Seven highlights from IAA Annual Meeting
From the President:
We had a great annual meeting. Thanks to all the members, CFB managers, and IFB staff for your attendance and tireless efforts to make the meeting a success.
1. Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry was a big hit. It was great to see so many members engaged and enjoying the event.
2. Voting delegates considered policy submittals on a range of topics such as government farm policy, energy policy, farm equipment, climate change, healthcare, and urban agriculture. The language of these approved policies will be forwarded to American Farm Bureau Federation for consideration during its upcoming annual meeting.
3. IFB debuted its first-ever documentary on the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) to its members. The documentary, titled “Sustaining Our Future: A Farm Family Story” is centered around the Ganschow family in Bureau County and illustrates how three generations of farmers have approached sustainability. The hour-long film is viewable to the public at ilfb.org and on the organization’s YouTube page. IFB is working with TV stations across the state to share the message.
4. Ryan Reeverts was named the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Discussion Meet winner. The former FFA and 4-H member and current Ogle County Farm Bureau Young Leader chair said his experiences in various organizations helped provide the tools needed to not only win the competition but succeed in life.
5. Edward L. McMillan was awarded the 2022 Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award. McMillan is an accomplished agribusiness professional with 50 years of experience in the field and service on nearly two-dozen corporate boards. Born and raised on a farm in McDonough County, McMillan has leveraged his agricultural background throughout his career, rising to president and CEO of Purina Mills and later CEO of McMillan LLC.
A dedicated public servant, McMillan served as a National FFA Foundation board trustee from 2009-2015; chairman of the Animal Feed Industry Association; and a trustee on the Animal Health Institute Board. McMillan was also appointed twice to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, in 2009 by former Gov. Pat Quinn and in 2015 by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.
6. Two new directors were elected to the IFB Board. Jeff Weber of Metropolis in Massac County will represent District 18 and Brent Pollard of Rockford in Winnebago County will represent District 2. I’d like to thank Kenton Thomas and Earl Williams for their service on the board.
7. If you were unable to attend, you can view my President’s Address here.