1917
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2017
Centennial Celebration ■ 1
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◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ 1917-1939 1940-1949 1950-1959 1960-1969
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◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009
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◆ 2010-2017
◆ Memories
◆ Political
◆ Women’s Committee
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Young Farmers/ Young Leaders
◆ Buildings
◆ Centennial Farms
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Past Presidents/ Advisors/Managers
Logan County Farm Bureau
Centennial Celebration
2 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau
Congratulations to all Logan County Farm Bureau members on this one hundred year milestone! One hundred years has seen a lot of change in agriculture. Farm Bureau was organized to be a collective voice for farmers and help farmers with the inputs they needed to produce crops and livestock. While reviewing many years of Farm Bureau Board minutes, it was evident that Farm Bureau has responded to the needs of the agriculture community and continue to do so today. In the beginning, Farm Bureau provided services such as soil testing, meat locker plant services, and collective marketing services. At that time, Extension was one and the same with Farm Bureau. By 1956, changes in agriculture were happening so quickly that it was time for Farm Bureau and Extension to separate to better serve the community. Now we have become more specialized with affiliated companies such as Growmark, providing cooperative benefits on inputs, and Country Companies, providing all types of insurance products. Fast forward to today and Farm Bureau has become more focused on representing farmers in the political arena. Locally, we try to respond to the needs of our membership through informational meetings with topics ranging from marketing to wind farms to Logan County Board issues that affect agriculture. Farm Bureau has been and continues to be a grassroots driven organization. A local member has the opportunity to present an idea or concern, have it brought to the delegate session at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting, voted on, and ultimately see it become part of our policy book. Over the years, the Young Leader Committee (previously the Young Farmer Committee) and the Woman’s Committee have been an important part of the county leadership. They have responded well to the needs and interests of the membership. Yes, one hundred years ago most farms looked a lot different than they do today. Back then each farm was very diversified in acreage and livestock. We have gone from horses to large horse-powered tractors. There are fewer farmers now, but larger, more efficient, specialized operations. Either way, one constant remains and that is the need for farmers to have a unified voice that can represent them on the local, state, and national level. The benefits we receive far exceed the dues paid. With a strong Farm Bureau we each have a partner to help us succeed. Farm, Family, and Food - it’s what we are all about! Past, present, and future - Farm Bureau, working for you!
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Logan County Farm Bureau President
100th Anniversary Committee (left to right front row): Richard Martin, Mary Ellen Martin, Blair Hoerbert, Shirley Dittus, Abby Coers, Dave Opperman (back row) Jim Drew, Alberta Hellman, Bob Meinershagen Not pictured: Bill Graff, John Fulton, Mary Lou Klokkenga, Leland Semple, Rick Holmes, Kent Paulus
Photo taken by: Marla Blair, Bends and Byways
Centennial Celebration â– 3
1917-1929 December 5, 1917 First Meeting
February 1918 June 1918 First Advisor hired First Office at E.T. Ebersol Chautauqua Grounds
4 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau
February 1922 Logan County paper “Reflector” begins
Photo (L to R table): Samuel Sorrells, Raymond, 21st district; Charles M J.L. Whisnand, Charleston, 19th district; W.H. Moody, Port Byron, 14th Frank D. Barton, Cornell, vice-president; Earl C. Smith, Detroit, pre Rockford, 12th district; Fred Dietz, De Soto, 25th district; C.E. Bamboro (Standing in Back): A.N. Skinner, Yates City, 15th district; Chas. Borg Karr, Iroquois, 18th district; A.R. Wright, Varna, 16th district; W.L. Co
1930-1939 1934 Building lot purchased by Service Company
Marshall Belknap, 24th district; George J. Stoll, Chestnut, 17th district; h district; Alden Snyder, Hillsboro, President Farm Advisors’ Association; esident; Robert A. Cowles, Bloomington, treasurer; George F. Tullock, ough, Polo, 13th district; H.C. Vial, Downers Grove, 1st to 11th districts gelt, Havana, 20th district; Frank Oexner, Waterloo, 22nd district; R.F. ope, Salem, 23rd district
1936 Grand Opening Farm Bureau Building
Centennial Celebration â– 5
6 â– Logan County Farm Bureau
Printing Error Should be
Volume 8 - Number 3
Centennial Celebration â– 7
1940-1949 1941 Farm Bureau Band started
1944 Logan County offers FBFM
1946 1945 Farm Bureau purchases LCFB board votes to handle seed corn the Service Company Building
IAA Director E.T. Culnan loads his spreader with cobs to haul to the fields. Culnan reparis a cornstalk cutter while son Tommy and Logan County Organization Director Ray Schillings look on.
Culnan works on an income tax return with the aid of his electric adding machine.
Robert Theobald, Logan County, won the grand championship in the state fair’s open class with one barrow from his pen of three, then picked out another which won in the junior show. 8 ■Logan County Farm Bureau
N.H. Anderson, Logan County Farm Advisor (right), chairman of the Logan County scrap iron and rubber drive, sees another cannon go to war as scrap for 62.5 cents per 100 pounds. Left is Jack Leevey, metal dealer, and his truck driver.
1950-1959 1954 Joint Annual Meeting with Swine Herd Improvement Assoc.
1956 Farm Bureau and Extension seperate
1958 LCFB sponsors a trap shooting event
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arming in the 1950’s was another transition time in many ways. Most farms still produced cattle and hogs along with crops. The 80 acre farms were either disappearing or expanding to 160 acres and larger. Many smaller farmers had supplementary jobs, such as hay baling, corn shelling, or working at other places. There were a few “Blue Silos” sprouting up for storing silage or grain for cattle feeding. The beginning examples of larger hog feeding and confinement hog production operations were emerging. The traditional harvesting of ear corn was beginning to convert to harvesting of shelled corn with self-propelled combines and corn heads, with grain platforms still used for wheat, oats, and soybeans. This was a big start in building of grain bins to store shelled corn and drying of grain in these bins. John Deere Company was still selling 2 cylinder tractors. JI Case and International Harvester were still separate companies, as were Allis-Chalmers, Massey Harris, Oliver, Ford, and others. A local farm machinery dealer was in almost every small town, and several were located in Lincoln. Corn prices always seemed to vary from about $1 to $1.50 per bushel at local elevators in this period. -Jim Hawes
Lincoln, Logan County Seat, celebrated its centennial. This elaborate float was entered in the progress parade on the final day of festivities.
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was raised in rural America. As we travel around these days, I notice the glaring absence of farmsteads and small towns. Farms are getting bigger and, as they do so, small towns are disappearing. This causes us to wonder about the effect this will have on rural life. Living in rural America, some may say I’ve lived a sheltered life, but I was raised to have a positive attitude. My mother always had a positive and non-critical outlook on life, never criticizing someone’s conduct or speech, other than for her own children’s guidance. My mother was a Presbyterian preacher’s daughter, which is probably the source of her forgiving attitude. My grandfather was a very generous man, often giving away baskets of food that were given (as was customary in those days) to his own family. Though my grandparents were not well off themselves, they were more concerned with those who had less than they did and always demonstrated concern for others. Rural families shared many rituals. One ritual we had was fixing sweet corn. The guys would pick the corn in the early morning and put the ears in old burlap bags. They took them to an area on the front lawn where there were lawn chairs, a big garden cart for the husks, and clothes baskets to hold the shucked ears of corn. When we had made considerable progress, someone would yell, “Coffee time!” We would grab a container of shucked corn and take it to the house where we enjoyed Aunt Vi’s delicious sweet rolls. Afterwards, we were instructed to continue with our work, which took place with the usual chatter and several interruptions while mothers checked on their little ones who were generally playing outside. Family and friends were very important to a rural family. When someone had a serious illness, friends would drop by to visit, pray, and bring goodies. When someone was sick or hurt or just falling behind, neighbors and family jumped in to help out. Rural families knew and still do know the strength we receive from the comfort and well-wishes of compassionate friends and keep in mind God’s word in Galatians 6:9; “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” -Leonard Krusemark Centennial Celebration ■ 9
1960-1969 1964 1965 FFA Acquaintance Day Young People & begins Women’s Committee formed
1965 FB Softball team formed
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hile in the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee we educated and promoted products in our food and household goods. We invited three neighboring counties Women’s Committees (or Lady Landowners) to a luncheon that we would prepare at a local church. The soy products were given by Archer Daniel Midland (ADM). The menu included soy burgers, lasagna, spaghetti, pasta salad, cookies, M & M’s and other flavored soy nuts. We also gave samples of soy nuts out at health fairs. We also toured “Mary Mann Herbs” located near Decatur, Illinois and learned about herb gardening and health products. While there we ate flower sandwiches and special flavored teas. Returning to Lincoln we visited a local herb garden on the Beason/Chestnut Road hosted by the daughter of one of our members. Another activity that I especially remember was the brainchild of several women members called the “Look Alike Poison” display that we took to the health fairs. We would display household products and identify the harmful or safe effects of the chemicals. Activities in and with the Farm Bureau Women were always very educational and interesting. -Shirley Dittus
10 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau
1966 First joint FB and FS Annual Meeting
1969 1968 Shelter Erected at Memorial “Reflector” replaced by Courier page Park for 50th Anniversary
1970-1979
1971 1975 1977 1978 1971 1974 1975 FB Building Citrus program Promote Land of Lincoln LCFB begins FB Exec. Secretary Baler purchased for Young LCFB joins ICGA Market Line service changed to County Manager Farmers Chem. Can Crush Remodel begins Soybean Checkoff
Mrs. Robert Jeckel, Hartsburg, at left and Mrs. Archie Jeckel, Emden, were primarily responsible for constructing a colorful replica of the IAA symbol using various seeds. Admiring the handiwork are Wesley Zimmer, Emden, Logan County, Farm Bureau president, and Robert Jeckel, Hartsburg, a member of the Young Farmers Committee.
Officer for the Legislative commitee for administrative 1975 include Harold Hellman, vice chairman; Mayford Davis, chairman; and Bob Jeckel, secretary. This committee works in conjunction with the Illinois Farm Bureau Legistaltive staff for a more effective legislative effort.
Late 1970’s - Chemical Can Crushing
1972 - Tent at the Logan County Fair
1977 State IAA Meeting -- Photo Back Row (L to R): Earl Thies, Irene Thies, Dale Davis, Christy Luster, Alberta Hellman, Lloyd Hellman, Agnes Zimmer, Wes Zimmer, Leland Klokkenga (Middle Row L to R): Viola Alberts, Rosemary Young, Barb Peddicord, Helen Betzelberger, Marian Haseley, Lila Conklin, Irene Davis, Mary Lou Klokkenga, Sandy Hasenmyer Front Row (L to R): Nelson Alberts, Tom Young, Charlie Peddicord, Nelson Betzelberger, Art Haseley, Irwin Conklin, Mayford Davis, Jan Ottey (County Manager), Marvin Hasenmyer
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1980-1989 1980 Young Farmers Farmstead Display finished & taken to many venues
1981 LCFB holds several meetings on farmland assessments
AT MEET - Bill Graff of Middletown Represented Logan County in the Young Farmers’ district discussion meet. He finished in first place and will be participating in the state discussion meet during the 1985 IAA annual meeting in St. Louis. (FB Photo)
1987 - Retiring President George Opperman received a recognition plaque for his nine years as director and also as president of the Farm Bureau. Presenting the plaque is Richard Martin.
1983 Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting -- Photo (Back Row L to R): Don Kurtz, Blanche Kurtz, Earl Thies, Irene Thies, Mary Lou Klokkenga, Leland Klokkenga (Middle Row L to R): Karen Lowery, Sue Adams, Marcia Greenslate, Marian Haseley, Ruth Opperman, Judy Haseley, Viola Alberts Front Row (L to R): Dave Opperman, Dave Lowery, John Adams, Jim Drew, Bob Meinershagen, George Opperman Jr., Lynn Haseley, Nelson Alberts, Brian Kessinger 12 â– Logan County Farm Bureau
Lotta grapefruit in Logan County (1981) - More than 400 cases of grapefruit jam the hallway at the Logan County Farm Bureau office in Lincoln - with more than 500 more cases of oranges yet to be unloaded from a semi in the parking lot. The big truck bearing the citrus fruit direct from the Florida Farm Bureau arrived right on time Sunday morning and volunteer Farm Bureau members were waiting to unload it. Before the truck was unloaded, folks were already coming in to pick up fruit they had ordered in advance. It’s a popular annual event in Logan County and a part of the farmers-to-member direct marketing program handled by the Illinois Agricultural Service Company.
e Photo on right: Rick Holmes helps unload citrus from the truck.
LOGAN FB CITED -- Bob Meinershagen, left, Logan County Farm Bureau president, accepts a recognition plaque from John White Jr., Illinois Farm Bureau president. The plaque, in recognition of Logan County Farm Bureau’s 1984 accomplishments, was presented at the annual IFB meeting in Chicago. (IFB Photo)
County Farm Bureau members at Viewpoint Centennial Celebration ■ 13
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Logan County Farm Bureau officers for 1984-1985 are from left: Lynn Haseley, secretary; Bob Meinershagen, president; George Opperman, vice president, and Dick Martin, treasurer
Richard Martin (right) accepted a recognition plaque awarded to the Logan County Farm Bureau for accomplishments during 1987. The award, presented by Illinois Farm Bureau President, John White Jr., during the organization’s annual meeting, calls attention to the comprehensive nature of Farm Bureau programs.
Logan County Farm Bureau officers for 1985-1986 are from left: Leonard Krusemark, vice president; Richard Martin, treasurer; George Opperman, president; and Lynn Haseley, secretary
1988 - Logan County Farm Bureau Fair Tent
Logan County Farm Bureau officers for 1987-1988 are from left: Leland Semple, secretary; Jim Rohrer, vice president; Richard Martin, president; Leonard Krusemark, treasurer
October 1984 - Safety Seminar - Some 25 persons representing Logan County Farm Families recently attended a Farm Family Safety Seminar at St. John’s United Church of Christ. It was conducted by Doug Sommer, regional coordinator of public relations for Country Companies. The Farm Bureau affiliated Country Companies sponsored the seminar with the cooperation of the Logan County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. 14 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau
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1990-1999 1992 FB & FS hold seperate Annual Meetings
1996 Differentiated Dues start
1996 Directors elected at large
1996 LCFB Foundation & PAC established
e 1990 - Mr. & Mrs. Rex Wright of Lincoln recieved a $25 meat certificate for having the first baby born on Father’s Day or closest to Father’s Day. Each year the Women’s Committee presents a certificate as part of their beef promotion program. Presenting the certificate to Mr. & Mrs. Wright is Mary Ellen Martin.
1997 LCFB hosts IDOA Director Joe Hampton
More than 280 county Farm Bureau women’s committee leaders from 60 counties around the state participated in the annual Illinois Farm Bureau Women’s Conference, March 10-11, 1990 in Springfield. “Farm Bureau Women: Energized” introduced the women to agriculture issues, Farm Bureau programs, and allowed them the opportunity to sharpen leadership skills. County Farm Bureau leaders attended learning sessions on topics including enbironmentalism, marketing, legislative issues, women’s health issue, groundwater quality and protective equipment for use of pesticides. Attending are (L to R): Ruth Cross, District 10 Representative; and from Logan County, Marilyn Steiger and Mary Ellen Martin
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hen Joe Hampton was Illinois Director of Agriculture IFB was not going to have a special reception for him up in Chicago at the annual meeting. Logan County stepped up to the plate and had a really wonderful reception for Joe. And, at the time Joe knew every Logan County Farm Bureau board members first name. And to this day Joe remembers that. Logan County also had a very special relationship with United States Senator Peter Fitzgerald. Jim Drew the manager had a very good working relationship with The Senator’s staff. Logan County had very good influence on what the Senator thought on agricultural issues. In December of 1999 Congressman Tom Ewing was getting ready for the George W Bush Presidential Primary campaign, Tom asked to use the Logan County Farm Bureau suite at the annual meeting to hold his initial planning meeting. Even though Congressman Ewing was originally from Atlanta, Illinois Logan County was not in his Congressional District. Nonetheless he wanted to hold it in “friendly” territory. Logan County will continue to have influence in the future not with just our own elected officials, but with those also representing other districts. -Bill Graff
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2000-2009 2004 2004 Joint Interest in lot LCFB joins the next to FB building purchased Adopt a Legislator Program
2005 LCFB supports formation of local water authority
2008 2008 LCFB supports Women’s Committee’s Railsplitters Windfarm Tractor Rollover Display
2005 - Steve Schreiner during Fourth Day Ag Day.
New (windmill) /Past (barn) Technology in Logan County. 2013 - Lila Conklin and Blair Hoerbert with a corn display promoting ethanol at Logan County Fair.
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s long as I can remember my family has been proud Farm Bureau members in Logan County. I was asked to represent Orvil Township in the Farm Bureau Womens Committee soon after its organization. Our purpose was to promote and activate the entire Farm Bureau program. From the promotion of meat and dairy products in the Farm Bureu fair tent, the health and safety programs to farm families we educated of hundreds of students reached at many of our Ag in the Classroom projects. Our goal has always been to improve the well-being of agriculture. -Mary Lou Krusemark Klokkenga
2008 - Safety display showing the importance of tractor and heavy duty equipment safety. Centennial Celebration ■ 17
2010-2017
2011 LCFB Young Leaders established
2013 2013 2014 2015 2017 LCFB begins LCFB joins Ag in the Classroom LCFB Organizes LCFB Co-sponsors St. Louis LCFB Hosts Local IL Farm Families with Extension Logan Ag Flavors Science Center Ag Display 100th Anniversary Celebration
2014 - Logan County Farm Bureau at Ag Flavors Photo (L to R): Randy Awe, Ron Kindred, Gary Atteberry, Ed Mayfield, John Olson, Derek Martin, Dave Opperman, Tyler Ayers
2016 - Representative Laura Fine, Logan County Adopted Legislator. talks with Blair Hoerbert, Logan County Farm Bureau President, and Christine Norrie, at Wayne Hanner’s farm in Logan County.
2014 - Logan County Farm Bureau at Ag Flavors
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im Drew and I attended a fundraiser for Logan County’s Adopt a Legislator, State Representative Laura Fine, at the Valley Lo Club in Glenview, IL on August 4th, 2016. It was a very well attended gathering with Laura briefing the group on her accomplishments and goals. I was honored to present Laura with the Illinois Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award. This award is given to Illinois Legislators that have supported agricultural issues over the past year. We are extremely proud that Laura received this award and highly value our exchange of ideas and information. -Ron Kindred 2015 - Eli Klokkenga with two participants at the Kiddie Tractor Pull hosted by the Young Leaders. 18 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau
Memories Photo (L to R): Larry Baker, Lynn Haseley, John Adams, George Opperman Jr.
Socializing at the Logan County Fair
Photo (L to R): Rick Holmes, Jamie Holmes, Becky Semple, Leland
Photo (L to R): Alberta Hellman, Shirley Dittus, Victor Dittus
Socializing at the Logan County Fair
Young Farmers State Conference (left to right): Steve Hess, chairman of the IFB Young Farmers Committee; and Logan County Representatives Vicki Cross, David Opperman, Jim Drew, Brent Hellman, Jamie Holmes, Rick Holmes
Photo (L to R): Bob Meinershagen, Sandy Meinershagen, Sandy Hasenmyer, Marvin Hasenmyer
A grain bin safety display was displayed for Farm Safety Week during the New Holland Homecoming. Left to right is Alberta Hellman and Viola Alberts Centennial Celebration â– 19
Logan County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee New Officers for 1988-89 are (left to right) Chrisy Luster, Vice Chairman; Mary Ellen Martin, Chairman; and Marilyn Steiger, Secretary
Logan Farm Service Co. service station.
1985 -- George Opperman Jr., (right) accepted a recognition plaque awarded to Logan County Farm Bureau for accomplishments in 1985. Presented by Illinois Farm Bureau President John White, Jr.
Cheap, Quick, Easy way to inoculate seed -- Merle L. Houston got tired of the slow methods of inoculating seed and built this neat little gadget. It’s just an old barrel with a hole cut in the side, mounted on axles and with a crank to give it the spin. Simply put the seed and the inoculatnt in the barrel, close the door and wind it up. It’s much faster, Houston says, and more thorough in its treatment of the seed.
Joint Annual Meeting with Farm Bureau and FS. Photo (L to R): Helen Betzleberger and Leonard Kruzemark
Alberta Hellman and Mary Lou Klokkenga at Fourth Grade Ag Day 20 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau
Director and Committee Chairpersons for Logan County Farm Bureau for 19881989. Each year the board is reorganized and new committee chairpersons appointed. During Farm Family Day the Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee sponsored a Kiddie Tractor Pull. Brett Aukamp of Lincoln received first place and Tami Meinershagen of Lincoln received second in the 76-100 lb class. Presenting the tropies is Dave Opperman, chairman of the Young Farmers.
Herman Schwantz (left) and Dave Opperman (right) of Logan County Farm Bureau Young Farmers presented a $500 check to Todd Wibben for this year’s recipient of the Farm Bureau’s Ag Scholarship Program.
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Political I Richard Martin, Bob Dole, Mark McGee
1988 - The two front runners in the Republican presidential nomination made their respective cases before more than 100 Farm Bureau leaders from across the state. Photo (above L to R): Richard Martin, Mary Ellen Martin, Sue Adams, John Adams, Jim Rohrer
am proud to represent Logan County as a county focused strongly on Agriculture. We see it through the yields and livestock operations year to year. Seeing in the past from visiting farms in the area alongside Congressman Ray LaHood and U.S. Secretary of Ag Ed Madigan, residents of Logan County agriculture is deeply rooted right here in the heart of my district. -Tim Butler, Illinois State Representative
Photo (top right lower): U.S. Senator Robert Dole (third from left), candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, smiles as he reads a story about his campaign in the Chicago Tribune while waiting to take the podium Friday at the Illinois Farm Bureau headquarters in Blooming. At right is John White Jr., IFB president. Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture John Block holds the paper for Dole. At left is state Senator John Maitland, Bloomington.
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arming...is there a career any more gratifying or a lifestyle any more satisfying than being a farmer? To this day, I still treasure an old piston, that came from a John Deere 70. It’s the very tractor I used as I helped my dad farm our ground. That old piston symbolizes the solid, hard work ethic that got me off on the right foot growing up and in all the opportunities that came my way in life. The piston and I are like old friends that share a lot of fond memories. I have one other friedn that is still going strong after 100 years: the Logan County Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau has always looked out for and lobbied in the best interests of the traditional farm community. They stand out enough to be one of the best and have raised the bar, essentially representing the gold standard. From what I can tell, they have discovered the value of evolving with the farm family over the years. -Larry Bomke
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2000 - Bill Graff promoting Presidential Candidate George W. Bush by tilling his field.
Women’s Committee met with Larry Bomke at the Capitol. Photo (L to R): Alberta Hellman, Joann Hawes, Larry Bomke, Lila Conklin (seated), Viola Alberts, Mary Lou Klokkenga
2016 - Governor Bruce Rauner visited Richard and Mary Ellen Martin’s farm.
2003 - Photo (L to R): Kent Paulus, Jim Drew, Lisa Drew, State Representative Rich Brauer, Tony Curcuru, Judge John McCullough
2017 - Blair Hoerbert and Dave Opperman meet with the US Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.
2016 - Presenting the Friend of Ag Award to Representative Laura Fine, Logan County Adopted Legislator. Photo (L to R): Jim Drew, Farm Bureau Manger, Illinois House Representative Laura Fine, Ron Kindred, Vice President of Logan County Farm Bureau, Christine Norrie, Northeast Legislative Coordinator.
2016 - (photo left) Presenting the Friend of Ag Award to Darin LaHood, U.S. Representative. Photo (L to R): Dave Opperman, Logan County Farm Bureau President, John Olson, Darin LaHood, and Alan Roos (seated).
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he ‘Adopt a Legislator’ program through the Illinois Farm Bureau is one of the most enjoyable and enlightening experiences in my years of service in the Illinois General Assembly. As a woman from the northern suburbs of Chicago, I came to the legislature with little to no knowledge about agriculture and the diverse issues and challenges facing our farmers. The adoption of me and my entire family by our Logan County farm family has been educational, welcoming and incredible! We had an instant connection with our new extended family that has blossomed far beyond a casual friendship. My adopted family is always available to answer any questions about legislation impacting agriculture and the agricultural community. ‘Adopt a Legislator’ has broadened my perspective of the diverse issues in our state and, as a result, has made me a more effective, well-rounded, thoughtful public servant. -Laura Fine, Illinois House Representative Centennial Celebration ■ 23
Women’s Committee Leadership Conference YEAR - More than 350 county Farm Bureau women from across Illinois attended the Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee Conference in Champaign March 26-28. Shown with Jean Carls (left), State Women’s Committee member representing District 10 are (from left) Lila Conklen, Irene Theis, Betty Krusemark, Fran Cross, Viola Alberts, Alberta Hellman, Mary Lou Klokkenga, Ruth Opperman, all of Logan County. (IFB Photo)
1989 - A record number of 370 county Farm Bureau women’s committee members gained leadership skills and information about ideas to strengthen county programs during the Illinois Farm Bureau State Women’s Conference. Photo (L to R): Hazel Fritz, IFB State Women’s Committee Chariman, Logan County Participants include (back row): Ruth Opperman, Christy Luster, Marilyn Steiger, Alberta Hellman, Betty Krusemark, Irene Thies, (front row): Mary Ellen Martin, Lila Conklen, Mary Lou Klokkenga, Viola Alberts, Claire Schreiner, and Frances Cross.
24 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau
1972 - Women attending the District Fall Women’s Conference in Bloomington this past week were (left to right) Mrs. Hardin Ellis, Mrs. Wes Zimmer, Mrs. Marvin Ackerman, Mrs. Paul Dahmm, Mrs. Leland Klokkenga and Mrs. Lloyd Hellman.
1990 - Approximately 350 women’s committee members from 70 county Farm Bureaus attended the 1990 Illinois Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Statewide Conference held March 14-15. Conference attendees participated in workshops on subjects covering the changes in Eastern Europe and Soviet Union, sustainable agriculture, animal rights, and retirement planning. Women’s Committee members also took part in roundtable discussions geared toward improving effectiveness of women’s committee activities. Featured speakers at the two-day conference included C.Y. Allen, a Wisconsin educator who discussed how leadership shapes change, and Marsha Purcell, American Farm Bureau Federation director of program development, who outlined issues and changes farm women may face in the 1990’s.
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I was involved with displaying dressed up mannequins representing different people connected with agriculture in a tent at the fair. The people on display were export executives, researchers, food processors, retail consumers, and a farm couple. There were also displays of farm products and literature available. Our poison look alike display at the health fair was also very important. I also enjoyed going to district, state, and national Farm Bureau events with my husband George. -Ruth Opperman
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Several highlights that I recall was a farm / city dinner and program that we hosted on National Ag Day. Our members and their spouses were invited to bring a city couple along for a ham dinner. Our featured speaker was Peggy Kaye farm director for radio station WTAX in Springfield.
1990-1991
arm Bureau has been an important part of our family. Personally, I have enjoyed being active on the Womens Committee.
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Young Farmers
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Young Farmers working on ag display. Photo (L to R) Sandy Hasenmyer, Jim Bergman, Deb Haseley (standing), Lynn Haseley, Pam Conklin
Hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross.
Young Farmers host a Chemical Can Crush day to recycle 5 gallon cans. Photo includes Lynn Haseley, Dave Lowery, Jim Bergman
Setting up an ag display at the Logan County Fair. This display traveled from St. Louis to Chicago in malls and fairs. Photo (L to R): Rick Holmes, Leland Semple, Lynn Haseley, Jim Rohrer, Rod Conklin
Using a converted baler to crush chemical cans. 26 â– Logan County Farm Bureau
Herman Schwantz and Dave Opperman presenting the mud volleyball tournament winners a trophy at the Logan County Fairgrounds.
2017 - Thomas Titus educating fourth graders about agriculture in Logan County. 2015 - Eli Klokkenga and Matt Wrage crop scouting in Logan County.
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2017 - Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders State Conference. Left to right: Blair Bruns, Matt Wrage, Chelsea Coers, Abby Coers, Eli Klokkenga, Blaine Hellman
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he Farm Bureau Young Leaders have been an active part of Logan County Farm Bureau over 50 years. The group consists of a mix of young men and women from Logan County that are directly immersed in farming, agribusiness and beyond. One common theme of these Young Leaders is a passion to represent Agriculture in the community and enhance Agricultural Awareness. Currently, some of the highlights that the FBYL is involved in are: hosting kiddie tractor pulls, a Logan County Crop Tour, FBYL Golf Outing (over $8,000 has been given to charity the past 2 years from this event), Ag Acquaintance Day, Ag Industry/Agribusiness Tours with local FFA Chapters, Sweet Corn-Food Pantry Donation contests with surrounding counties, and much more. -Eli Klokkenga
2016 - Crop Scouting in Logan County. Left to right: Eli Klokkenga, Matt Wrage, Kyle Atteberry
2017 - Logan County Young Leaders during a meeting. Back Row left to right: Zach Schmidt, John Brooks, Troy Rawlings, Matt Schreiner, Brent Gieseke, Eli Klokkenga, Blaine Hellman; Front Row left to right: Deana Brooks, Blair Bruns, Chelsea Coers, Abby Coers, Liz Fanning, Alan Mouldenhauer
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Buildings In 1935, the Farm Bureau building was new. It housed
the Mason-Logan Service Co. which was affiliated with Farm Bureaus of the two counties. Logan Farm Bureau officers who posed in front of the new building include: Front Row, Left to Right: Issac Dagley, Wesley Scroggin, Charles Warrick, Harry Jackson, John Hadden, Mason Parker, Charles Schmidt (president), Julia Hickey (office secretary), Ray Staats, George Stoll, Ed Rentmeister, and W.J. Houston. Back Row, Left to Right: Frank Sparks, Ted Culnan, Tom Hanahan, Hardin Ellis, Burch F. Lee, N.H. Anderson (farm advisor), Charlie Van Meter, Herman Bauer, and William Zimmer.
In 1971, the Farm Bureau building had a modern look located on the east side of the square in Lincoln. It’s exterior and interior have modern decor and plush furnishings. Open house for the structure was Sunday, September 19th, 1971 from 1:00pm-5:00pm.
28 â– Logan County Farm Bureau
Centennial Celebration â– 29
Centennial Farms Family Name City Township Date of Purchase Adams Atlanta Atlanta 1843 Adams Atlanta Eminence 1862 Anderson Beason Aetna 1885 Awe Elkhart Elkhart 1894 Awe Chestnut Laenna 1868 Baker Lincoln West Lincoln 1868 Beaver New Holland Sheridan 1869 Behrends Hartsburg Orvil 1888 Bevan Beason Oran 1867 Birnbaum Lincoln East Lincoln 1863 Birnbaum Lincoln East Lincoln 1913 Bock Williamsville Hurlbut 1870 Boughan Lincoln West Lincoln 1863 Brittin Williamsville Hurlburt 1856 Brooker Mt. Pulaski Mt. Pulaski 1848 Brown Lincoln East Lincoln 1864 Brown Lincoln Broadwell 1853 Burner New Holland Sheridan 1901 Cates Mt. Pulaski Laenna 1881 Coady Middletown Corwin 1888 Cosby Broadwell Broadwell 1836 Cowan Mt. Pulaski Laenna 1852 Culnan Lincoln Chester 1871 Cunningham San Jose Prairie Creek 1866 Dahmm Beason Aetna 1901 Damarin Mt. Pulaski Mt. Pulaski 1855 Davis Lincoln Broadwell 1854 Diers New Holland Sheridan 1866 Dittus Lincoln Mt. Pulaski 1841 Donnan Chestnut Aetna 1861 Drake Beason Oran 1879 Drake Elkhart Elkhart 1865 Ebel Lincoln East Lincoln 1885 Fink Beason Aetna 1859 Fink Beason Aetna 1883 Fitzgibbon Elkhart Broadwell 1895 Folkes Emden Prairie Creek 1876 Follis Mt. Pulaski Mt. Pulaski 1887 Gehlbach Beason Oran 1912 Gehlbach Lincoln Chester 1902 Gehlbach Beason Oran 1885 Gemberling Emden Orvil 1876 Geyer Mt. Pulaski Laenna 1892 Gilchrist Emden Orvil 1852 Graff Middletown Corwin 1890 Gupton Mt. Pulaski Mt. Pulaski 1855
30 â– Logan County Farm Bureau
Family Name City Township Date of Purchase Haefeli Latham Laenna 1899 Harris Beason Aetna 1863 Heitmann Lincoln West Lincoln 1864 Hieronymus Atlanta Atlanta 1878 Hill New Holland Sheridan 1837 Hinck Middletown Corwin 1909 Hoblit Atlanta Atlanta 1852 Horn Mt. Pulaski Laenna 1885 Irwin Beason Orwin 1912 Jecke-Post Emden Orvil 1882 Johnston, Jr. Beason Oran 1882 Jost Emden Orvil 1865 Keys Beason Oran 1864 Kiest Hartsburg Prairie Creek 1890 Klockenga Atlanta Eminence 1893 Klockkenga Hartsburg Orvil 1890 Knudsen New Holland Sheridan 1865 Krause Beason Aetna 1871 Kroos Lincoln East Lincoln 1865 La Forge New Holland Sheridan 1837 Leesman Hartsburg Orvil 1892 Liesman Atlanta Atlanta 1909 McCormick Emden Orvil 1860 McCormick Emden Orvil 1870 McCormick Emden Orvil 1886 McGee Illiopolis Lake Fork 1884 Michaels Beason Oran 1875 Miller Lincoln East Lincoln 1857 Minder Lincoln Chester 1912 Nykanen San Jose Prairie Creek 1909 Opperman Chestnut Laenna 1880 Opperman Lincoln Chester 1874 Opperman Lincoln Aetna 1864 Opperman Lincoln Laenna 1890 Opperman Lincoln Chester 1862 Osborn New Holland Sheridan 1854 Paulus Lincoln West Lincoln 1867 Pegram Lincoln 1878 Peifer Lincoln East Lincoln 1867 Pirmann San Jose Prairie Creek 1909 Quisenberry Emden Orvil 1853 Quisenberry Emden Orvil 1850 Quisenberry Atlanta Eminence 1883 Randolph Kenney Aetna 1837 Read Elkhart Broadwell 1860 Regan Kenney Aetna 1840 Richardson Williamsville Buffalo Hart 1826 Rogers Emden Prairie Creek 1895 Rogers Atlanta Eminence 1849 Rohrer Lincoln East Lincoln 1865 Roos Chestnut Aetna 1895 Roos Beason Aetna 1872 Ruben Hartsburg Orvil 1890 Centennial Celebration â– 31
Centennial Farms Family Name City Township Date of Purchase Ruben Emden Orvil 1888 Schahl Lincoln Mt. Pulaski 1848 Schilling Emden Orvil 1893 Schmidt Lincoln West Lincoln 1884 Schoby Emden Prairie Creek Schroth Chestnut Leanna 1807 Schroth Chestnut Leanna 1857 Schutz Lincoln East Lincoln 1902 Shockey Elkhart Hurlbut 1870 Short Emden Prairie Creek Sparks Lincoln East Lincoln 1864 Stoll Chestnut Leanna 1869 Stoll Chestnut Aetna 1909 Tendick Mt. Pulaski Mt. Pulaski 1872 Travis Chestnut Aetna 1883 Welch Lincoln Oran 1898 Werth Lincoln West Lincoln 1860 Wilmert Lincoln Chester 1871 Wilmert Lincoln Sheridan 1845 Woods Atlanta Atlanta 1883 Wrage Emden West Lincoln 1891 Zimmerman San Jose Prairie Creek 1877
Sesquicentennial Farms
e Family Name
City
Township
Date of Purchase
Birnbaum Lincoln East Lincoln 1863 Brooker Mt. Pulaski Mt. Pulaski 1845 Cowan Mt. Pulaski Laenna 1852 Damarin Mt. Pulaski Mt. Pulaski 1855 Hill New Holland Sheridan 1837 Opperman Lincoln Chester 1862 Paulus Lincoln West Lincoln 1867 Peifer Lincoln East Lincoln 1867 Randolph Kenney Aetna 1837 Winterroth Elkhart Elkhart 1837
32 â– Logan County Farm Bureau
1918-1919 1919-1922 1922-1925 1925-1928 1928-1931 1943-1948 1948-1950 1950-1952 1952-1953 1953-1957 1957-1959 1959-1961 1961-1964 1964-1965 1965-1968
Presidents
W.E. Birks J.A. Starkey George J. Stoll Charles Schmidt William Zimmer Charles A. Culp William Drake Herman Bauer Byron E. Herington Robert E. Downing Robert E. Lauer Herbert Knollenberg Frank H. Pope, Jr. Edwin Kleinschmidt Earl Thies
Mt. Pulaski Lincoln Chestnut Beason Emden Latham Elkhart New Holland Mt. Pulaski Beason Beason Lawndale Mt. Pulaski Lincoln New Holland
1968-1975 1975-1978 1978-1980 1980-1985 1985-1987 1987-1989 1989-1992 1992-1996 1996-1998 1998-2001 2001-2006 2006-2013 2013-2015 2015-present
Wesley Zimmer Arthur Haseley Nelson Betzelberger Bob Meinershagen George Opperman, Jr. Richard Martin Leland Semple Bob Pharis Rick Holmes Bill Graff Kent Paulus Bob Pharis Blair Hoerbert Dave Opperman
Emden Beason Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Hartsburg Lincoln New Holland Middletown Lincoln Lincoln San Jose Lincoln
Adviser/Managers
Dual Extension Adviser and Farm Bureau Executive Secretary 1918-1922 E.T. Ebersol 1922-1934 J.H. Checkly 1934-1949 N.H. Anderson 1949-1956 Fred Hoppin Farm Bureau Executive Secretary 1957-1962 Tom Smythe 1962-1964 David Clem 1964-1970 Bill Wilson 1970-1972 Tom Hale 1972-1976 Bob Wendt 1976 John Wately Farm Bureau County Manger 1977 Jan Ottey 1978-present Jim Drew Illinois Cooperative Extension Adviser 1956-1967 Harold Brinkmeir 1967-1983 Charlie Englehart 1983-2017 John Fulton
Centennial Celebration â– 33
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34 ■ Logan County Farm Bureau 0415-543HC-20947-10/20/2017
Centennial Celebration â– 35
2017 Board Members
Jim Drew Farm Bureau Manager Photo (Back Row L to R): Dave Opperman, Dr. Bill Armbruster, Ron Kindred, John Olson, Derek Martin, Randy Awe, Ed Mayfield, Jared Brown (Front Row L to R): Larry Gleason, Blair Hoerbert (Not in photo: Larry Martin)
2016 Yield Averages in Logan County Corn 219.4 Bushels Per Acre Total Production: 43,723,000 Bushels
Soybeans 66.6 Bushels Per Acre Total Production: 9,156,000 Bushels
Logan County Farm Bureau 120 S McLean Street #A Lincoln, IL 62656 (217) 732-7326 36 â– Logan County Farm Bureau