We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
We don't write papers, we build scrapbooks
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“Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree” Tis the season for Christmas Trees. It’s that time of year when families are in search for that perfect evergreen tree to display in their homes for the Christmas season. I love driving through our county and seeing the lighted trees through the windows. But how much do you or I even know about Christmas trees? Keeping that in mind I’d like to share a few of my favorite facts about these wonderful trees. - There are approximately 350 million Christm...
It’s hard to believe that 13 years ago I served as the McHenry County Farm Bureau intern. I served as their intern the summer between my Freshmen and Sophomore year in college. I learned so much during that summer not only about agriculture but also Farm Bureau. It is an experience I credit a lot to where I am today. It was my first taste of Farm Bureau and the more I learned the more passionate I became. One of my favorite parts of summer is that Stephenson County Farm Bureau offers a summer i...
One word sums up this week and that word is “thankful”. I am blessed with many things to be grateful for this week. On Monday, November 19, the Stephenson County Farm Bureau hosted our 2024 annual meeting. We reminisced on a successful year and highlighted many exciting activities for this upcoming year. We also thanked our retiring board member, Dan Scheider. Dan has served Stephenson County Farm Bureau for over 10 years and has recently served as our Vice President. A big thank you goes out...
I am notorious for ruining almost every surprise I plan. I often get too excited and want to tell the gift or plan for an event or a special activity. The past month or so we have been working diligently on planning and organizing trips for 2025. We are excited to share the trips we have planned so far. Additionally, multiday trips will be added closer to the new year. Fair Oaks Dairy Farm: Friday, June 20th Farm Progress Show: Tuesday, August 26th Warrens Cranberry Festival: Friday, September...
Friday, October 25 was a big day around northwest Illinois. First, the excitement kicked off with Lisa Corp being announced the 2025 IAITC Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Corp is a 2nd Grade teacher at Open Bible Learning Center, Freeport, Stephenson County. Not only does Mrs. Corp shine in the classroom integrating agriculture, she also is an avid learner attending multiple professional development workshops at the local, state and national level. She is also an integral part of the Stephenson...
I am sure this is common with others as it is for me: as a kid, tween and teen I often became involved with things because someone in my family had done them previously. I joined 4-H because my mother had been a member and my grandma a local club leader. During my time in 4-H I showed dogs, rabbits, participated in childcare and development and did cooking projects. For those who are not familiar, “4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension- a community of more than 100 public universities a...
During the month of August Illinois Farm Bureau Served its members by: - A state appellate court sided with Illinois Farm Bureau and landowner groups, reversing the certification or the Grain Belt Express Project, a statewide high-voltage direct current transmission line. - Seven county Farm Bureaus hosted field days supported by IFB’s Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program, highlighting Illinois farmers’ contributions to goals in the State’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. - The 2024 Summe...
Can you believe September is almost over? It is hard to believe, that is for sure. During the month of September, the Stephenson County Agriculture in the Classroom program will see roughly 1,200 students. Students have learned about apples, agriculture’s role in back to school and football. Students range from pre school to 5th grade. With the increase of students we are seeing on a monthly basis, we are trying something new. On Wednesday, October 2 we are inviting community members to help u...
With schools heading back to session it is time that both the Carroll and Stephenson County Farm Bureaus say goodbye to our summer office team members. Regan Scidmore, summer office assistant for Carroll County will head to the University of Illinois, and Aaliyah Whitney, summer intern with Stephenson County, will head back to Highland Community College. Each county was fortunate to have these individuals as part of our team this summer. We thank them for their dedication to our members and the...
One of my favorite things about late summer is the availability of delicious fresh sweet corn. Some of you may remember from past columns that corn is one of my favorite foods, and I especially love fresh sweet corn. With that in mind I wanted to share a few facts on corn. There are three primary kinds of corn. Sweet Corn: This is the kind we eat. You may even grow it in your own garden. Field Corn: Field corn is also known as dent or feed corn. It is hard on the outside and starchy in the...
What a week it has been! This week the Farm Bureau hosted our annual Farm Fun Zone at the Stephenson County Fair. The Farm Fun Zone included a petting zoo with pigs, a mini donkey, and a calf. In addition to the animals, we had educational activities for children and adults alike to learn about agriculture. We enjoyed seeing some familiar and new faces. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see us. We want to thank our many volunteers who assisted in making our tent possible and a big thank...
This past week both the Carroll County Farm Bureau and Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committees held their pre fair meetings. These groups are made up of individuals aged 18-35 years of age who are passionate about agriculture. These groups are always interested in welcoming new members. If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved please reach out to your county Farm Bureau. Carroll County Farm Bureau, 815-244-3001 or [email protected] or Stephenson County...
UV Safety Month is observed in July to raise awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and the importance of protecting our skin from the sun's harmful rays. It's a great time to remind everyone, especially agricultural workers, to take precautions when working outdoors to prevent skin cancer. Remember to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. Stay safe in the sun! 1. Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses...
I was recently asked what the first thing I thought about was when someone mentioned the fair…my answer was quick: “the food”. I am a sucker for corn dogs, porkchop sandwiches and funnel cakes or strawberry shortcakes. Fair food tastes extra good, not only because it is often prepared by local associations/businesses, but because of the memories that go with it. During my childhood, one of my favorite activities was walking through the livestock barns. I did not grow up on a farm, so I did not h...
Did you know that July is National Ice Cream month, which I think is a pretty perfect idea since July is typically a hot month and ice cream is a great way to cool down. I love hearing what everyone’s favorite ice cream flavor is. I personally enjoy most coffee flavored ice cream. But recently I’ve really been enjoying apple crisp, banana cream pie and cotton candy. But I also enjoy the occasional root beer float, banana split or dipped cone, especially when dipped in cotton candy flavor. Acc...
A popular question around the office recently has been, ‘will there be peaches?’ I am so excited to say yes, we will have peaches. We are still finalizing details with the orchard we work with in southern Illinois. We hope to have details ready to share with you all by Father’s Day. Once details have been finalized, we will share the information on both county’s Facebook pages and websites as well as in this column. If you would like an email when we begin accepting orders, please email either...
Some of the people closest to me are involved in the agriculture industry. When my husband and I got married, over half of our bridal party was involved in the agriculture industry. That might explain why we got married in December. It is simple to say that many of the people that are near and dear to me are involved in agriculture in one way or the other. This means I worry about them during planting and harvesting season, when they are putting in longer hours and are moving from field to...
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart”, Elizabeth Andrew. This past week was National Volunteer Week. I would like to take a moment to thank the many volunteers who help make Farm Bureau and our programing possible. We have a wide variety of individuals who dedicate their time and talents to our organizations; some serve on our boards and help guide the organizations, some serve as presenters for Ag in the Classroom Programs. Others host tours at their farms and bus...
On Saturday, April 6, the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leaders hosted the 7th Annual Bruce Johnson Memorial Farm To Farm 5K/10K run that raises money for Agriculture In The Classroom. This year 220 runners participated in this great event. This event is always a favorite featuring a 10K Run, 5K run, and a 5K fun run/walk. Top finishers for the event were as follows: Overall Top 5K Finishers: Lynnea Groezinger and Dan Palmer Overall Top 10K Finishers: Amy Schultz and Jason Niemann. A full...
Each year I look forward to kicking off the summer with our annual trip to Shipshewana, Indiana. I love visiting the familiar businesses, enjoying treats from the families/farms we visit and seeing those who have become friends over the years. I’d like to invite you on our 2024 trip that will take place Monday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 12. Our tentative agenda is as follow: - Monday: Leave Freeport Walmart at 6:30a.m., lunch and exploring at Linton Garden, Dinner and a show at Blue G...
San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City Chiefs and San Fransico 49ers. This is a question on many people’s minds as we move into the weekend of the “Big Game”. No matter which team you are rooting for it’s hard to deny the important role that farmers and agriculture play in this weekends’ festivities. Let us imagine a game without agriculture. That would include no tickets as tickets are printed on paper from trees and often use soy ink from soybeans. Some paper is even made of c...
In less than ten weeks, the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Young Leader’s Committee will host the 7th Annual Bruce Johnson Memorial Farm to Farm 5K/10K Race on April 6, 2024. All proceeds from this event will go to supporting Agriculture in the Classroom efforts in Stephenson County. Entry fee includes race shirt, refreshments, prizes, finisher medals and a swag bag. Shirts and finisher medals cannot be guaranteed after March 22, 2024. The out-and-back course starts and ends at Kent Farms (...
As I write this column it is Thursday, January 18 and it is 14 degrees out, which is much warmer than the beginning of the week. The beginning of the week brought canceled school, extracurriculars and office closures. The Farm Bureau continued our normal routine, but as I drove between Stephenson and Carroll Counties, I thought about our farmers who even though at times the temperature was negative 17 degrees, our dedicated farmers worked diligently to care for their livestock. Their commitment...
On Friday, January 26 the Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders will host their Annual Harvest For All Campaign. For those who may not be familiar with this program, Harvest for All is a program within the Young Leader Committees of Illinois Farm Bureau to combat food insecurity across the state. Each January the Carroll County Farm Bureau Young Leaders collect corn from local farmers, sell it and then donate the proceeds to Carroll County Food pantries. This year the event will take place...
More than $192,000 in scholarships are available for agriculture students through the IAA Foundation. “We are once again pleased to offer a scholarship program that encourages students to explore degrees in agriculture related fields,” said Jennifer Smith, IAA Foundation development manager. “It is imperative that the next generation of agriculture leaders receives the financial support they need to stay immersed in their education and build their career in agriculture.” Agriculture student...
