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2 • Thursday, December 17, 2015 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

Farm economy continues to concern Illinois farmers CHICAGO — Considering the current farm economy, 66 percent of Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) members surveyed prior to the organization’s Annual Meeting feel less optimistic about the farm economy in the coming year compared to 2015.

The answer was in response to an email survey of 327 IFB members registered with IFB’s Legislative Action Center.

“For the second year in a row, IFB members said they feel less optimistic about the coming year, and it’s no surprise as to why,” said Richard Guebert, Jr., president, Illinois Farm Bureau.

“Over the last year, commodity prices have stayed below break-even levels. Input costs like cash rent, crop protection and seed have not receded to follow the drop in commodity prices.”

As a result of their concerns over the farm economy, 84 percent of respondents said they plan to reduce inputs or expenses in 2016.

When asked specifically how they would do so, 91 percent of respondents plan to delay implement purchases over the coming year, while 45 percent said they would delay or cut back on chemical and fertilizer purchases.

Additionally, 38 percent said they would negotiate lower cash rent; 37 percent said they would buy less expensive seed;

24 percent said they would incorporate new technology; 11 percent said they would choose a lower level of crop insurance coverage; and 9 percent said they would give up a portion of rented ground for 2016.

(Respondents were instructed to choose all options that apply.)

Concerns over the farm economy were added to concerns regarding regulatory and legislative issues. Respondents were asked to rank several priority issues in terms of importance in the coming year.

The top concern was striking down the Waters of the U.S. rule followed by tax reform; maintaining the viability of federal crop insurance; preserving the Renewable Fuels Standard and making transportation infrastructure improvements.

“As we look toward the coming year, farmers are going to have to carefully consider every decision they make to ensure they’re protecting their farms and are able to survive the farm economy downturn,” Guebert said. “We’re doing our best to provide our members with the information they need to make those tough decisions that will keep their farms on secure financial footing.”

Members also were polled regarding their conservation and nutrient management efforts.

Just over 92 percent of

respondents said they regularly test soil for potassium and phosphorus levels; 65 percent said they use variable rate technology for fertilizer applications; 56 percent split nitrogen applications; and 55 percent follow the University of Illinois Agronomy Handbook recommendations for phosphorus and potassium applications.

(Respondents were instructed to choose all options that apply.)

Additionally, 46 percent of farmers said they have used cover crops in the past, with 76 percent having planted cover crops for five years or less. Of those who have not used cover crops, 64 percent said they would be willing to do so in the future.

Eighty-four percent of farmers said they have installed buffer strips along streams or ditches on their farms. Nearly 53 percent of farmers said they receive no cost share or incentives for their best management practices.

“This is the fifth consecutive year we’ve surveyed members to gauge their feelings on key IFB issues, concerns and conservation practices,” Guebert said. “It helps us as leaders ensure we’re tackling the issues and needs of our members and prioritizing our resources to the best of our abilities.”

The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm

CHAMPAIGN — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA is awarding loans and grants that will help more than 1,100 rural small businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy usage and costs in their operations.

The funding is for energy efficiency improvements and/ or renewable energy systems. In Illinois, 42 producers and small businesses are recipients of this funding which totals $1,566,148.

The projects are being financed through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“Rural business owners, including agricultural producers, are blending these energy saving measures into their operations to help reduce their carbon footprint and cut operational costs,” said Colleen Callahan, USDA Rural Development Director for Illinois.

“The Rural Energy for America Program helps fund these

projects that are mutually beneficial for the environment and the business’s bottom line.”

Among the Illinois projects funded: Four County Renewable Energy, LLC in Elizabeth has been approved for an $89,125 grant to install a 126.5kW solar photovoltaic system, which will result in the generation of 176,600 kWh. The proposed system is projected to generate enough energy to power 16 homes.

A Winnebago County producer has been approved for a $33,511 grant to replace a diesel irrigation system with an electric powered pump that is estimated to reduce energy by 76%.

A Coles County producer will use a $40,413 grant to help finance the installation of a 51kW solar photovoltaic system, which will result in 100% energy replacement annually.

A Wabash County producer has been approved for a $30,522 grant to upgrade an existing

grain drying system that is estimated to reduce energy by 35%.

Funding of each award is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

Applications are currently being accepted for future REAP funding. For application deadlines and details on how to apply, contact Mary Warren, Rural Energy Coordinator in Illinois, at (217) 403-6218.

Congress created the Rural Energy for America Program in the 2002 Farm Bill. Because of the success of the program, Congress reauthorized REAP in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed funding of at least $50 million annually for the duration of the five-year bill.

The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past seven years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

USDA Rural Development funding assists Illinois Producers

Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their

county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 400,000 and a voting membership of more than 82,000. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.

Four elected to Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors CHICAGO — Four new members were elected to the Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) Board of Directors at the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago, Dec. 5-8.

Michele Aavang of McHenry County was elected to a twoyear term to represent District 1, which encompasses McHenry, Lake, DeKalb and Kane counties. Aavang and her husband, Gary, raise corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, as well as beef cattle.

Aavang is currently serving as the McHenry County Farm Bureau president and has served on the IFB Resolutions and Policy Review Committees, as well as an ACTIVATOR Trustee, Illinois Farm Families volunteer and has attended an IFB Leaders to Washington trip.

Aavang also serves as a Village of Greenwood Trustee and is currently a McHenry County Board member. She also is a member of the Illinois Soybean Association. Aavang and her husband have one son, Grant.

Jeff Kirwan of Mercer County was elected to a two-year term to represent District 3, which encompasses Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties. Kirwan and his wife, Teresa, raise corn and soybeans.

Kirwan has served as the Mercer County Farm Bureau president and secretary, and is an Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow program graduate.He also has served on IFB Strength With Advisory Teams, and has attended an IFB market study tour on infrastructure, and Marketers and Leaders to Washington trips.

Kirwan also serves on Rep. Cheri Bustos’ Agriculture Advisory Committee, is an Illinois Corn Growers Association member, and is a past township trustee.

Kirwan is a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in New Windsor. He and his wife have three children, Ashley, Katie and Christina.

Tamara D. Halterman of Grundy County was elected to a two-year term to represent District 5, which encompasses Cook, DuPage, Kendall, Will and Grundy counties. Halterman and her husband, Kevin,

together with their sons Samuel and Lukas, raise corn and soybeans, as well as Murray Grey and Highland cattle.

Halterman has served as Grundy County Farm Bureau secretary, as well as chair of the Grundy County Farm Bureau Foundation and co-chair of the Grundy County Farm Bureau Ladies Committee.

Halterman is currently serving as president of the Mazon-Verona-Kinsman Ambulance Board and has served as president of the Mazon-Verona-Kinsman Parents Club. Halterman also is a member of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and American Murray Grey Association.

Halterman is a member of the Dwight United Methodist Church.

Troy Uphoff of Shelby County was elected to a two-year term to represent District 11, which encompasses DeWitt, Macon, Piatt, Moultrie, Christian and Shelby counties. Uphoff and his parents, Tony and Deanna, operate a grain and livestock farm.

Uphoff has previously served on the IFB Board of Directors, representing District 11. While on the board, he served on the Gardener Chair Policy Advisory Committee and on the board for COUNTRY Financial. Uphoff also is a graduate of the Illinois Ag Leadership Program.

Uphoff currently serves as chair of Rep. John Shimkus’ Agriculture Advisory Committee and was recognized as Shelby County Pork Producer of the Year.

Uphoff is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Strasburg.

The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 400,000 and a voting membership of more than 82,000. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.

Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 3

IAA Foundation offers scholarships to support agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau families BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Agriculture students and Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) members and their children are encouraged to apply for 66 college scholarships offered by the IAA Foundation, Illinois Farm Bureau’s charitable arm.

The scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 per year, will be awarded in total of $118,500 for the 2016-2017 school year.

“We are pleased to help students through our growing scholarship program, which offers a wide variety of support to farm families, and to those pursuing careers in agriculture,” said Susan Moore, director, IAA Foundation.

“It is a great privilege to support our next generation of leaders, and encourage continuing education in agricultural fields.”

Students may apply for a variety of scholarships, including three IAA Foundation Top Scholarships, where winners will each receive $5,000 awards. Another $7,500 award goes to the Illinois Farm Bureau Legacy of Leadership scholar-

ship winner.

New this year, the Dwain Ford Memorial Soybean Scholarship, established by colleagues, friends and family to honor the memory of this long-time leader of the soybean industry Dwain Ford, offers a $1,000 award to an agriculture student active in 4-H and FFA. Students studying crop science and pursuing a master’s degree related to research are eligible for the Illinois Soybean Association Crop Science Scholarships. Five $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to junior level majors. Recipients are then eligible for an additional $4,000 in this renewable program, providing a total of $8,000 for recipients’ junior and senior years of college.

The Dorothy and Wilhelmine Ratermann Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to 25 students from specific southern Illinois counties in the amount of $1,200 each.

Twelve Prairie Farms Dairy scholarships, each worth $2,000, are available to patrons and employees of the company. An additional two $1,000

scholarships are available to producers affiliated with the St. Louis District Dairy Council.

Additional scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, are • BULK TANKS • MILKERS • DAIRY SUPPLIES available to students that meet • HI PRESSURE WASHERS • RITCHIE WATERERS certain criteria, including area 24 HOUR REFRIGERATION SERVICE of study, place of residence, VENTLESS GAS SPACE HEATERS previous 4-H experience and “For Service Call” college or university attended.

All applicants must be high 4107 Hwy. 51 N Janesville school seniors accepted for enrollment, or students already enrolled at an accredited col211585 lege, university or community college. Scholarships are awarded for exceptional academic ability, leadership and financial need. Previous winners of an IAA Foundation scholarship are eligible to apply again.

A full listing of available scholarships, eligibility guideStop here for all your holiday baking needs. lines, and application documents are available at the FounWe take orders for baked goods year-round! dation website, www.iaafoundation.org. Completed applicaChicken Bacon • Turkey Bacon tions must be submitted online

by Feb. 1, 2016.

For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau, • Bulk Foods & Spices • Baking Supplies the IAA Foundation at 309-5572230, or e-mail Susan Moore, • Outdoor Furniture • Cook Books & Cutlery director, IAA Foundation, at smoore@ilfb.org.

• Holiday Sprinkles The mission of the IAA Foundation, Illinois Farm Bureau’s 9550 W. State Rd. 81 • Beloit, WI 53511 charitable arm, is to fund education, research, and charitable seys, eighth in Ayrshires, eighth activities that benefit Illinois 225235 in Holsteins, and ninth in farm families and agriculture.

Brown Swiss breed divisions.

The team is supported financially at the national contest by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, River Valley Dairy of Tremont, and the Illinois Milk Producers Association.

Team jackets are provided Effingham Equity of Effingham. Dave Fischer, retired University of Illinois Extension dairy educator, serves as the Illinois 4-H team coach.

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H strives to help youth learn skills If you have a question we will find the answer for living. 4-H programs are offered in every Illinois county Service is our business

by University of Illinois ExtenIn Business for over 50 years! sion.

Illinois 4-H aims to impact * We stock new & used equipment & have the lives of 250,000 youth each year through sustained learnsomething for every price range & budget ing clubs and groups and shortterm programming. 4-H is a community of seven million young people around the world learning leadership, citizenship, & life skills. For more information on any of these events, contact University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County www.porterslpe.com 211805 at 815-235-4125.

Illinois 4-H member is elite national 4-H dairy judge PEARL CITY — A 4-H member from the Pearl City Hornets 4-H club won the top individual award in the live placings division at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. T.J. Wingert (Kent) placed first out of 102 contestants, averaging 48 out of 50 on each of 10 live-judging classes. He placed eighth overall for all divisions of the contest.

As a team, Illinois finished seventh against 26 state teams.

Other team members included Sadie Ropp, Strawn; Amanda Ruhl, Abingdon; and Riley Zettle, Rock City.

Ruhl finished 12th in total placings division, averaging 45.9 out of 50 per class, and ended the contest in 25th place overall. Ruhl had her top finish in the Jersey breed division, placing fifth.

Both Wingert and Ruhl received “All-American” status by finishing in the top 25 for the contest. A solid performance was put in by Ropp who finished 12th in the Ayrshire breed.

Illinois finished sixth in Jer-

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4 • Thursday, December 17, 2015 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau supports local food pantries

By Emily Hanlin Winnebago-BooneCounty Farm Bureau

BOONE COUNTY — After a huge meal on Thanksgiving Thursday, my family shopped until we dropped on Black Friday. Soon after that, we snatched the best online deals possible on Cyber Monday. But then, on Tuesday we did something new.

For the first time we participated in Giving Tuesday.

According to givingtuesday. org, “Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources” My family participated by donating canned goods to our local food pantry. This way of

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giving is something that happens pretty often at the WinnebagoBoone Farm Bureau.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Farm Bureau’s young farmers and ranchers, or young leaders, have worked side by side with Feeding America for the past 10 years to help provide food to those in need around our country through the Harvest for All campaign.

The initial partnership between the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America began when AFBF offered its support to Feeding America’s first Hunger Awareness Day on June 5, 2002.

Since then, farmers and ranchers across the nation donate food, funds and people power to create a hunger-free America.

“And whether the contribution is a bushel, a dollar, or an hour, Farm Bureau and Feeding America will be working together to finish an important job: making sure every American can enjoy the bounty produced on our farms and ranches” stated AFBF. This program has taken off since its start in 2002. In 2014,

YF&R programs across the country donated a whopping 42 million pounds of food, spent 14,000 hours volunteering, and donated 1.2 million dollars to their local food banks.

“Harvest for All is one of those feel-good programs where everyone can get behind a good cause and help those who are less fortunate,” says Jennifer Smith, former Young Leader manager

for the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Illinois’ young farmers and agriculturalists proved to be among the nation’s most generous, earning first place among states for funds and hours in 2011.

They volunteered 4,081 hours and distributed $401,761 to food banks and pantries. The donat-

See PANTRIES, Page 7

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Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 5

FFA students hiked to identify trees at Carver Roehl Park

By Mary Ann Inman Reporter

CLINTON — It was cloudy, brisk on Thursday, Dec. 3 when students from Clinton High School’s Wildlife and Resource

Management class boarded a school bus and traveled to one of Rock County’s hidden treasures, Carver Roehl Park in Bradford Township.

Several members of the Friends of Carver Roehl Park

group greeted 20 students and their teacher and FFA advisor, Ms. Marlina Jackson. Hot chocolate and freshly baked cinnamon rolls were enjoyed as

See FFA, Page 7

Local horticulture educator wins state award audience to participate and be active in her programs.

Miller reaches out to her program participants through her various social media outlets, like Facebook and Twitter. You can follow Miller on various social media to stay up to date on programs in your area, as well as local gardening news: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ northwestillinoishorticulture; Twitter: https://twitter.com/ NWILExtHort; Hort in the Home Landscape Blog: http:// web.extension.illinois.edu/ jsw/eb284/; Pinterest: https:// www.pinterest.com/nwilexthort/.

Whether your interest is growing your own vegetables or if growing flowers is more your gardening style, University of Illinois Extension has programs to fit your needs.

“The goal of my horticulture programs is to educate

From left: Dave Hoffman, Tristan Rhode, Luisangel Rodriguez, Jaks Teubert, DJ Waller, Isaiah Baker, Triston Freeman, Marlina Jackson, Samantha Mullooly, Meagan Reetz, Kaitlyn Hennerley, Travis North, Jacob Tallman, Justin Fudge, Nicole Chrislaw, Susan Garrels, Brian Alwin, Luz Espinoza, Jacob Karstetter, Nadia Balli, and Eva Iniguez

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BOONE COUNTY — Candice Miller, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, has been awarded the 2015 Illinois Extension Agriculture Association Action Award.

The IEAA Action Award is presented to members who have displayed early career initiative in both program design and delivery, while having been with Extension for less than five years.

As a Horticulture Educator, Miller designs her programming based on the interests of her participants. She determines what will attract the local community through the use of post-program surveys.

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6 • Thursday, December 17, 2015 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

Four named 2015 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Volunteers of Year kee County’s Adopt-A-Classroom students in Chicago, presenting to the students and regularly writing letters so the Chicago students know what is happening on their adopted farms in Kankakee County.

Kent Blunier has been involved with the Livingston County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom program for more than 15 years.

During the last 8 years, Blunier has helped reach more than 900 students and teachers from the Chicago area as a part of the county’s Adopt-AIllinois Dept. of Agriculture Classroom program.

Blunier also regularly celebrating 100+ years of family farming speaks with local teachers as STATEWIDE — The Illinois requirements of the program a part of Livingston County’s Department of Agriculture has are notified by mail. The owner Summer Ag Institute Breaka long standing program that receives an official Centennial fast Banter program, where honors family farms that have Farm sign suitable for outdoor been in place for at least 100 display and a certificate bearyears. ing signatures of the Governor The Centennial & Sesqui- of Illinois and the Director of centennial Farms Program has the Illinois Department of Agribeen in place since 1972 and culture. has recognized over 9,500 famThe application process BOONE COUNTY — Do ily farms all over the state of requires a $50 fee. The WinIllinois as Centennial Farms nebago-Boone Farm Bureau you have a love for spending and over 600 family farms have sees the vitality of this program hours planting and tending been recognized as Sesquicen- and will cover the application to your backyard garden? Do you have a knack for teachtennial Farms. fee for this program for mem- ing and enjoy sharing your According to the IL Depart- bers of the Farm Bureau. knowledge with others? If ment of Ag, “Each CentenIn Winnebago County there gardening is your passion, nial Farm designee is a link are 54 farms on record that and you would like to be part to America’s heritage and a have been certified as Cen- of a team that educates youth reminder that the family farm tennial Farms by the Illinois and adults alike on the joys of remains a viable entity in gardening, consider becoming Department of Agriculture. today’s agriculture.” a University of Illinois ExtenThere is also one SesquicenTo qualify as a Centennial sion Master Gardener. tennial farm on record from or Sesquicentennial Farm, an The mission of the UniWinnebago County.

The Roger agricultural property must have versity of Illinois Extension been owned by a straight or Bates’ family farm, in Rockton, Master Gardener program collateral line of descendants of IL, was established in 1857.

In Boone County there are is “Helping Others Learn the original owner for at least 50 Centennial Farms on record to Grow.” There are near100 or 150 years. ly 3,400 Master Gardener There is an application pro- that have been recognized by volunteers in Illinois. Each cess that requests information the IL Department of Ag. There year, they reach thousands regarding the present owner are also four Sesquicentenni- of people and are a valuable and location of the farm, a list- al Farms in Boone County on source to many schools, coming of ancestral owners and record. munities, youth programs and The Demunn Farm in LeRoy, farmers markets. a third-party verification of records proving lineal or col- IL was established in 1852, the Together, they teach classGreenlee Farm in Caledonia, es and workshops, answer lateral descent.

A recognized title searcher, IL was established in 1857, the telephone inquiries concernsuch as an abstractor, an attor- Nelson Farm in Capron, IL was ing home horticulture, guide ney or a recorder of deeds can established in 1853, and the planting and educational demWhite Farm in Kingston, IL onstrations in community and verify lineal descent. school gardens, represent the Applicants meeting all was established in 1846.

CHICAGO — Paula Karlock of Momence, Kent Blunier of Forrest, and Darryl and Karen Anderson of Andalusia, were presented the 2015 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) Volunteer of the Year award. The award was presented during Illinois Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Chicago Dec. 5-8.

Paula Karlock has served the Kankakee Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom program for 20 years, holding

several leadership positions, including Agriculture in the Classroom Committee Chair and Kankakee County Farm Bureau Foundation President.

Karlock has been the principal presenter for the Kankakee County Farm Bureau Kids Day at the Farm since its inception 15 years ago, teaching more than 15,000 Kankakee County children about the importance of agriculture.

Karlock also regularly volunteers to visit with Kanka-

local teachers talk one-onone with local farmers about agriculture. Blunier’s “Farm Hats” Facebook page shows consumers the day-to-day tasks farmers regularly complete.

Darryl and Karen Anderson, who retired from teaching at Moline High School and Edison Junior High, respectively, have been involved with the Rock Island County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom program for more than 15 years.

Karen has served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Rock Island County Farm Bureau Meat Goes to School program, coordinating funds for the 3,500 middle and high school students who partici-

pate annually.

Both Darryl and Karen have recruited volunteers and trained presenters for the county’s annual AgXPerience program. Both regularly attend the Rock Island County Farm Bureau’s Summer Ag Institute, which helps instruct teachers about new developments in agriculture.

The Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Volunteer of the Year award recognizes county volunteers who have done an outstanding job with Agriculture in the Classroom and agriculture literacy efforts. Since 1983, 81 individuals have been recognized for contributions to agriculture literacy.

Interested in becoming a Boone County Master Gardener? program at the county and state fair, and work with many community organizations to convey up-to-date, research based gardening information.

To become a Master Gardener, you must apply and be accepted into your local county Extension program. Upon acceptance in your county, you then take the Master Gardener Core Training. After completing the core course, Master Gardeners Interns are required to volunteer a minimum of 60 hours over two years in their community.

Certified Master Gardeners are those who have completed their classroom training and internship. To remain an active Master Gardener, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 30 hours of volunteer service yearly.

In-person training will take place winter of 2016 in DeKalb County. Applications are now being accepted. Submitted applications will be reviewed and interviews will be set up with Extension staff.

Applicants must complete an application, interview, and screening.

The Master Gardener training for 2016 will be offered Wednesdays, starting Feb. 17 and running through May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the DeKalb County Center for Agriculture, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, in Sycamore. In-person training costs $175 and includes the Master Gardener manual with helpful resources and other materials.

If you are interested in becoming a Boone County Master Gardener, contact University of Illinois Extension at (815) 544-3710, visit us online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo or stop by and see us in the Boone County Extension office at 205 Cadillac t., Suite 3, Belvidere.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the program, please contact the Boone County Extension office at 815-544-3710.

2015-2016 Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader committee members chosen CHICAGO — The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) Young Leader Committee elected its 2015-2016 committee members during the IFB Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, Dec. 5-8.

The committee members, which includes Chairman Evan Hultine of Bureau County, Vice-Chair Chris Otten of St.

Clair County, Secretary Jenny Hackman of Mason County, Governmental Affair and Commodities Subcommittee Chair Ashley Paddock of Richland County, Education and Recruitment Subcommittee Chair Rachel Meinhart of Effingham County, and Achievement Subcommittee Chair Keith Mellert of Fulton County, will assume

their positions at the end of the IFB Annual Meeting.

Members of the IFB Young Leaders are 18-35 year-old men and women who are passionate about farming.

It is a member-created, member-driven program of the IFB that allows members to promote agriculture and compete in events, including the Young

Leader achievement award, excellence in agriculture award, discussion meets, quiz bowl, membership contest, county chair award and young leader video contest.

The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers.

Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 400,000 and a voting membership of more than 82,000. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.

Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing / Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 7

Soil And Water Conservation District planning 75th annual meeting, election, awards dinner at 6:15 p.m., and the Annual Meeting and Awards program starting at 7:15 p.m.

We will once again be having a silent auction to help support our Educational Fund. Proceeds go towards our local Envirothon competition, which is a high school competition revolved around natural resource topics such as soils, aquatics, forestry and wildlife; as well as our scholarship endowment fund that we are creating, with a scholarship awarded annually.

Tickets are $20 and must be purchased ahead of time from SWCD Directors and at the District office located at 4833 Owen Center Road in Rockford.

For additional information call (815) 965-2392, x3.

Student Received American FFA Degree in Louisville

Clinton High School graduate (2012), Erica Ballmer, attended the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 31 and received the American FFA Degree.

• FFA

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Continued from page 5 allowed to apply learned identification skills. Mr. Hoffman also pointed out a portion of the park designated as a Wisconsin State Natural Area. The description title means it is an outstanding example of Wisconsin’s native landscape with significant geological formations and archeological site characteristics.

The students seemed to enjoy their field trip, refining learned classroom skills, and appreciating the beauty of Carver Roehl Park. Sharon Jones said, “It was refreshing to share information with youth who will be the future stewards of this park. Friends of the Park are thankful for community support to help with their mission to preserve this great little park.”

Friends of Carver-Roehl Park’s host an annual fall festival fundraiser which coupled with mem-

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14937 IL Route 76, Caledonia, IL

815-765-2571

lows: 1st place: ¼ beef, 2nd place: ½ hog, 3rd place: ¼ beef and 4th place: ½ hog. The tickets are 1 or $5.00 or 3 tickets for $10.00. The drawing will be held at the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau’s 96th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

You need not be present to win.

All proceeds will go to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry.

Don’t have enough room in your freezer and want to lend a hand? The Winnebago Boone Farm Bureau Young Leaders is hosting a non-perishables food

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FARM - CITY ELEVATOR, INC. Darien, WI (262) 728-9010

Continued from page 4 ed food weighed in at 503,602 pounds.

In addition to the state committee, the Young Leader committees at the county level also organize activities to support local food pantries. The Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Young Leaders is hosting their 2nd Annual Meat Raffle. The meat is donated by local producers and the processing is donated

by Eickman’s Processing Co. Tickets can be purchased at the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau office. Prizes are as fol-

bership fees which have funded and continue to fund many past and planned projects.

Annual memberships are $15 each or you can sign on as a Lifetime Member for $150. Friends of Carver-Roehl Park also welcome volunteerism and donations by groups and individuals interested in lending a helping hand.

Inquiries, membership fees and donations may be addressed to Friends of Carver-Roehl Park, P.O. Box 254, Clinton, WI 53525 or you can call Nancy Pope at (608) 728-0338.

The park is available all year long and a wonderful location for family, reunions, group gatherings, school outings, nature hikes, and more. The pavilion has electricity and is available to rent through Rock County Parks Dept. (608) 757-5450.

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Shirley Jones, a Friends member, presented an interesting and detailed account of the park’s history and the surrounding area.

The 53-year-old park is Rock County’s second oldest park. It is known for scenic trails and remarkable limestone outcroppings.

Next Rock County Community Coordinator Dave Hoffman led the group on an extensive hike through the park. Students were given a “Tree Identification Key” handout, and Mr. Hoffman explained how to use it, step by step, to determine tree types. Tree types are coniferous (broad leaf), and deciduous (needle bearing). From there identification involved observing bark, needle or leaf size, color or count.

Students were familiar with many of the identification steps and terminology. The hike

Courtesy photo

Milton, WI (608) 868-7521

FARM - CITY ELEVATOR, INC.

Orfordville, WI (608) 879-2904

drive through Friday, Dec. 18. 37320 Brodhead, 3 bcs_Layout 37320 bcs_Layout 8:28 1AM 1/10/11 Page 18:28 AM Page 1 WI1 131/10/11 WI 37320 3 bcs_Layout 1/10/11Zenda, 8:28 AM Page 1 Caledonia, IL Donations of can goods and (608) 897-2100 (262) 275-9500 (815) 765-0075 non-perishable items may be dropped off at the WinnebagoBoone Farm Bureau office located at 1925 S Meridian Road, Rockford, IL, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All donations will be given to the local food pantries in Boone and Winnebago counties.

“Young Leaders have a huge heart,” Smith says. “They realize they are very fortunate, and they want to share that wealth with everybody else.”

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Winnebago County.

Though programs and people have changed over the years, the main goal of the District remains, to protect and conserve our natural resources.

This winter we will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary, with our Annual Meeting, Election and Awards Dinner on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016.

We will highlight past accomplishments, recognize and present awards to deserving groups or individuals, and conduct the election of Directors. Past Directors have also been invited to attend and will be recognized.

This year the meeting will be held in the evening at Klehm Arboretum, located at 2715 S. Main St. in Rockford.

Registration will start at 5:15 p.m., with the dinner served

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WINNEBAGO COUNTY — Soil Conservation in Winnebago County began with the 1933 proposal of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the Village of Durand. This became a reality in 1935, when tents were erected as the first camp buildings in 1935.

This spurred the establishment of the PecatonicaDurand Soil Conservation District on May 20, 1940, the fourth such District in the State of Illinois.

In 1963, the PecatonicaDurand Soil Conservation District changed its name to the Winnebago County Soil Conservation District, eventually adding “Water” to the name in the 1970’s.

Since 1940, great strides have been made in soil and water conservation in

8 • Thursday, December 17, 2015 / Midwest Farm and Ag - Rock Valley Publishing

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