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Setting the foundation for the next cycle of IFB’s policy development process, engaging with state and federal lawmakers and advancing IFB’s legislative priorities were all features of the 2024 Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference.

IFB, state commodity organizations and youth ag groups were recently in Springfield speaking to our elected officials as a united, bipartisan voice on issues not only important to today’s agriculture, but to future generations.

Two Illinois Farm Bureau members joined me in the statehouse to testify in support of reforming the Illinois estate tax, one part of our ongoing efforts to secure passage of the Family Farm Preservation Act.

The fight to secure the Family Farm Preservation Act is not over. We plan to push for passage of this IFB legislative priority in the Illinois General Assembly’s upcoming fall veto session.

IFB recently alerted our congressional delegation to the negative impact on farmers and consumers that could result from increased tariffs and the widening ag trade deficit. Trade will also be a topic for the July IFB Leaders to Washington trip.

IFB members were on Capitol Hill advocating on ag issues and County Farm Bureau presidents came together to develop IFB policy during the Resolutions Committee’s summer meeting.

IFB’s campaign to pass the Family Farm Preservation Act has entered a new phase ahead of the state legislative veto session, plus we used Ag Day at Illinois State Fair to share our story with consumers and lawmakers, and applaud young people involved in agriculture.

IFB’s Rural Development Grant Program is returning to assist county Farm Bureaus with projects that enhance rural communities, and we met with U of I leaders to explore tactics to provide value to our members and students pursuing ag careers.

IFB members and our communities have a range of issues at stake in this year’s election. As a bipartisan organization, we’ll be ready to work with the winners of federal, state and local races, regardless of their party, to advance Illinois agriculture.

The Organizational Member Strategy Roadmap is now available. This planning document for 2025 to 2027 focuses on three strategic initiatives — representation, engagement and organizational strength — and covers 25 recommendations and projects approved by the IFB Board of Directors.