RFS, trade discussed by IFB

CHICAGO – The Illinois Farm Bureau’s 2019 Annual Meeting is in the books.

Almost 2,000 people attended the three-day event which covered a lot of ground, ranging from resolutions to speeches.

Delegates encouraged the US EPA to publish a final rule which addresses Small Refinery Exemptions proliferation while preserving the integrity and intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard. There was also unanimous approval of a resolution urging Congress and this administration to work “constructively with trading partners to quickly resolve any remaining differences.”

Former Staff Sgt. United States Army Ranger Keni Thomas was a keynote speaker, discussing ways to serve agriculture and fellow Farm Bureau members. Congresswoman Robin Kelly of Matteson was at the live auction and ice cream social, talking with residents from Kankakee, Cook and Will counties and the group heard from outgoing Young Leader chairwoman Kaylee Heap.

Sara Mitchell of Grundy County won the 2019 Young Leader Discussion Meet on Sunday and advances to the national meet in Austin, Texas next month during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention. IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. held his annual address, pointing to challenges in farming such as weather, commodity prices and trade issues. Guebert challenged members on growing ag here in Illinois.

Richard Guebert Jr. was re-elected to another term as Illinois Farm Bureau president by voting delegates while Brian Duncan was also re-elected to his post as vice president. Guebert farms in Randolph County while Duncan is in Ogle County. New directors elected to the IFB board include: Mark Tuttle from DeKalb County, Steve Koeller of Madison County and Robert Fecht of Marshall County. Also, 2020 executive committee members were elected to the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee.