Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about awards from the Annual Illinois Farm Bureau Meeting, upcoming events, membership options, the Ireland trip, and Bushels for Hunger. The Henry County Farm Bureau is celebrating recent achievements and gearing up for busy months ahead. Fresh off a successful women’s holiday wreath workshop, the Bureau announced state-level recognition for its young leaders, including third place in the “Harvest for All” campaign supporting local food pantries. Kate Huffman, honored with the state Ag Excellence Award, will soon compete nationally. The Bureau also earned the Liberty Bell Award for legislative advocacy. Upcoming events include a women’s mental health program, “Strong Enough to Bend,” on January 29th, and a day-long farm succession planning seminar on February 20th. Membership benefits and a July group trip to Ireland are available.
Black Hawk College East Campus in Galva is set to host “Strong Enough to Bend,” an event tailored specifically for women involved in agriculture. The event is scheduled for January 29, 2026, at 6 PM. Attendees will hear from Adrienne DeGuffer, an agricultural mental health specialist, who is scheduled to address the unique challenges faced by women in this field. The gathering aims to foster community, support, and mental wellness within the agricultural sector. Admission is offered at no cost; however, those interested in attending must reserve a spot in advance. To secure a reservation, contact your County Farm Bureau, as space may be limited.
Farmers in the Quad City area are encouraged to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need by donating bushels of grain at participating elevators through December 31st. All proceeds from grain sales will support the River Bend Food Bank and local food pantries, providing critical assistance to families facing food insecurity. The Bushels for Hunger campaign has topped a significant milestone, providing more than 1.73 million meals to those in need since 2010. The initiative has raised over $346,000, thanks to donations made at participating grain elevators. Organizers aim to rally the agricultural community, reminding everyone that even a small contribution can make a big difference. With the harvest season still fresh, there’s a unique opportunity to turn crops into meals for those struggling this year. Donations can be made directly at approved drop-off locations.
Farm Bureau is embarking on a fresh adventure by introducing an international group trip to Ireland, scheduled for July 25th through August 3rd. Colette Travel and local travel organizer Christina Zobris will be present to answer questions and share all trip details, from itinerary highlights to travel preparations. Those considering this opportunity are reminded to start the passport process early, as it may take time. New travel experiences await Farm Bureau members this summer. Those interested in more details can connect with Tour Coordinator Christina Zobrist by email at [email protected] or register online.
Henry County Farm Bureau (HCFB) is celebrating a string of achievements at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Kate Huffman received the prestigious Excellence in Agriculture award, recognizing her dedication and impact. The Young Leaders group secured honors for their commitment to the Harvest for All initiative. Adding to the excitement, HCFB brought home the Liberty Bell award, acknowledging outstanding advocacy and legislative efforts. Katie Laleman and HCFB President Steve Nightingale were presented with the Liberty Bell award. Meanwhile, Makenna Walker and Shane Asher are representing Henry County and District 3 in the Young Leader Discussion Meet, actively participating in state-level agricultural discussions. Support remains strong for all involved as the annual meeting continues.
