The Henry County Farm Bureau is gearing up for a bustling season ahead, with several key events on the horizon. Katie Laleman recently shared updates on the Wake Up Tri-Counties program, highlighting the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Among the standout moments, Sadie Asher represented Illinois in the Excellence in Agriculture Award, impressing judges with her presentation and advancing as a top 10 finalist in the youth leader and ranchers category. Looking ahead, Laleman noted that February and March will be particularly active months for the bureau, with a full slate of community and agricultural initiatives planned.
The Henry County Farm Bureau Young Leaders have introduced a new scholarship for local 4H and FFA members. The program aims to financially support Henry County youth in agricultural projects, with potential awards of up to $300. Eligible participants must be endorsed by their 4-H leader or FFA advisor. Applications, due by February 20, 2025, are available through the Henry County Farm Bureau’s website.
Applications are available on the Henry County Farm Bureau website at www.henrycofarmbureau.org or by emailing [email protected]. Completed applications are due to the Farm Bureau Manager (preferably via email) by midnight on February 20, 2025.
The Henry County Farm Bureau is coordinating with First Choice Healthcare and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments to host a Certified DOT Exam Clinic on February 21, 2025, from 8 AM to noon. The event, taking place at 128 N Prospect St., Cambridge, is exclusively for Henry County Farm Bureau members. Participants can get a Certified DOT Exam at a discounted rate of $115 and Tetanus Booster Shots for $25, for cash only. These exams are essential for commercial drivers and those transporting hazardous materials. Appointments are required and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, attendees can enjoy free donuts, coffee, and juice while browsing health-related materials. For more information or to make an appointment, call 309-937-2411.
In addition, those who are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression, other mental health issues, and seizures. Participants need to obtain a clearance letter from the medical provider and bring it to the exam.
If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:
- You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
- You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
- You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities
Henry County Farm Bureau members, mark your calendars! A special Health Check Clinic is set for Friday, March 7th, at the Henry County Farm Bureau on 128 N Prospect St. in Cambridge. Open to men and women aged 18 and older, the clinic offers a comprehensive General Health/Thyroid & Lipid Panel Blood Test for just $50, providing 45 detailed results, including a full cholesterol panel. For men aged 50-64, a $10 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is available. Free blood pressure checks will also be offered. Appointments are required and will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is cash only, with the Farm Bureau discount already included. Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your health!
In Henry County, students pursuing agricultural studies can secure financial assistance for their education through the Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation. This year, the Foundation is offering several scholarships, including the Wilbert and Carol Keppy Foundation Scholarship and the Glenn and Betty DeSmith Memorial Scholarship, each providing $5,000 to three students. Additionally, scholarships aimed at supporting trade and technical skills in agriculture are available, reflecting a commitment to fostering the next generation of agricultural professionals. Interested applicants must submit their forms by March 7, 2025.
Any student who qualifies under the guidelines may apply for either or all scholarships. Applications will be judged separately. Applications must be received by or postmarked to the Henry County Farm Bureau® office, 128 N. Prospect Street, Cambridge, by March 7, 2025. The Foundation Board will make the final selections after the deadline. Guidelines and applications may be obtained on the Henry County Farm Bureau website, www.henrycofarmbureau.org, or by email at [email protected]. If you have any questions concerning the scholarship application or the Farm Bureau Foundation, please contact the Henry County Farm Bureau at 309-937-2411.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss the upcoming Market Outlook event! Joe Camp from CommStock Investments will lead the Market Outlook Seminar Series on March 13th at 6:15 PM. The event will take place at Lavender Crest Winery, located at 5401 US Highway 6 in Colona, Illinois. Registration deadline is March 6, 2025. To ensure your spot, make sure to call (309) 937-2411 before March 6th to reserve your attendance. This is your chance to gain expert perspectives and network with industry leaders. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—secure your reservation today!
Henry County Farm Bureau invites local 4th-grade students to participate in their 31st Annual T-Shirt Design Contest. This year’s theme is ‘Agriculture—Then & Now.’ Students are encouraged to use crayons, markers, paint, or colored pencils to showcase how farming has evolved. Entries must be submitted by February 20, 2025. The winning design will be featured on t-shirts, and the victorious student’s class will receive their own printed t-shirts.
Henry County Farm Bureau is inviting first, second, and third graders to participate in a poster contest highlighting the importance of soil and agriculture. Students are encouraged to use crayons, markers, or pencils on white paper to express their views on gardening and plant growth. Entries must be submitted by February 14, 2025, to the Farm Bureau office on North Prospect Street, Cambridge. Prizes for winners include up to twenty dollars and a twenty-five dollar prize for teachers with winning entries.