​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.