From the President:
See below for a list of ways IFB has provided value to our members in May. I encourage you to use this as a tool to help recruit and retain members.
- During the Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session, Illinois Farm Bureau state legislative staff expanded farm equipment sales tax exemptions, extended the E-85 sales tax incentive, and created new tax incentives for E-15 and mid-range ethanol fuel. Staff also supported successful legislation allowing schools to support FFA and 4-H students attending events by not penalizing them with school absences.
- IFB coordinated farm visits for several members of Illinois’ congressional delegation, giving farmers and legislators an opportunity to discuss the biggest ag issues, including the farm bill.
- Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom gathered approximately 100 ag literacy coordinators to learn about soil science, local food and farmers markets, and more.
- IFB members participated in a special livestreamed episode of PBS NewsHour that focused on farming and climate change. Bureau County farmer Michael Ganschow, the farmer featured in IFB’s documentary, “Sustaining Our Future,” appeared in the episode.