SR1462 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1462 LRB099 15633 MST 39926 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to recognize the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) for its commitment to proudly serving farmers in the State of Illinois for 100 years; and

WHEREAS, In 1916, the Illinois Agricultural Association, commonly known as IFB, formed when a group of farmers began meeting at the University of Illinois to discuss important issues facing Illinois' farming communities and families; and

WHEREAS, These initial meetings brought needed conversation on the importance of quality education, resourceful avenues for information collecting and distribution, and more effective and innovative farming practices for Illinois' fertile soils; and

WHEREAS, IFB is a membership-driven, not-for-profit corporation that represents 2 out of every 3 Illinois farmers, while providing excellent agricultural resources, education, and information to all rural and urban Illinois residents; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its long history, IFB has developed and initiated many farm programs, companies, and businesses in order to improve Illinois' business climate and to ensure agriculture stays at the forefront as one of Illinois' most valuable economic engines; and

WHEREAS, IFB continues to give back to the people and communities of Illinois by donating more than $500,000, 10 million pounds of food, and 4,000 volunteer hours to local food banks, while also awarding more than $80,000 in scholarships to college students; and

WHEREAS, Today, IFB is a leader for agricultural policy on the local, State, and national level by focusing on its core mission: to improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life; and

WHEREAS, IFB achieves its mission by educating farmers, supporting common sense legislation, and telling the farmer's story to the public; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Illinois Farm Bureau, its members, and its staff during its 100th anniversary celebration and we recognize IFB's leadership and guidance on matters important to Illinois' agricultural community; and be it further

RESOLVED, We designate April 6, 2016 as Illinois Farm Bureau Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be distributed to the Illinois Farm Bureau and all county farm bureaus.