Clinton CFB Holds 105th Annual Meeting

The Clinton County Farm Bureau held its 105^th Annual Meeting on January 24^th at the American Legion in Breese with approximately 300 members and guests in attendance.  Highlights from the meeting included reports from the organization’s officers, staff, committees, and a couple special recognitions.

Nutrient Stewardship Committee Chairman Cliff Schuette reported that the organization received a grant of $24,500 from the Illinois Farm Bureau, which will be matched with local funds for nutrient stewardship efforts in Clinton County for 2023.  The committee has received over $139,050 in matching grants from the Illinois Farm Bureau since 2016 for this important effort.

Foundation Vice-President Mark Litteken noted the 21 scholarships ($20,950) awarded to students in 2022, and applauded members for their donations over the years.  Through the generosity of our members, the Foundation has been able to award more than 500 scholarships to Clinton County students, totaling over $440,000 to-date!  Litteken noted that the charitable Foundation has also awarded $32,000 in Veterinarian scholarships and over $75,000 in Teacher Grants.

After hearing comments from State Representative Charlie Meier, Legislative Committee Chairman Ron Holevoet reviewed many of the issues and activities that the organization worked on in 2022.  Success with these issues depends on the relationships that our organization builds with our local legislators, and even our “Adopted” legislator in Chicago.  Ron also expressed the importance of member involvement through the FB ACT program and even recognized two winners during the meeting that were selected from members that responded to all IFB Action Requests in 2022.

During his President’s address, Ray Krausz reported on Farm Bureau priorities for 2023, recapped some of the past year’s programs and activities, commented on recent IFB and AFBF Annual Meetings, and thanked the Board of Directors, staff, and affiliates for their support over the past year.  President Krausz also recognized representatives from each of the six (6) organizations that were awarded a total of $5,000 to complete projects with funds from the Farm Bureau’s second “Community Impact Grant” program.

Members in attendance also heard updates about the new greenhouse from the Ag teachers and administration at Central High School, as well as comments about the new Ag Program at Mater Dei from Dennis Litteken and Erika Knolhoff.  In 2022, the Clinton County Farm Bureau donated $45,000 for Central’s new greenhouse and $20,000 to help with start-up expenses for Mater Dei’s agriculture program.

Directors elected to serve 3-year terms from their respective districts were: Bryan Henrichs (District 1), Ron Holevoet (District 2), Philip Rueter (District 3), Ray Krausz (District 4), and Tim Wesselmann (At-Large).

Following the election of Directors, the meeting was adjourned, door prizes were awarded, and everyone received a pound of Prairie Farms butter as they headed for home.  The Farm Bureau would also like to thank the COUNTRY Financial Agents for donating door prizes and all the members that attended!