application the gentlemen had to fill out to be
considered. Another problem was the Chair. of the County Board had made it pretty clear he didn't want the districts
reestablished.....It took him a minimum of 4 months to appoint the 10 commissioners left to be appointed....in the process he
appointed members to these districts that did not own farmland, did not live in the district, and is some cases were strong
objectors in our informational meetings. Our first set of meetings for all 4 districts were held on June 29.....at 3 different
locations within or close to the drainage districts. Public notices were mailed to the local newspaper and the radio station with
the agenda posted on the door of where the meetings were held. The attorney, the engineer and an assistant to the engineer,
plus the FB Manager were in attendance for these meetings plus the appointed commissioners for the district. During the first set
of meetings the Commissioners hired the attorney, hired the Engineer,elected officers and talked about final boundaries for the
districts,depository for the money, and what the assessment per acre and house would be......during 1 of the meetings(Rob Roy)
a non farmer commissioner got in a slight argument with the other commissioner and said he would resign....well he did right
after this meeting...this was the gentleman who was so against us during the informational meetings. The next set of meetings
was scheduled for July 13, we had hoped it would be a little later to give the engineer the chance to come back to the county to
survey all 4 ditches thoroughly......however that was not the case.....again for the July 13 meetings notices had to be sent out
and posted along with the agenda of each meeting....at these meetings the commissioners verified boundaries with assistance
from the Engineer, determined their assessments for homes and farms and talked about the timeline. The engineer was to work
on property tax roles within each district and to calculate the amount of dollars that would be taken in for each district. He
would then send this info to each of the commissioners in each district and we would meet again in August. This did not happen
because of the size and number of parcels in these districts some are only 60% completed. We were hoping to have the
commissioners approval for the end of August so we could go to court in late October for the judge to set the levy. We know
there will be objectors so this would mean at least 1 more court date maybe 2 to take care of the objectors. This becomes a
problem. We have to have the judge's approval on the levy by the second week of Dec. to get on next year's tax bill. More next
year!!
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LOCAL AFFAIRS (continued)
*Montgomery, "Adopt County Board Members" - Our 18 board members decided that since the county board had only 4 or 5 of
the 21 county board members that were directly related to the farm that they would implement a new program similar to ILFB’s
Adopted Legislator Program. We would implement Adopt-a-County Board member. After talking it over with the county board
chairman he was excited to take it before his board. We now have 4 of our 18 board of directors who have adopted 4 county
board members. They have done everything from planting soybeans in the spring to combining wheat this summer to trimming
hooves on mules, getting them prepared for the show circuit. The adopted county board members are amazed at the technology
that the modern farmer has at his finger tips. It's not scratching in the dust with your finger anymore, it is having the I-Pad or
smart phone with you all the time to monitor what's going on in the field. Our board has also went to work with the county board
members also. One visited a local news paper where one of the county board members is employed. Both parties agree how
similar each business is keeping up on the new technology, the long hours getting either a crop in or a newspaper out and the
importance up keeping the equipment in perfect running order. This program makes working on tuff issues a whole lot easier
because the board members know each other.
Clinton, "Agriculture in Motion - Mobile Ag Lab" - When initially approached with a fundraising request for our local community
college's growing agriculture program, our County Farm Bureau immediately looked to the other CFB's in the college's district for
something that would have a larger impact. After discussion between county leaders and the college instructors on their needs,
our County Farm Bureau partnered with 5 other CFB's to raise $30,500 to purchase a custom Mobile Ag lab (trailer) for the
community college's agriculture program. Our CFB contributed $10,000 to this project. The trailer was ordered per specifications
provided by the college Ag department, and will also include a wrap that highlights the Community College Ag Program, while
promoting the 6 CFB's that donated the equipment. Once the custom trailer is completed, there should be enough money left
over from the CFB donations to purchase a generator capable of powering the trailer in the field, as well as a cash donation to
purchase additional components deemed necessary by the college. Much of the legwork for this project was done in this
programming year, but final delivery of the finished product will ultimately occur in September or October of the following
program year.
Grundy, "EARTH Expo" - Since 1991, the CFB has been an organizer of the County Environmental Fair. EARTH Expo is designed to
incorporate information on Environment, Agriculture, Rescue, Technology, Health for the community. The purpose of the fair is
to encourage community members to think about ways they can better serve their environment, plan for emergency situations,
improve health, and understand agricultural opportunities in the community. During the event, the CFB provides a booth
highlighting the services and benefits of belonging to the organization. This year, we also had a wheel of "Ag Questions" for
participants to test their knowledge. Anyone that attempted received a small "prize" from the prize box -a CFB pencil,
flyswatter, grocery bag, or eraser, The game was a hit and had visitors stopping by the booth for the entire day. The planning of
the event begins in September of the previous year, at which time the location, theme and presenters are determined. 5
volunteers participated in the initial planning stages from the CFB, with a total of 18 volunteers assisting on the day of the
event.The planning committee meets each month to line up speakers, presenters, and booth participants, over 2500 people of all
ages attended. The fair had 47 booths ranging from Soil & Water Conservation Districts and the Co. Health Department, to other
businesses that specialize in environmental practices, areas of health and safety and new technology available for families
Randolph, "River Confluence Dedication"- The Governmental Affairs Committee teamed up with the Corp of Engineers, local
river stakeholder group, and county officials to create a new landmark in our county. A special ceremony was held to dedicate
the Confluence Heritage Area/Crow’s Nest, located at the edge of the Mississippi River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers first
dedicated the area and then our local river stakeholder group then dedicated it as the Crow’s Nest, in memory of former long
time County Economic Director Edward “Ed” Crow. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer kicked off the program with Doug Wasmuth
and Lt. Col. Aaron Wolf. Both took the opportunity to thank and acknowledge those responsible for bringing the project to
fruition. Wolf in particular pointed out how impressed he was with the dedication and partnerships made for this project as it
provides opportunities for visitors and the community. He added that this unique area is open to all, providing outdoor
recreational opportunities while promoting a historical part of the county. Taking over the Stakeholder portion of the ceremony
was Norma Hall a retired ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and lifetime member of the Stakeholders. She
acknowledged the work and vision that Mr. Crow had for this area. The confluence is a serene place with a wonderful view,
where you can enjoy nature and reflect on the past, present and the future. Hall then went on to give a brief history of the area,
ranging from prehistoric hunters in 8,000 BC, to present. She touched on the French rule and Col. George Rogers. In 2010, the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offered a nationwide grant for worthwhile projects. The intent was to “initiate new or enhance
existing recreation and natural resource management opportunities. Working with many partners to get assistance and donations,
Crow’s dream for the area was starting to come true. A committee was formed and hours of research and hard work to make
brochures was done. As the area tends to flood, large stones were needed to create the amphitheater and fire pit. 75 stones
were donated for this purpose. A large stone at the entrance was also donated and engraved with a special tribute to Ed Crow.
Almost 100 hours were spent hauling the stones. 100 floatable cushions were donated from the stakeholders to use by the
general public and schools at the amphitheater.
*Sangamon "Nutrient Management Bus Tour" - Our CFB, Soil & Water District, and a local water utility joined efforts to expose
area farmers to nutrient management practices in place around the county. The goal was to let farmers demonstrate to fellow
farmers what they do on their lands and discuss the pros and cons of such practices on other farmland. The tour started off at a
local research plot where a bio-reactor had been installed. To assuage farmers fears, experts demonstrated how simple it is to
install and maintain the structure. Farmers were relieved to realize its simplicity and relatively maintenance free upkeep. The
tour then went to an area farm to see a producer intensely utilizing cover crops to hold nitrogen in place. Another unique visit
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LOCAL AFFAIRS (continued)
was to a saturated buffer system in place and how to actively manage it to reduce nutrient loss in waterways and fields. The
system allows farmers to partially close their main drainage tile in a field to actually hold water at certain times of the year in
order to retain field moisture and nutrients when possible. The trip wrapped up by providing water sample results from samples
brought in by participants earlier in the day from their field tile outlets. The results gave farmers a very real sense of how
important nutrient management plans really are. At the end of the day a drawing was held to give away a free nutrient
management plan valued up to $1,000. 59 people attended the tour. The farmer to farmer format of the demonstrations really
accomplished what we were looking for because it made the practices feel more legitimate since other local farmers were using
them and could explain the real world experience of maintaining them, what works, and what doesn't work.
Champaign, "Economic Benefits of Agriculture" - With more development occuring in the county each year, our Land Use
Committee felt that perhaps our elected officials needed to look at farmland as a livlihood versus a blank canvas for
development. The volunteers looked at some models from Wisconsin and New York on how they presented the value of
agriculture to elected officials and the public. Our first step was to reach out to IFB staff and indviduals from the local university
for some help in securing current data. We realized that most of the data was old and from the 2007 U.S. Census of agriculture.
However, with the help of these two individuals and the recently realesed 2012 census data, we have been able to put togther a
draft report that we hope to begin to present to the public soon and also add futher data to as we get more information. Though
this project is on going it will help us tell our story on the impact agriculture has to the county.
Cook, "Two-Day Staff Exchange Program" - This project provided county legislative, communication, and economic development
staff with a hands on learning experience in farming and farm businesses in an urban county. INTENT: The goal of this project
was to develop participants' awareness of farms, farm businesses, and food processors in the county while furthering Farm
Bureau's relationship with county government. Over the course of 7 meetings, 9 Policy Team volunteers selected 4 tour sites
including 2 worldwide food processors, a start-up winery, and a self-sustaining farming initiative at the county jail. 3 Policy Team
volunteers and 2 board members participated on the tours. This was the fourth year of the program. Of the 28 participants, 18
county staff members attended last year's program and 10 were new to the program. In addition, 3 new lawmakers sent staff
members and 2 lawmakers attended the program. 13 individuals attended the program in 2012 and 28 individuals attended the
program in 2013. This program was discussed in the monthly and legislative publications, website, and on social media. NEEDS
MET: This project provided 28 county and state staff with a hands on learning experience in farming and farm businesses.
ATTENDANCE/IMPACT: 28 county staff members benefited from this program. VOLUNTEERS: 9 Policy Team volunteers
participated in the planning process, 3 Policy Team volunteers and 2 board members participated on the tours. 2 members
hosted the group during day one of the program.
Kane, "County Board Agriculture Committee Presentations & Attendance" - Year round. Since our County has a Farmland
Protection Program and a Local Farm & Foods Ordinance to promote agriculture in the County, the County Board also approved
the addition of an Agriculture Committee to help coordinate issues and initiatives between the Health, Development and other
county departments and keep the County Board abreast of the needs of agriculture and farmers in our County. Farm Bureau is a
key player in the Ag Committee, providing a monthly report of FB issues and activities. Our CBF Secretary/Treasurer serves as a
member of the County Board Ag Committee. At least one CFB representative attended each of the 10 meeting of the committee
in 2014-15, making presentations to the committee on FB purpose, philosophy and history; Harvest for ALL opportunities, work
with direct marketers and specialty growers and a host of other topics. Agendas include education sessions for County Board
members on farmland, drainage, zoning, land use and other ag issues from FB and other local ag “partners” . The Committee
gives farmers the opportunity to work with on all types of ag issues & appointments and as advocates for agriculture in County
government. Ag Committee monthly Agendas topics included: 9-15-14. Farmland drainage and water resources, a presentation by
our local Corn Growers group, a Farmer Appreciation Month Resolution, Local food and Farmers Market updates, an RFP for a
consultant for a Food Hub Feasibility Study and "Fit Kids" Projects Gardens grants to schools. 10-20-14. A CFB drafted resolution
encouraging County opposition to the WOTUS rule and presentation of Ditch the Rule materials, a review and history of F
(Farming) district ag zoning in the county. 11-17-14. A overview of FB's Harvest for ALL, presentation by our Regional Food Bank
and approval of a letter to the US EPA and Army COE opposing the WOTUS rule. 12-15-14. A Farmland Protection Program
update, review of the consultant selection process for a Food Hub Feasibility Study. 1-22-15. Review of Ag Committee ordinance
and authority, announcement of a Health Impact Assessment of local food production grant, discussion of leasing public lands for
food production, approval of a Food Hub Feasibility consultant, and proposed amendment to the county local food ordinance. 219-15. Report on lease of Forest Preserve land for food production, National Food Hub performance benchmarking and report
from the ISGA Conference. 3-19-15. Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy presentation, Food Hub Feasibility Study kickoff planning,
report of FB AgDays and 4H day. 4-23-15. Health Impact Assessment survey results, approval of Food Hub surveys and interview
schedule & Grower/Buyer meeting, presentations by local direct farm marketers. 6-18-15. Farmland development rights donation
to County, Grower/Buyer meeting follow-up. 7-23-15. Presentation by area food co-operative, report of local Farmers Markets.
8-20-15. Report of applied for grants by County (Illinois Specialty Crop production, USDA ACEP and USDA RCPP), FARM Illinois
update and IFB Commodity Conference report.
Will, "Pipeline" - We are dealing with 4 proposed pipelines. 3 are in construction and 2 are natural gas lines so a total of 6
projects. We have held a series of meetings with the oil pipelines that are under construction. We have an Ag specialist and a
landowner’s group negotiation team with an attorney in place. We have been asked to sit in on negotiations and with these 3
pipelines. There have been a total of 14 meetings with 6 meetings being the entire landowner groups affected. One line is
completed and the other 2, because of weather, have been delayed. We have worked out 19 small issues and 3 major issues and
the Ag specialist has been a great addition. We also, through the help of our attorney, have tried a new process as we are the
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LOCAL AFFAIRS (continued)
letter of credit holder and we worked this out through the CORPS of Engineers, our attorney and pipeline company. What we
have noticed is this company has had only 1 issue and we also received a letter from the pipeline company that we have no
liability by being the letter holder. The water pipeline is currently in the final stages of negotiations also with an attorney and
we have held 7 meetings with 2 being the entire group of affected landowners. The water group is less organized thus more
meetings and they have changed the route 3 times. The gas pipelines are only 6 to 10 miles and most fall under the easements.
We have met with each company and have the contacts with each line and have already worked with landowners. They are
satisfied with compensation yet the lines will not be finalized with work until 2016. We also have an attorney and Ag specialists
for these as well. We have also asked and supported the use of cover crops in the work area after construction is completed to
help with compaction and erosion. Currently the attorney fees on 4 of the 6 projects are being covered by the pipelines because
of the numbers we are bringing to the table and that is due to our early landowner meetings letting them know what they
needed to do. Laura Harmon has been part of this process. Currently we have had 386 different people attend meetings this year
on pipelines.
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