CCFB holds 108th Annual Meeting

The Clinton County Farm Bureau held its 108th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 27, at the Breese American Legion, welcoming approximately 275 members and special guests for an evening of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking discussion.

Highlights of the meeting included reports from Farm Bureau officers, staff, and committees, along with remarks from special guests. Farm Bureau Manager Brad Conant shared updates on recent technology improvements and staffing changes, including the addition of Makayla Karrick, who joined the organization as Director of Engagement.

Throughout 2025, the Clinton County Farm Bureau continued its strong commitment to supporting agriculture, education, and community initiatives. Contributions over the past year included livestock exhibitor and 4-H support; $3,500 in Young Leader equipment grants awarded to local fire departments and EMS services; 46 FFA jackets presented to area high school students beginning their FFA careers; a $250,000 donation toward the 618 Event Center at the Clinton County Fairgrounds; $7,720 in Community Impact Grants; $8,139 in classroom grants; and $21,500 in scholarships. Additional assistance was also provided to local food pantries and community organizations.

The Policy Committee reported a successful year of policy development efforts centered on 2025 priorities and member-driven initiatives.

While 2025 brought many accomplishments, it also presented challenges. Due to changes in membership requirements following COUNTRY Financial’s decision to no longer require Farm Bureau membership for policies outside of farm coverage, the organization experienced a decrease of approximately 1,800 members. Despite this change, the Membership Committee reaffirmed its commitment to recruiting new members, retaining current members, and offering programs and services that continue to provide value.

President Mark Litteken presented several special awards recognizing outstanding service and leadership. Director Quinton Huelsmann was named Young Leader of the Year, and Director Jeremie Stout received the Director of the Year award. The Brian and Carol Becker Family was honored as Farm Bureau Family of the Year in recognition of their dedication and leadership in the Pulling for Ag event.

Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Susan Kleiboeker highlighted several successful educational initiatives from 2025, including Safety Day held in September, which welcomed 425 sixth-grade students from 11 Clinton County schools. The event was supported by 45 high school student volunteers. Kleiboeker also noted that eight area teachers participated in Summer Ag Tours, and more than 100 adults attended the inaugural Adult Ag in the Classroom workshop series.

Nutrient Stewardship Chair Cliff Schuette provided an update on nutrient stewardship efforts, including the Healthy Soils Summit held in February, which featured keynote speaker Russell Hedrick and attracted more than 200 attendees. Schuette also highlighted the success of the organization’s 6-acre research plot, which served as a hands-on learning site for more than 100 farmers, agronomists, and conservation leaders during a July field day. Looking ahead, Clinton County Farm Bureau was awarded a $29,500 grant to support 2026 nutrient stewardship initiatives, along with an additional $2,000 pollinator grant.

Directors elected to serve three-year terms include Tori Richter (District 1), Jeff Becker (District 2), Philip Rueter (District 3), Ray Krausz (District 4), and Tim Wesselmann (at-large). Director Ron Holevoet was also recognized for 18 years of dedicated service on the Clinton County Farm Bureau Board.

Following the election of directors, the meeting was adjourned. Door prizes were awarded, and members received a pound of Prairie Farms butter as they headed home.