​Franklin County Farm Bureau is starting a new project this year to assist emergency services in getting to farms in a timely manner when emergencies arise.  Fire services and EMS have had difficulty locating farms and their equipment shut offs when needed.  Our new program is designed to bridge that gap.
Our plan is to number bins and add them to the GIS program Fire and EMS use.  Additional information will be added to show where the control panel for bins are, contact persons for the farm, electric, water, mechanics, etc. and any other information farmers think would be necessary.
For more information or to sign up, please call (618) 435-3616 or email [email protected].  We would like to help our entire farming community in the county, so a Farm Bureau membership is not required.

​Franklin County Farm Bureau’s 106th County Annual Meeting was called to order by President Brad Browning on Monday, December 1, 2025.  This year, the meeting was held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton.  We had a crowd of 105 in attendance.
The Sesser FFA led the Pledge of Allegiance as well as reciting the FFA Creed.  Benton and West Frankfort FFA’s were also present.  Pastor Kay gave the Invocation.
Larry Miller presented a slate to serve on the Board for a two-year term.  They were Scott Kistner – District I, Darrell Smith – District II, Steve Sniderwin – District III, Chuck Mitroka – District IV and Alicia Ward – At-Large.
We were pleased to have State Representative Dave Severin at the meeting as well.
Entertainment for the evening was Shannon Arview who played music during the meal.
Gift bags were given to those in attendance that included items donated by the Franklin County Farm Bureau and Country Financial.  Franklin County Farm Bureau also had door prizes that were drawn throughout the night.
Thank you to Fallon Summers, Ike Hutchcraft, Rhea and Joey Hutchcraft, Brad and Chelsey Browning, Michael Browning and Marc and Melissa Lamczyk for their help in getting everything set up and cleaned up.  Thank you also to Debra K’s Catering for catering a wonderful meal.

​In October, Franklin County Farm Bureau and Mulkeytown and Macedonia Southern FS locations showed their appreciation to Franklin County farmers by delivering lunch to them in the field.  We want to let our farmers know how much we appreciate their hard work and hope they have a safe harvest season!

​Each year, members of the Franklin County Young Leaders Committee have a fun event as a reward for their hard work throughout the year.  This year’s trip was attending the Illinois Farm Bureau Member Appreciation NASCAR race in Madison, IL.  They were able to see the garages, get access to concerts before and after the race, sign the starting line and had a great view from their seats.
 
Pictured left to right: Parker Hutchcraft, Ike Hutchcraft, Michael Browning and Wade Hutchens.

​On September 2nd, District 17 had their fall meeting at McLeansboro First General Baptist Church in McLeansboro.  Members heard a national legislative update from Ryan Whitehouse, a state legislative update from John Howard and Dave Severin, a Young Leader update from Sam Deisher and met with candidates running for state offices.  We appreciate everyone for taking the time to attend!

​  Notice is hereby given that the Franklin County Farm Bureau will hold its 106th Annual Meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church located at 516 N Main Street in Benton.
 
  A meal will be served at 6:15 p.m. followed by election of Directors, annual reports and other business as necessary.
 
  RESERVATIONS FOR THE MEAL ARE NECESSARY.  Members are asked to RSVP to the Franklin County Farm Bureau Office at (618) 435-3616 no later than November 17th.
Hope to see you there.
JOE HEARD, SECRETARY
FRANKLIN COUNTY FARM BUREAU

​Southern Illinois counties handed out over 250 t-shirts at the DuQuoin State Fair to exhibitors on Saturday, August 23rd and 30th.  We thank everyone who stopped by!

​Franklin County Farm Bureau hosted a class on how to make lotion from beef tallow on Tuesday, August 19th.  Alicia Ward led the class of fourteen, showing them the entire rendering and mixing process.  Alicia is the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Benton Consolidated High School where the class was held.  She also serves on the Franklin County Farm Bureau board.
Attendees were told about the importance of buying their beef locally to support farmers in their community.  Tallow can be added to their order for a low cost, so they know exactly where the products they are using come from.  The tallow for this class was donated by Fred’s Meat and Processing in Ashley, IL so it came from local beef!
Everyone was able to take home several 4oz jars of lotion they made themselves and had a great time!

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, two members of the Franklin County Young Leaders Committee competed in the District 17 Discussion Meet in Albion, IL.  There were six total competitors.
Topics of discussion included ways Farm Bureau can assist in a seamless farm transition plan and how farmers can overcome the significant challenges of urban sprawl.
Derek Sample, Franklin county, placed first, Michael Browning, Franklin county, placed second, Seth Root, Edwards county, placed third and Alex Paul, Wayne county, is the state alternate.