100 Years

Friday night we attended the 100 year anniversary of the Tazewell County Farm Bureau.  In early 1913, about a dozen farmers met in Washington, Illinois to form an organization to represent farmers on legislative issues.  Incorporation papers were filed with the state on May 12, 1913.  They were the first farm group in the state, and perhaps the nation to use the name "Farm Bureau".  The first office was in the Denhart Bank building in Washington.

We enjoyed an evening of good food and fellowship with farmers of all ages from though out the county.  I had the opportunity to serve on the FB board from 1989 - 1996, and was able to meet farmers from other areas of the county that I would not have otherwise met.
 
Representative Aaron Schock stopped by on his way back from D.C. and complimented the Farm Bureau on its strong and effective political lobbying power and representation in both Springfield and Washington D.C.  He also told us that he entered a proclamation into the congressional record in D.C. commemorating the Tazewell County Farm Bureau's 100th anniversary.

State Farm Bureau President and American Farm Bureau board member Phillip Nelson was in attendance, and gave an inspiring keynote address.

Over the years, out of Farm Bureau came many other organizations created to assist farmers.  Some of them were (or evolved into);  various purebred livestock breeders associations, Interstate Producers Livestock Association, Illinois Ag Auditing Association, FBFM, Country Companies Insurance and Pekin Insurance, FS, and Rural Youth organization.  The FB was also active in starting 4H clubs and the county 4H fair.
 
There was lots of history shared through a video, a historic photo powerpoint playing throughout the evening, and tables full of old Tazewellites and other memorabilia.  The oldest FB member in attendance will be 100 years old in July.

It all made a person proud to be a farmer.

On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
Esther 9:17