Organizational Member Strategy (OMS)
The Organizational Member Strategy (OMS) is a grassroots initiative to deliver a roadmap for effective and efficient advocacy for the future of Illinois agriculture. For more than 100 years, Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) has been the state’s leading voice for Illinois farm families. As we look forward, the member-driven OMS will ensure that IFB remains the most efficient, effective, and relevant resource and voice for Illinois farmers and agriculture. The vintage IAA logo serves as a reminder of IFB’s foundation. On that foundation, the members of the past built a century of service. Through a changing agricultural landscape, our members of the present will build the next generation of advocacy through the OMS.
OMS Roadmap
View the Roadmap
OMS Recommendations
Strategic Initiative 1: Representation
With a declining number of farmers and changes in the ag industry, including fewer and different types of members with different career paths, IFB will ensure that we serve every member at every level of agriculture.
Why* |
Recommendation |
Next Steps |
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Redefine member classifications to Voting and Supporting Members. | The IFB Board will propose bylaw amendment language in 2025 that best captures the sentiments of the volunteers involved in OMS. There will be opportunity for further discussion, and delegates will have the opportunity to vote on the idea at the 2025 Annual Meeting. |
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Remove Spousal Membership class. | The IFB Board will propose bylaw amendment language in 2025 that best captures the sentiments of the volunteers involved in OMS. There will be opportunity for further discussion, and delegates will have the opportunity to vote on the idea at the 2025 Annual Meeting. |
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More effectively communicate the value of membership to all classes and potential members. | Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Support county Farm Bureaus in implementing an Ag Business Series to deliver professional development and networking opportunities. | County Farm Bureaus can volunteer to be a part of a pilot project that will test these ideas over the coming years. |
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Review work and structure of existing IFB committees to increase engagement opportunities and awareness, especially among members ages 35 and older. | Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
Strategic Initiative 2: Engagement
Member needs change alongside the advances in agriculture, and our programming will reflect that, providing value to all members.
Why* |
Recommendation |
Next Steps |
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Implement farm transition/succession planning programming. | Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Host the 2025 Advantage Conference as an opportunity for members to develop their business acumen and learn about farm profitability opportunities. | Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Host ag tours as a networking opportunity and educational experience to learn more about the diversity of agriculture in the state. | County Farm Bureaus can volunteer to be a part of a pilot project that will test these ideas over the coming years. |
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Increase use of social media and other platforms to tell IFB's story on the value members receive. | Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Assist county Farm Bureaus that choose to be office-less and share lessons across the CFB system. | County Farm Bureaus can volunteer to be a part of a pilot project that will test these ideas over the coming years. |
Strategic Initiative 3: Organizational Strength
The foundation of our strength as an organization is in our county Farm Bureaus. Efficient, streamlined and modernized processes will increase retention, develop county leaders and provide additional support to members, all while stewarding our financial and human resources appropriately.
Why* |
Recommendation |
Next Steps |
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Study centralized bookkeeping for county Farm Bureaus. | County Farm Bureaus can volunteer to be a part of a pilot project that will test these ideas over the coming years. |
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Create a toolkit to enable county Farm Bureaus to confidently evaluate their financial positions and physical assets to aid in financial planning. | Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Develop a plan to transition county Farm Bureaus to a streamlined dues process. | The IFB Board will propose bylaw amendment language in 2025 that best captures the sentiments of the volunteers involved in OMS. There will be opportunity for further discussion, and delegates will have the opportunity to vote on the idea at the 2025 Annual Meeting. |
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Require county Farm Bureau participation in the CFB Financial Study and completion of a building audit to qualify for the CFB Finance Program. | Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Review the automatic grant program within the County Farm Bureau Finance Program to ensure the program supports counties in need. |
Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Study the implications of statewide standardized dues on county Farm Bureau finances, operations and membership promotion. |
Illinois Farm Bureau will pull together stakeholders to further study the issue and produce a report. |
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Research and produce a report on the impacts of developing a baseline compensation and benefits package for county Farm Bureau managers. |
Illinois Farm Bureau will pull together stakeholders to further study the issue and produce a report. |
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Transition county Farm Bureaus to a monthly membership anniversary cycle to improve efficiencies and promotion. |
The IFB Board will propose bylaw amendment language in 2025 that best captures the sentiments of the volunteers involved in OMS. There will be opportunity for further discussion, and delegates will have the opportunity to vote on the idea at the 2025 Annual Meeting. |
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Implement capabilities for members to pay their dues electronically. |
Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Pilot a multi-county staffing model with staff focused on more specific roles. |
County Farm Bureaus can volunteer to be a part of a pilot project that will test these ideas over the coming years. |
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Place IFB staff experts in regions of the state to help meet legislative and advocacy needs. |
County Farm Bureaus can volunteer to be a part of a pilot project that will test these ideas over the coming years. |
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Transition county Farm Bureau managers and other field staff to IFB employees, if it makes sense within the context of other pilot projects. |
County Farm Bureaus can volunteer to be a part of a pilot project that will test these ideas over the coming years. |
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Require a more robust training program for county Farm Bureau managers hired locally. |
Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Incentivize county Farm Bureau director training that builds up and reflects the culture and tone of the organization. |
Illinois Farm Bureau project teams are building action plans and beginning implementation. |
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Create a template for county Farm Bureaus to explain, reiterate and incorporate the CFB's purpose and priorities into strategy and planning documents. |
Illinois Farm Bureau will pull together stakeholders to further study the issue and produce a report. |
County Farm Bureau Presidents and Managers can find more detailed information, including action steps and how to engage, on the Leaders Portal.
OMS Progress Report
View the Progress Report
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Continued decline in membership |
Fewer and different types of farmers |
Need to serve members at all stages of their careers |
Resource inconsistencies and future revenue streams |
Changing member and employee preferences |
Better stewardship of volunteer leaders |