​On Monday, February 24th Franklin County Farm Bureau hosted a Rules for the Road seminar at the Franklin County Farm Bureau building.  Attendees were able to hear from Rodney Knittel from Illinois Farm Bureau and learn about current and upcoming trucking regulations.  Members who were unable to attend the seminar but would like to have a Rules for the Road book, can pick them up at the Franklin County Farm Bureau office.

​The Franklin County Young Leaders Committee are hosting their annual fundraiser to raise money for a scholarship to Franklin County residents.  Instead of pork loins, they will be selling a 4 pound pans of pulled pork for $40 a pan cooked by Uncle Joe’s.  Orders are due April 4th and pick up will be April 17th.  Please call (618) 435-3616 to order!

​The Franklin County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee is raffling a CVA Scout chambered in 350 Legend (blk).  A $10 donation will get one free ticket and tickets will be sold from now until our member appreciation dinner during the Franklin County Fair or until all tickets are sold.  The winner does not need to be present to win.  Donations to be used for the Franklin County Ag in the Classroom program.  Winner must be 21 years old, have a valid FOID card and be able to pass a State and Federal background check.  All State and Federal laws will be applied, transfer and take place at Hood’s Guns & More in Valier.

PEORIA – 418 young leaders in agriculture from across the state met in Peoria for the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Conference, held Feb. 7-8.
Among them, Josh Reinhardt represents District 16, Samuel Deisher represents District 17 and Katelin Stratmeyer represents District 18 on the 2024 State Young Leader Committee.
Members from Franklin, Jackson and Perry counties as well as the SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau attended the 2025 conference, which featured industry experts from across the ag landscape, educating the attendees on a wide range of topics, including succession planning, USDA programs, communication with generations, the resolution committee process, grazing land practices, ground leasing negotiations and much more.
The keynote address was given by Elaine Froese. Elaine Froese, CSP is a certified professional speaker, certified coach, and author. She’s a go-to expert for farm families who want better communication and conflict resolution to secure a successful farm transition.  In front of a packed room of 418 registered attendees, Froese spoke about succession planning and how to communicate with families during that process.
The state Young Leader Committee is comprised of 18 district representatives between ages 18 and 35 who are passionate about promoting agriculture and Illinois Farm Bureau. Committee members engage with others from around the state at conferences and workshops and through their district and county Farm Bureau.
IFB President Brian Duncan and Vice President Evan Hultine, who were both active in the Young Leaders program early in their careers, were in attendance, along with several members of the IFB board of directors.

Photo 1: Pictured left to right are Franklin County Young Leaders Ike Hutchcraft, Derek Sample and Michael Browning.

Franklin County Farm Bureau is offering 4-H grants to Franklin County 4-H'ers!  Contact our office for the application.  Applications are due May 1, 2025.