View from the Cab: Filling the calendar
The calendar has barely turned to 2019 yet my calendar for the winter is practically filled up. Such is life for a small-town ag journalist.
It is the time of year when it is too cold to do anything outside which means those of us in the farming community sit through countless meetings and attend numerous farm shows in the so-called “off season.” This next week alone is busy for local agriculture so I thought I would share some of the happenings with you.
This Thursday (Jan. 10) will be a big day as it is the annual McDowell Methodist Church Pancake and Sausage Stuffer from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The all-you-can-eat event is a yearly tradition for my family. We always enjoy sitting with others in the church sanctuary before heading downstairs for the delicious meal which hits the spot during the winter.
An informational meeting on crop insurance is planned for the same day at the Indian Creek Country Club in Fairbury hosted by COUNTRY Financial and Illinois Farm Bureau. Those attending will learn about important industry updates, enjoy lunch and be entered into a gift card drawing. Similar meetings are being held around the state during the next few months.
The big Precision Planting Winter Conference happens Jan. 15-18 at Tremont. The company will make sure everyone knows how to close the planting furrow properly. This is always a must attend event because of the steak dinner. Registration can be done online at www.ppwinterconference.com.
Before you know it, the 74th annual meeting of the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District will be here. The event will be held Jan. 24 from 8-10 a.m. at the Pontiac Elk’s Lodge. Following the brief business meeting and award presentation, Jonathan Coppess will speak about the farm bill. Coppess is an agricultural law professor at the University of Illinois.
This only takes us through January and there are plenty of other events during February and March. Stay tuned.
(The View from the Cab blog is powered by Petersen Chevy-Buick in Fairbury)
