DECEMBER 2020 KCFB Pollinator/Rain Garden Receives CAE Award Kane County Farm Bureau’S Meet Stormwater Management Were Recognized This Year

Enhance the quality of life for member families; Promote agriculture, farms & food; and, Advocate good stewardship of our land and resources.

VOL. 85 NO. 12 DECEMBER 2020 KCFB Pollinator/Rain Garden receives CAE award Kane County Farm Bureau’s meet stormwater management were recognized this year. Two purpose and accomplishments for Groceries (Harvest for ALL “Pollinator/Rain Garden – req uire ments for many on-farm Illinois CFBs, Kane and for the virtual convention. Kane hunger relief); 2012, SPROUTS Public Planting” event was development proj - County Farm Bureau (classroom education); and, recently chosen by the ects. The “in lieu of” will be invited to dis - 2015, Million Meal Challenge American Farm Bureau provisions were a play information on (hunger relief). Federation (AFBF) as one this significant and posi - Pollinator/Rain year’s County Activities of tive change to the Garden-Public Congratulations to the Kane Excellence (CAE). The annual Kane County Planting event and County Farm Bureau for win - CAE program recognizes and Stormwater its successes in- ning the American Farm Bureau shares innovative county Farm Ordinance, approved person at the at the Federation County Activities of Bureau programs and activities. by the Kane County American Farm Excellence Award for 2020 for For 2020 AFBF chose only 12 Board in 2019. Bureau Federation their “Public Planting- County Farm Bureau programs KCFB received Convention in Pollinator/Rain Garden” project. for recognition from submis - the County Activities KCFB's public planting of a pollinator/rain garden on the FB prop - Atlanta in January The American Farm Bureau sions across the nation. of Excellence Award erty in July was selected as one of 12 “County Activities of 2022. Federation County Activities of The Pollinator/Rain Garden in the Public Excellence” conducted by County Farm Bureaus across the nation Kane County Excellence (CAE) Awards cele - installation was a joint project Relations and Infor- this year. The projects are chosen annually by the American Farm Farm Bureau has brate unique, volunteer-driven of the Farm Bureau and the mation category. Bureau Federation. In addition to inviting the public to participate been recognized programming at the local level. Kane County Environmental Other categories in the installation, this environmental and water quality improve - previously for The CAE program categorizes and Water Resources Division. included Agriculture ment also demonstrates an allowable best management practice County Activities of county activities into the follow - In addition to its aesthetic and Promotion; Leader - that farmers can use to meet provisions in the Kane County Excellence awards: ing areas: Education and Ag environmental benefits, the dual ship Development; Stormwater Management Ordinance. in 2007, Touch-A- Promotion, Member Services, purpose (rain garden & pollina - Membership Tractor (educational Public Relations and Infor- tor garden) was constructed to Services; Policy Implemen - Woodford, won the honor. event); 2008, Winner’s Choice mation, Leadership Develop- remind farmers of their oppor - tation; and Public Relations and Since the 2021 AFBF Annual Tractor Raffle (fundraiser); ment and Policy Imple - tunity to install water quality Information. Twelve county Meeting will be virtual, a video 2009, Bounty of Kane (con - mentation. benefits, in lieu of detention, to Farm Bureaus from seven states will be prepared on the project sumer outreach); 2010, Grain Hinckley-Big Rock FFA receives KCFB Foundation grant

The brisk and bright morning lation of the HVAC system, building started this past sum - preceded the $20K donation struct the building. In addition of Friday, October 30th brought electricity and plumbing. mer, and the shell was built in from the KCFB Foundation. to the building construction, a Hinckley-Big Rock FFA teacher The 8:00 a.m. event began about four weeks by a team of They also received site work group of volunteers provided Tracey Sanderson, students and with the presentation of a $500 volunteer laborers and FFA stu - from O’Donnell Excavating and breakfast, lunch and snacks to FFA alumni out for a special FFA Chapter Grant from the dents and alumni. The building roofing help from Condon the volunteers working at the event with KCFB Foundation KCFB Foundation to the high construction also benefited Construction in Sandwich. construction site. “We were Board President Joe White and school FFA Chapter. Then, from the donation of equipment Students worked together well fed,” noted Sanderson. Executive Director Steve White revealed a second KCFB and personnel. with adult volunteers, reading Long commented that “The Arnold. Foundation check, in the Sanderson and H-BR FFA blueprints, climbing lifts and building shell was built in about The group met at the Ag amount of $20,000, to help in Alumni President Nan Long of learning a lot about the con - four weeks with funding and Education Building currently the second phase of construc - Big Rock are both impressed by struction process and the collab - volunteer labor from the under construction on the east tion on the Ag Education build - the support in the community orative effort needed to con - (continued on page 8) side of Hinckley-Big Rock High ing. The 20K amount is expect - and by the enthusiasm of the School in Hinckley. The shell of ed to cover costs for HVAC and students for this project. They the building was constructed electrical work. counted 30-40 volunteers in over the summer and FFA stu - The idea for the building was their core group. Monetary dents and alumni are now pre - hatched 5 years ago, when the donations from Pioneer, pared for the second phase of old building suffered storm Resource Bank, Compeer cold weather projects including damage and community and Financial, CHS, DeKane interior construction and instal - FFA members and alumni brain - Equipment, NIU Board of KCFB CALENDAR stormed the concept of a new Trustees member Bob Pritchard building. and a grant from the DeKalb Construction of the new County Community Foundation DECEMBER 2020 5 IFB 2020 (Virtual) Business Meeting 7 Young Farmers, 6:30pm, Fresh Citrus Farm Shop at Long Farms, We have limited quantities of Citrus available. Perfect for the Big Rock holidays & for gift giving! KCFB will have oranges, grapefruit & 10 Citrus Pick-Up, 10am-5pm, clementines, (in boxes, or mixed 10 pound bags) as well as limited Heinz Bros., St. Charles quantities of nuts & chocolates. Call 630-584-8660 for more information. (Left to Right) Kendall Hawbaker, Ashley Wackerlin, Jenna Halverson 10 Board of Directors, 7:00pm (Alumni), Maddie Noble, Bob Strand (Alumni), Joe White, Bridget 17 Holiday Ham Orders Due, Wilkening, Nan Long (alumni), Ciera Woods, Eric Wackerlin (alumni), 12pm December Special George Baumann, Donna Kimpan (Alumni), and Bryan Gorsky. 17 County Ag Committee, HOLIDAY HAMS! 10am The KCFB Foundation will spon- 22 Holiday Ham Pick Up, noon- sor a Vintage Truck Raffle to 2021 Vintage Truck Raffle The special this month is delicious ham for your holiday dinner. 4:30pm raise funds for College Scholar - Each ham is individually foil wrapped and boxed which makes ships and Ag Literacy programs. 24 Office closed for Christmas them perfect for holiday entertaining or as gifts. They vary in The Grand Prize in the 2021 Eve weight from about 10-12 pounds for traditional ($3.86 per lb mem - Raffle will be a 1972 Chevy C/20 25 Office closed for Christmas ber price) and 7-9 pounds for spiral ( $5.81 per lb member price). Camper Special. Perfect for Day PLUS status members always receive a 5% discount on edible glamping in your vintage 31 Office closed for New Year’s foods and monthly specials. Order yours today by sending in the camper/trailer, hauling your vin- Eve form on page 8 or calling the Kane County Farm Bureau at tage muscle car, or just chores around the farm. See page 8 for order form. 630-584-8660 by Thursday, December 17 at noon. Pick-up is at the Happy Holidays! Farm Bureau on Tuesday, December 22, after noon. Farmers –see page 2 for local & federal grant funds PAGE 2 KANE COUNTY FARMER DECEMBER 2020 Funding for Farmers Farm Bureau 2021 calendar Kane County Round 2 Business Grants gifts to members

On November 19 the County es that would benefit from one- records and documentation they In appreciation of our Kane County Farm Bureau members, we of Kane announced it is now on-one assistance or might lack use to complete the application. will soon have 2021 wall calendars featuring antique tractors or accepting grant applications adequate technology to com - USDA has established a call barns. Pick up your FREE from FARMS and other local plete the on-line application, center for producers who would calendar at our St. businesses in need of financial can receive computer and scan - like additional one-on-one sup - Charles office while assistance due to the COVID-19 ning technology assistance free port with the CFAP 2 applica - supplies last. pandemic, through “Round Two” of charge at the Kane County tion process. Please call 877- For many, 2021 of the county’s Busi- 508-8364 to speak can’t come soon ness Grant Program. directly with a USDA enough! The Kane County employee ready to Board appropriated $5 offer assistance. For million for this initia - more information, con - tive from its Coronavirus Relief Office of Community tact the DeKalb/Kane/DuPage Fund. Eligible FARMS and Reinvestment in downtown FSA office at 815-756-3234 x2. other businesses may apply for Batavia. This service available TARGETED You receive the Kane County up to $25,000 to cover certain by appointment only, in order to Farmer because you are a Farm County mini-grants available expenses from 3/1/2020 to ensure strict compliance with Bureau member. If you are a farm for Direct farm marketers 12/30/2020. (Businesses that COVID-19 screening and dis - operator or owner, you benefit from a applied under Round One are tancing standards. Applicants Through the “Growing for local, state and national organization welcome to apply under Round will be able to bring their finan - Kane” program, the Kane committed to agriculture and your way of life. Two.) cial and expense documentation County Development If you do not have direct ties to farming, your membership helps Applicants should review the to this office where it can be Department is administering promote local farms and farming, encourages wise use of our limited Program Guidelines and digitally scanned for upload to “mini-grants” to assist farms natural resources and preserves farmland and our agricultural heritage Application Instructions for the application portal. with COVID related expendi - while allowing you to enjoy COUNTRY insurance and the many ben - additional terms and conditions. FEDERAL tures. These funds are specifi - efits of one of Illinois’ premier membership organizations. All applications must be com - We appreciate your membership and continued support and we wel - CFAP 2 signup ends Dec. 11 cally for farms that sell food pleted using the ZoomGrants products direct to consumers. come your comments on the content of the Farmer . We encourage you to application portal established Signup for the Coronavirus Information and application make recommendations about farm, home, food, natural resources, for this initiative. Food Assistance Program 2 procedures on this program, renewable energy or agricultural heritage and history-related topics for Submissions will be (CFAP 2) will end Dec. 11. The along with a brief survey, will inclusion in future issues of the Farmer . reviewed and funds will be program provides eligible pro - be delivered electronically to awarded on a first-come, first- ducers with direct financial those farms identified as meet - KANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOARD ATTENDANCE eligible, first-served basis. assistance due to market disrup - ing the pre-requisite by early JANUARY 2020 THRU DECEMBER 2020 While an application deadline tions and associated costs December. Farms and farmers JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JLY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC because of the COVID-19 pan - C. BRADLEY X X X X X X X X X has not been established for the that self-identify as meeting the * * * Round Two program, the coun - demic. B. COLLINS X X X X X X X X X X criteria that do NOT receive the * * ty anticipates closing the appli - Farmers and ranchers who C. COLLINS X X X X X X X X X information electronically are * * * cation portal when funds are participated in CFAP 1 will not J. ENGEL X X ^ * X X X X X X X X asked to contact the Kane G. GAITSCH X X X X X X X X X X exhausted, or when it is no be automatically enrolled and * * County Farm Bureau by B. GEHRKE X X X X X X X X X X longer feasible to process appli - must complete a new applica - * * December 5. W. KECK X X X X X X X X X X cations and issue awards before tion for CFAP 2. To apply, go to * * Funding for COVID-19 M. KENYON X X X * X X X X X X X X the end of calendar year 2020. http://farmers.gov/cfap/apply. K. KETTLEKAMP X X X X X X X X X X X mini-grants is made possible by * More information, including To complete the CFAP 2 D. LEHRER * * * * * X * X * * * X a link to the web-based applica - application, producers will need a grant from Compeer Financial A. LENKAITIS X X X * X X X * X X * X tion portal, is posted on the to reference their sales, invento - to the Kane County “Growing N. LONG X X X * * * * * X * * X county’s Coronavirus Relief ry, and other records. However, for Kane” program. For more D. PITSTICK X X X * X X X X X * X X information, contact the Kane W. SCHNEIDER X X X * X X X X X X X X Fund page. since CFAP 2 is a self-certifica - J. WHITE X X X X X X X X X X The County has established a tion program, this documenta - County Development and * *Attendance by electronic means. ^Attending IFB Leaders to Washington program. dedicated telephone number tion will not need to be submit - Community Service Depart - and email address for this ted with the application. ment at tansleymatthew@co. important program and staff is Because applications are sub - kane.il.us ; [email protected]. ready to field inquiries. ject to County Committee il.us ; or farruggiatony@co. Round Two Business Grant review and spot check, some kane.il.us , or Steve Arnold at Kane County Farmer Hotline and Email: 630-762- producers will be required to the Kane County Farm Bureau, KANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU 2084, [email protected]. provide documentation. 630-584-8660 or steve@kane PUBLISHED MONTHLY FARMS and other business - Producers should retain the cfb.com. Steven J. Arnold, Editor Audre Pack, Bookkeeper Young Farmers to meet at Big Rock farm Elizabeth Polovin, Member Services Coordinator Kelcee Miller, Development & Ag Literacy Program Coordinator When KCFB Young Farmers out fundraiser in cooperation Little Free Libraries, FFA Alice Macha, Communications Coordinator gathered in St. Charles at KCFB with local restaurants through acquaintance activities, grain Sindhu Saveen, Membership Assistant for dinner and conversation in GroupRaise fundraisers. These bin safety education and con - OFFICE: Randall Rd. between Routes 64 & 38 November, they decided to efforts will supplement other cealed carry classes were dis - Address: 2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles expand meeting locations across KCFB Foundation fundraising cussed. Social and educational PHONE: 630-584-8660 the county to make future meet - efforts for Ag Literacy, activities discussed included [email protected] www.kanecfb.com ings more accessible to more Scholarships, hunger relief and virtual conferences, an annual OFFICE HOURS: 8:3 0-4:30 Monday though Friday young Farm Bureau members. community support. Euchre Tournament for Young (USPS No. 289700) In November, Carolyn The group also learned about FB members and traditional POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kane County Farmer Gehrke of Elgin reported on her grants and funding available annual KCFB events for stu - 2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174 participation in a Discussion during the pandemic to support dents, public officials and the Periodical Postage • Paid to St. Charles, IL 60174 Meet for Young Farmers in farmers and small businesses, general public. Year Subscription: $2.00 Northern Illinois in October. brainstormed ideas for the Oh, and as to those future ■ She will participate in a virtual Foundation’s Vintage Truck meeting locations, the groups’ DISTRICT 1 Joe White Mike Kenyon statewide discussion on Raffle (including locations next gathering will be held in Aurora, Sugar Grove, President Secretar y/Treasurer December 12. throughout the county to park the farm shop at the John & Nan Big Rock Twnshp. 47W727 Main St. Rd. 1250 E. Main St. Nan Long Elburn, IL 60119 South Elgin, IL 60177 KCFB Development & AITC the truck to increase visibility) Long farm in rural Big Rock, 630-557-2517 847-741-1818 11461 E. County Line Rd. ■ Coordinator Kelcee Miller filled and discussed volunteering at 6:30 pm on Monday, December Big Rock, IL 60511 DISTRICT 3 Craig Bradley the group in on fundraising the Northern Illinois Food Bank. 7. The address is 11461 E. 815-693-7214 Virgil, Campton, 37W791 Orchard Lane ideas for 2021. These included Looking ahead to 2021, County Line Rd, Big Rock. Donna Lehrer St. Charles Twnshp. Elgin, IL 60124 847-888-2380 AmazonSmile, Prairie Farms potential community service Dinner will be provided. No 7S027 Jericho Rd. Andrew Lenkaitis ■ Dairy’s “Our Caps, Your Cause” activities including donating RSVP is necessary. Members Big Rock, IL 60511 6N707 Corron Rd. DISTRICT 5 630-556-3476 St. Charles, IL 60175 Hampshire, Rutland, fundraisers, and a local dining- agriculture friendly books to from 18-35 are welcome. William Keck 630-513-9980 Dundee Twnshp. P.O. Box 281 Chris Collins Joe Engel Have a farm product to sell? Sugar Grove, IL 60554 1143 Anderson 15N720 Walker Rd. (630) 466-4030 Elburn, IL 60119 Hampshire, IL 60140 ■ DISTRICT 2 630-934-4642 847-347-5561 The Kane County Farm the perfect sauce, or are the mail, or give us a call to discuss. Kaneville, Blackberry, Dale Pitstick Gerald Gaitsch Bureau Country Store is in snacks that you just can’t put Here is our contact information: Gen ./ Bat. Twnshp. 2N118 Pouley Rd. 10613 Brittany Ave. search of cottage food products down! Bill Collins Elburn, IL 60119 Huntley, IL 60142 2N710 Randall Rd, St. 630-816-0223 847-669-2003 from members. We are looking Please contact us with your 1125 Lewis Rd. ■ Charles, IL 60174, steve@ Geneva, IL 60134 DISTRICT 4 Wayne Schneider for unique items that will add a non-perishable or shelf-stable 630-484-6852 Burlington, Plato Vice President special flavor to a meal, make items either in person, via e- kanecfb.com , 630-584-8660. Karl Kettelkamp Elgin Twnshp. 721 Lindsay Lane 47W407 Main Street Rd. Beth Gehrke West Dundee, IL 60118 Elburn, IL 60119 12N860 US Hwy. 20 847-428-0488 Happy Holidays from the Kane County Farm Bureau 630-365-2713 Elgin, IL 60124 847-697-2538 DECEMBER 2020 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 3 Christmas shopping at New ways to support Kane County Farm Bureau the KCFB Foundation The KCFB Foundation is the Amazon Shopping app for We are shifting gears for pleased to announce new ways iOS and Android phones. When 2021. We are excited to be for members to support its you shop at AmazonSmile, working with Prairie Farms mission of funding for educa - you’ll find the exact same low Dairy in their “Our Caps, Your tion, local scholarships, hunger prices, vast selection and con - Cause” program. relief and community support – venient shopping experience as We ask members to collect from the comfort of your own Amazon.com, with the extra caps from Prairie Farm Dairy home – and even without spend - bonus that AmazonSmile will white or chocolate milk in one Visit the Kane County Farm Bureau’s Country Store for a selection of farm ing more money! donate 0.5% of your eligible gallon or half gallon sizes, and related Christmas stocking stuffers. AmazonSmile purchases to the Kane County from Prairie Farms iced coffee, Look no further, the KCFB Country Store can be your one-stop-shop for Farm Bureau Foundation. and send or drop them off at the Calling all Amazon shop - holiday gifts! Offering everything from the perfect, fresh-cut Christmas tree, KCFB office on Randall Road pers! The KCFB Foundation Our Caps, Your Cause – Stocking Stuffers, Santa gifts, and much, much more; we have what’s on in St. Charles. Each contains a now has an AmazonSmile your list. Prairie Farms Dairy redeemable code, and Prairie account and would greatly Let us be your ERTL farm toy supplier as well. We’re no Toyland, but we In 2018, we encouraged the Farms will give 5-cents to appreciate your support! have a variety of farm toys sure to put a smile on a kid’s face age. community to join us in our Kane County Farm Bureau AmazonSmile is a simple way *ERTL is known worldwide as the leader in farm toys for nearly 70 years 10,000 gallon milk challenge – a Foundation for each code for you to support your favorite and we are proud to present this year’s lineup of officially licensed die cast challenge to provide milk to our entered. charitable organization every toys and replicas. hungry neighbors through dona - So drink your milk and save time you shop, at no cost to you. tions earmarked to the Northern your caps! It’s a small change AmazonSmile is available at Illinois Food Bank, or to the that can make a big difference! smile.amazon.com on your web local food pantry of your choice. Farm toy of the month browser and can be activated in Members responded generously, even helping gather hundreds of Big toys are always the most is suitable for ages 3 and up. empty milk jugs so we could popular ones, aren’t they? This The same discounts apply. make “donation stations” for month we are featuring a trio of Supplies are limited, so we’ll local retailers. fun, diecast pedal tractors for see you soon, and when you the junior farmers on Santa’s stop by, be sure to take a look at nice list – a John Deere 7930 , the 1940’s-50’s vintage pedal Several Kane County Farm Lee’s Trees Cockshutt 70 or Oliver 1755 tractors we’ve collected for the Bureau member farms Lily Lake • 630-365-2116 Pedal Tractor. Are all pre- pedal tractor corral at next and businesses offer Spring Bluff Nursery assembled and available at our year’s Touch-A-Tractor! Christmas Trees and some offer Sugar Grove • 630-466-4278 office. Each tractor is $299.00. KCFB members get a 5% dis - wreaths and roping/garland. Randy’s Vegetables count, PLUS members get an –– These locations include: –– Sleepy Hollow (Dundee) additional 10% off. *Heiden’s Christmas Trees A limited number of John 906-280-1897 Deere Plastic Pedal Tractors are Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Theis Farm Market & Greenhouses also available for $120.36 each. St. Charles • 630-377-6288 Maple Park • 815-985-8001 Klein’s Farm & Garden Market This easy to pedal tractor has a John Deere 7930 Tom’s Farm Market & Greenhouse chain drive, turf-tread tires and Udina • 847-697-4910 Huntley • 847-669-3421 Kuipers Family Farm Trellis Farm & Garden Maple Park • 815-827-5200 St. Charles • 630-584-2024 Welcome to the next level This month we welcome the with farmers Deere, Case IH, restaurants, Cockshutt 70 Oliver 1755 following KCFB members who • Agriculture, farm & food hotels & travel joined our organization or news delivered to your door • Discounts at the KCFB reclassified their membership in • New subscription to Farm Country Store on in-house August to *Regular or Week , the largest weekly agri - sales of featured local foods Honey, it’s time APtraonfeascsiioo nSaaln Schtaetzu s : Hampshire culture newspaper *KCFB Regular membership is Mike Thran Centerville • Access to FarmWeek required of all who join our associa - to stuff the stockings! Brianna Maple Hampshire Now.com tion that have a vested interest in and • KCFB voting rights & ILFB receive income from the production of We remind you of added perks delegate opportunities farm products as an owner or opera - Christmas is coming whether treats including Slap You Silly tor of a farm business. Professional that accompany your new • Continuing subscription to you’re ready or not, so why not hot sauce ($6.50 any size/flavor), Membership status is available for all Kane County Farmer get a jump on stocking up on Happy Bee Soaps ($6), Teeple Regular member or Professional the those employed in agriculture-related stocking stuffers? The Kane Barn collectible coffee mugs Status and thank you for support - newspaper occupations, even with no farm County Farm Bureau is featur - ($5), Pilot Knob blue or red ing KCFB’s efforts at advocacy, • Free annual registration at one income. If you are interested in “next ing a collection of “the perfect “hull-less” popcorn ($2), and the education and hunger relief: of 7 statewide conferences level” membership and the benefits it • Professional networking • 302,000 member discounts, carries, please contact KCFB in St. stocking stuffers” for the people ever popular Pork BBQ Spice Charles at (630) 584-8660. who have made it onto your ($9.50) & Bean’s Farm Grilling opportunities & engagement including Ford, Lincoln, John “nice” list. Dust & Seasoning. Mini-honey bears from If you’re looking for stock - Nominations sought for KCFB Director White Farms in Elburn are ing stuffers for the mini farmers priced at $2.50 for a 2 oz, bear on your nice list, we also have The Kane County Farm agriculture and to provide direc - regular members in each respec - shaped jar or buy 2 jars for $4. plenty of mini-tractors, trucks, Bureau is seeking eligible can - tion, inspiration, and motivation tive District. KCFB has five dis - These sweet little bears will be a ATV’s, and various farm ani - didates for election to the asso - to the largest, most influential tricts each made up of three hit come Christmas morning. mals from TOMY. ciation’s Board of Directors. A and effective farm related townships. Honey is the natural sweetener Whatever your holiday Farm Bureau director is an indi - organization in Kane County. that everyone loves and pure needs, the Kane County Farm vidual who helps provide gover - Eligible candidates are regu - To suggest potential can - local honey has many healing Bureau’s Country Store has nance, set policies, and supports lar members (farmers and farm - didates for election, members the philosophy and actions of land owners) residing in Kane properties as well. $1 from each something for everyone. Stop in should call 630-584-8660 by mini-honey bear sale will bene - and visit us Mon-Fri, 8:30am- the organization. Directors County. fit the KCFB FOUNDATION. 4:30pm @ 2N710 Randall Rd, should be willing to dedicate Five directors will be elected, January 15, or fill out the Besides mini-honey bears, we cross street is Oak in St. time to make a difference in by ballots mailed in March, to form below. have a collection of local Illinois Charles. TO: Nominating Committee, Kane County Farm Bureau 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles, IL 60174 Youro local soource Name (please print) ______for feed, supplies, Mailing Address ______and so much more! ______Pet Food Ř Proppane Township______District #______Telephone (_____) ______Salt Ř Deliverry Signature ______Membership # (if known) ______Form completed and returned by: Name ______Mail to this form to: Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles, IL 60174 Return on or before January 15. The Nominating Committee will evaluate candidates and propose a slate to run for director.

PAGE 4 KANE COUNTY FARMER DECEMBER 2020

so it delayed the tree-picking room. But my dad and I still parents, I challenge you all to and decorating process. My par - will go out each year and spend my county wide Charlie Brown AG LITERACY CORNER ents said we could still purchase time together to select our mini Christmas Tree Contest. Take a real tree to scratch our holiday Christmas tree to sit in our win - the most forlorn tree and give it decorating itch, but a smaller dow. a Christmas makeover with By Kelcee Miller, Development tree to fit in our bay window. Each and every holiday sea - some extra love and holiday & Ag Literacy Program Coordinator And just like that another tradi - son is unique. The current holi - cheer to make it the most beau - tion was born, two Christmas day season makes it more diffi - tiful! To be entered in our trees for our house! cult to continue holiday tradi - Charlie Brown Christmas Tree oing right along with this tree straight up, rotating it so we Our tree picking tradition tions and spend the quality time Contest, submit your before month’s theme of Farm could get a good look at it and was passed down to me once with our loved ones, but I think and after photos to: aitc@ GStyle Christmas Gift and make our decision. If it was too my sister moved out and my dad this year holds a special bless - kanecfb.com . Winner will Holiday Traditions and our book tall we could trim it or if it was and I continue it to this day. It ing in disguise. It is giving us an receive a Christmas themed gift of the month, Pick a Pine Tree , on the shorter side we could wasn’t until about two years ago opportunity to slow down and and may be featured in next one of my favorite holiday tradi - boost it up by adding a platform my parents purchased an artifi - shift the way we think in new month’s Farmer . tions is picking out our freshly underneath the tree-stand to cial Christmas tree for our liv - creative ways to spread the hol - cut Christmas tree and then rush - give it more height. Like my ing room. I was slightly sad iday cheer with one another. I hope you all have a happy, ing home to decorate it. mom always said, “Every tree because we always had a real With the idea of every tree Decorating and getting the deserves a home,” so when Christmas tree in the living needs a home inspired by my healthy, and safe holiday season! house ready for the holidays is picking out the tree my sister something I always look for - and I found beauty in the unique ward to each year. Ever since I flaws of the tree. It’s not all Book of the month can remember, I would go with about the tree, it’s about how Our book of the Month for season. As we know, trees come mation and joy for yourself, my dad and older sister to either you make it your own, people December is Pick a Pine Tree , in all different shapes, sizes, and come on into the Kane County Lowe’s, Menard’s, or a local you are with and the memories written by colors. With a Farm Bureau Library – yes, we tree stand to find our chosen made in the process. Every year Patricia Toht and little help from have a FREE library! And check fresh-cut tree. We would look it’s something new and exciting illustrated by our friends and out Pick a Pine Tree . for a tree in the 6 foot range, to look forward to because no Jarvis. This story family, twin - The Kane County Farm with lots of strong branches and two trees or seasons are the kling lights, col - walks readers Bureau Library was made pos - of course, not too expensive! same. One thing that does stay through the orful ornaments, sible by Bob Konen and Dean We typically buy a Scotch Pine the same for me, is the anticipa - excitement and and other festive or a fir pine tree that fit our cri - tion of seeing everything come magic that decorations the Dunn, and later supported by teria and budget. together and the joy of spending occurs when plain pine tree the Bob Konen Family. My dad would provide the time with my loved ones. picking out the transforms right A special bonus – this is also muscle power and help us in the I remember one year we perfect pine tree in front of our the book of the month for Ag in selection process by holding the were getting our floors redone from fresh off eyes to a beauti - the Classroom, so be sure to the lot and into Pick a Pine Tree ful Christmas follow us on Facebook for our cozy homes by Patricia Toht tree. To see the upcoming activities and an for the holiday festive transfor - author interview!

Christmas tree discount for KCFB members Marks’ Tree Farm, which has $10.00 discount on all trees on been doing business in St. the lot. We hope you take Charles for three decades, has advantage of this convenient established a Christmas tree lot and money saving member serv - at the Kane County Farm ice. And, while you are at the Bureau between Thanksgiving Farm Bureau, stop inside for and Christmas Eve. Marks’ pro - holiday gift ideas including vides quality, fresh cut Fraser farm toys, puzzles, branded Fir, Balsam Fir, Spruce and apparel, and a selection of local White Pines grown on their meats, honey, BBQ sauces, and farm in Northern Wisconsin. much, much more! They are also happy to offer evergreen wreaths and cross - es, perfect for doors or walls that need a little “sprucing” up! Kane County Farm Bureau mem - bers will receive a Thanks to our Donor s... The KCFB FOUN - DATION offers its sin - cere appreciation to the following for their con - tributions to the FOUN - DATION. These contributions help in the areas of to community serv - ice, education, scholarship and hunger relief programs. Names shown are contributions received from October 16-November 15, 2020. Donor Beneficiary Beth Gehrke (memorial donation for John Ramm) KCFB Foundation Thomas Richter KCFB Foundation scholarships/AITC Karl & Julie Kettelkamp Elburn Countryside Food Pantry and Paul “Griz” Stover *For more information on KCFB Foundation scholarship, education or community service programs, contact Steve Arnold, Executive Director at 630-584-8660. In 1856, Franklin Pierce, the 14 th President of the United States, was the first President to place a Christmas tree in the White House. Merry Christmas! DECEMBER 2020 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 5

Compiled by Kelcee Miller, Ag Literacy Coordinator A recipe for sharing: M&M cookie mix in a jar Ingredients: Seal the lid and decorate the Recipe provided by: https:// Christmas jar with a festive ribbon & attach celebratingsweets.com/mm-cookie- 1 quart Mason jar the recipe card: mix-in-a-jar/ 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour a. Preheat the oven to 350° 1 teaspoon baking powder b. In a large bowl, whisk 1/2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda tree! cup of melted and cooled unsalt - 1/4 teaspoon salt ed butter, 1 large egg, & 2 tea - Often referred to as evergreens, Christmas trees include different 1/3 cup light brown sugar O spoons vanilla extract. Add the species of firs, spruces, and pines, all of which stay green year-round. (packed) contents of the jar & gently stir These trees are grown and harvested in 45 different states. 1/2 cup granulated sugar with a wooden spoon or rubber Across the country, over 300,000 acres are dedicated to growing a 1 cup Holiday M&M’s or spatula until combined. Chill for traditional holiday sight, the Christmas tree. In 2018, more than 32 chocolate chips or both! million Christmas trees were purchased to display in homes and public 30 minutes areas throughout the United States, according to the National Instructions: c. Form golf ball sized por - Christmas Tree Association. Today, 98% of Christmas trees are grown Assembling Jar: tions of dough and place onto a on farms, and unlike artificial trees made from plastics, real Christmas Carefully layer each ingredi - lined baking sheet. Bake (at trees can be recycled to provide benefits to the environment. ent on top of one another (gently 350°) for 8-10 minutes. Place A Christmas tree can take up to 15 years to grow to 6 feet tall, so press each layer in place before baking sheets on a rack to cool & for each tree harvested, Christmas tree farmers plant one to three adding the next layer) enjoy! more seeds. On average, trees are harvested at about seven years old. Adapted from Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom’s Seasons Ag Mag. Fun facts Popsicle Stick Snowflake Ornaments f 98 percent of all Christmas maturity. fir, balsam fir, Virginia pine, trees are grown on farms, f Live Christmas trees have and white pine. Supplies: while only 2 percent are cut been sold commercially in f Christmas trees are grown Popsicle sticks (plain or colored) from the wild. the United States since about and harvested in all 50 Paint or markers f More than 2,000 trees are 1850. states. Rhinestones usually planted per acre. f In 2012, 85% of the live f There are approximately 350 Glitter f Almost all trees require shear - Christmas trees purchased million Christmas trees Pom poms ing, or trimming, during their were pre-cut. The remainder growing on U.S. farms in any Stickers growth to attain the desired were “cut-your-own.” given year. Twine, string, and/or ribbon Christmas tree shape. f The most popular Christmas Sources: University of Illinois Exten - Hot glue f Most Christmas trees take tree varieties are Scotch pine, sion, National Christmas Tree Assoc - Steps: six to ten years to reach Douglas fir, noble fir, Fraser iation, USDA Census of Agriculture 1. Paint or color the popsicle sticks (if you don’t already have col - ored sticks) Fun history 2. Next, form the shape of the l The first decorated Christmas with the idea of electric lights 2007, the tree has been lit snowflake with the popsicle sticks tree was in Riga, Latvia in for Christmas trees in 1882. with 30,000 energy-efficient (lay 2 popsicle sticks on top of each 1510. Christmas tree lights were LED lights, which are pow - other to form the letter “t” and then H The first printed reference to first mass produced in 1890. ered by solar panels. lay 2 more on top of that to form the Christmas trees appeared in l In 1900, large stores started letter “x”), put a small dab of hot glue in between each popsicle stick. Germany in 1531. to display large, illuminated Once done, add a dab of hot glue to the back and add your twine or l Using small candles to light Christmas trees. string for hanging. a Christmas tree dates back H The tradition of an official Now is the fun part! Decorate the snowflakes as much or as little to the middle of the 17th Chicago Christmas tree Jokes 3. What happens if you eat as you’d like using the materials. century. began in 1913, when one was Christmas decorations? Thomas Edison’s assistant, first lit by Mayor Carter H. For more ideas and inspiration, check out https://www.thebestideas H You get tinselitus forkids.com/popsicle-stick-snowflake-ornaments/ Edward Johnson, came up Harrison in Grant Park. What do snowmen eat for l The official Christmas tree tradition at Rockefeller breakfast? Gather ‘round the tree Center began in 1933. Since Snowflakes (or Frosted Flakes) Angel 2004, the tree has been Why do mummies like S T O C K I N G S R B S V S Y P Z M W K Artificial topped with a 550-pound Christmas so much? I P M W F E E Y E R E A A V E A L A T K Candles Swarovski Crystal star. Since Because of all the wrapping! S G W M H L A I C L N M G N I M M I R T Cookies What happened to the thief who Decorations stole a Christmas calendar? R N S Z E X N B D G T H J Z C T V Q N Q Douglas Fir He got 12 months S S E F Z D S N E S I F Z Z Y Q G W K Y Evergreens December is ... What does an elf E N V E E V A L I E S U A L C A T N A S Family National study in school? C E O E R C N R A R T I F I C I A L R Y Gifts Cookie Day 4th The elfabet E O R W D G H R Q W U C M F E N O P A K Holidays Cotton Candy Day 7th Where does a snowman Lights Brownie Day 8th keep his money? N K O L F C R S I R Q Q D A O E R R T L Merry Christmas Pastry Day 9th In a snow bank S V P K Y L D E Y F N Y T M E Z N D S T Noble Fir Horse Day 13th What kind of music Y S E R I W A K V A S X C I H I A K Z R Ornaments Cupcake Day 15th do elves like? L T R H Z E R K R E D A X L M E M S M L Pine trees Chocolate Covered “Wrap” music Real Anything Day 16th F E A C F T S E E I N I L Y O J E T G A For more festive jokes, check out Reindeer Maple Syrup Day 17th https://redtri.com/funny-christmas- M L E S N I T G A S F V L G R Z N H I E Santa Claus Hard Candy Day 19th jokes-for-kids/slide/1 P I N E T R E E S T R E Z O U I T G F R Snowflakes Wreaths Across America A N O K O C U F A E H I L K H O S I T E Star Day 19th Ugly Sweater Day 20th X W V W X N Y L T T G W N B J B D L S W Stockings Congratulations Tinsel Cookie Exchange Day 22nd S N O I T A R O C E D R X O O K I F Y I Trimming Christmas Eve 24th Doug Barnacle of Westmont. N H E L V I N P K Z P F Z D V N W I M S Wreath Christmas Day 25th His name was chosen from the M W W T E P J J E F A H A K R X X S X D Kwanzaa 26th entries received for correctly Name ______Candy Cane Day 26th completing last month’s Word National Fruitcake Day 27th Search Puzzle. For his partici - Address ______Chocolate Candy Day 28th pation, he will receive farm City______State ______Zip ______Bacon Day 30th themed Christmas decora - New Year’s Eve 31st tions/gifts! Thank you, Doug, Telephone (______)______Email ______Age _____ for reading the Kane County Handwashing Awareness Week Farmer and continue to watch Return to: Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles, IL 60174 by December 15, 2020 (December 1-7) to be entered in our drawing for a Christmas themed prize. each month for more great Prize must be picked up at the KCFB office within one month of newspaper publication. Safe Toys & Gifts Month opportunities from the Kane Universal Human Rights Month County Farm Bureau. PAGE 6 KANE COUNTY FARMER DECEMBER 2020

Christmas when the men with windmills, chickens, and to prematurely mix harvest and Santa hats reveals the gift giver received sets of reversible sunflowers. the holidays, a couple of my before the tag does. ratcheting wrenches. They A new plat book from the favorite things. No doubt, farm About the author: Joanie excitedly opened two same- county Farm Bureau office life will penetrate the holiday Stiers’ family grows corn, soy - shaped packages: one standard, makes a great coffee table gift scene again this year. Wrapping beans and hay and raises beef one metric. for every landowner in the fam - paper alone gives away my farm Our farm family often finds ily. Single sockets and hand- fetish. The patterned paper with cattle and backyard chickens in the best gifts the most useful warmer packets give weight to chickens, pigs, and cows in West-Central Illinois. ones. Lithium battery-powered stockings. And a set of well-fit - tools, air compressors, and rub - ting work gloves wrapped with Poll shows Americans’ Farm influences gifts ber boots. Deep-well socket a can of whole cashews pro - under the tree sets, air tools, and a new set of vides a fail-safe gift idea for pilot-point drill bits in a rugged most any adult in the family. unwavering trust in When almost 4 years old, our case. In sarcastic wonder, my By late November every son’s Christmas wish list husband once unwrapped an year, I pull out the kids’ farmers, sustainability included a “tree cutter” (chain extension ladder, rung by rung. Christmas picture books, an saw), a “bin site” (grain storage The women often appreciate annual gift from us that they A majority of U.S. adults burden alone. More than four in facility), and a “wiggle tractor,” practical items that make tasks collected through middle have a positive view of farmers’ five adults (84%) say environ - (his description of a high-horse - easier in the garden and kitchen. school. Several of the books sustainability practices, and an mental sustainability and eco - power tractor that articulates, or The kids receive toy tractors, share farm influences with sto - overwhelming majority trust nomic sustainability are both bends, in the middle). wooden toy barns, farm animal ries set on tree farms and in farmers, according to a new important for farmers, and most To his delight, he received figures, and plastic fencing to barns or stables, including the national public opinion poll adults say both are very impor - toy versions of all of them. keep those little livestock con - original Christmas story that from the American Farm tant. More than four in five Life on the farm influences tained. A few years ago, our son pairs with the kids’ nativity set. Bureau Federation. adults also say feeding the the gifts found under the family unwrapped a rolling tool chest The holidays bring another The survey of 2,200 U.S. world (84%) and farmers pass - tree, often itself decorated with for storing Nerf darts and avenue to express the joy we adults found that more than half ing farms on to future genera - ornaments shaped as cows, LEGO items in his room. For find in farming. I confess to (58%) rate the sustainability tions (83%) are important. pigs, barns, and corn-consum - her room redesign, our daughter streaming Christmas music in practices of U.S. farmers posi - “Americans have a high ing wildlife. I remember the listed wishes for decorations the grain cart tractor in October tively, with broad agreement level of trust in farmers, and I want to help support: from a majority of adults across they understand that we’re com - demographic groups. mitted to protecting the soil, air ■ Foundation Scholarships Nearly nine in 10 adults and water,” said AFBF ■ Ag Literacy Library (88%) trust farmers, a 4% President Zippy Duvall. “We Kane County Farm Bureau Foundation increase from AFBF’s June want to leave the land better ■ SPROUTS Educational & Community Service Programs 2020 polling, which is evidence than we found it for our children ■ Ag Days the public recognized that food and grandchildren, as well as Name ______■ FFA Chapter Grants supply chain challenges brought our nation. Our survey demon - on by the pandemic were not strates that Americans are Address ______■ Touch-A-Tractor within the control of farmers impressed by advancements in Other ( indicate belo w) City ______State ___ Zip ______■ and ranchers. climate-smart farming and we Phone (______) ______The survey also explored look forward to building on that public attitudes about the envi - success.” Email ______■ Please make this a recurring monthly gift ronmental sustainability Support for farmers’ sustain - Enclosed is my donation of $ ______(Your credit card will be billed this amount each month ) achievements of farmers and ability efforts swelled when Make checks payable to KCFB Foundation OR Please accept my donation in the ranchers, as well as future direc - government data was shared please charge my donation to my: amount of: tion to advance climate-smart about achievements. More than farming. Overall, the public eight in 10 Americans (81%) ■ VISA ■ MC ■ Discover ■ $25 ■ $50 ■ $75 ■ $100 agrees farmers shouldn’t be were impressed when they Name ( as it appears on card ) ■ $______Surprise us! expected to bear the financial (continued on page 7) ______Please dedicate my donation to: Kane Co. Farm Bureau FOUNDATION Card Number ______2N710 Randall Rd., Exp: ______/ ______Security Code ______St. Charles, IL 60174 By phone at 630-584-8660 Signature ______

For information on other ways to support the work of our not-for-profit Foundation, establish a memorial scholarship, honor a loved one, or establish a new agricultural or community service program, effort, contract Steve Arnold, Executive Director, at 630-584-8660 or [email protected]. IAITC December schedule

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is offering a variety of resources geared towards teachers and par - ents in this era of virtual learning. Below is a sched - ule of the December pro - grams, including lesson release dates, classroom and family challenges, an author visit, and virtual field trip. Find these lessons and more at https://www. facebook.com/aginthe classroom or at https:// www.beyondthebarn door.wordpress.com. Happy Holidays “Helping to keep America Picked up for 45 years” from Zimmerman Recycling, Inc. Kane County 301 Industrial Drive, DeKalb Farm Bureau (815) 756.8600 DECEMBER 2020 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 7

sister and I still get a chuckle out Save time, renew online! of our mom’s “Girls – I need SWEET CHRISTMAS AND Christmas cookies!” command to us and still reminisce each It’s easy to make sure your using your Farm Bureau num - CHILDHOOD MEMORIES Farm Bureau Membership is ber and to create a username year about our cookie baking current. The Illinois Farm and password. challenges. Bureau provides many services The ability to check your By Alice Macha That is the richest gift of all – to all Kane County Farm membership information any - whether my mom was conscious of it or not, she helped us build Bureau members, for example, time, anywhere can help prevent grew up in the 60s and 70s in after dinner with aproned family traditions that travel online membership renewal unwanted Farm Bureau mem - England and America, so my authority and commence to through time and distance and through their website. bership late fees and keep you Did you know you can renew IChristmas memories are a cooking in a flurry of activity, bring us Christmas comfort and eligible for COUNTRY Mutual patchwork quilt of different cus - forming a mini assembly line of joy. your Farm Bureau membership and COUNTRY Preferred insur - online? You can also view your toms and celebrations. Through cookie creation. We had a great Reese’s Double ance coverages. Don’t delay, payment history, print a lost or it all, my family was close and time listening to tunes, and gab - Peanut Butter Cookies check to make sure your infor - updated membership card, and we could always depend on bing with each other about 1/2 cup butter or margarine update your account information mation is updated today! each other for support and secu - school and friends and whatever (1 stick), softened including address, spouse/ REMINDER: Regular (vot - rity. My good home and family else was on our minds. 3/4 cup sugar dependents, phone and e-mail ing) and Professional Members is the greatest blessing – it As the first batches finished 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter all through the Member Center are due for renewal in formed the foundation on which in the oven, warm, buttery 1 egg of the website. September. Associate members’ I built my life. smells would waft through the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract To do this, simply visit renewal dates vary, please sign One of my fun holiday mem - house. My dad would cruise 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour www.ilfb.org . Click on the on to the website or call the ories is my mom’s annual get through the kitchen to check our 1/2 tsp. baking soda Membership tab at the top, and Kane County Farm Bureau at together and cookie exchange progress and perform quality 1/4 tsp. salt then Renew your membership. (630) 584-8660 to check on the with her bridge club friends and control on the batches. My 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips You will be asked to register status of your membership. her challenge to her daughters – brother would make an appear - Heat oven to 350°F. “OK girls, I need Christmas ance to “sample” cookies by the Beat butter, sugar and peanut cookies!” handful, drawing protests from butter in large bowl until Recruiter of the Month My mom was a wonderful, his busy baking sisters. creamy. Add egg and vanilla; creative cook, but a reluctant, My mom was pleased to beat well. Stir together flour, Each month we honor the ed at 2N710 Randall Rd, St. impatient baker. She didn’t like present her batch of homemade baking soda and salt; gradually person who signs the Charles and she may be following fussy recipes and cookies to her friends and “her” add to butter mixture, beating most members into our reached at: 630-485- measuring a quarter teaspoon of cookies were always well until well blended. Stir in peanut organization. This month, 5155. this and a tablespoon of that. So received, which made her butter chips; drop by scant 1/4 the honor goes to Bobbi Thank you for your she tasked her daughters with proud. In return, my sister and I cupfuls onto ungreased cookie Boston! Bobbi has been continued support of the measuring and dolloping dough were able to sample and critique sheet, 6 cookies per sheet. a COUNTRY Financial Kane County Farm onto cookie sheets, and my the assortment of exchange Bake 12 to 16 minutes or Representative since Bobbi Boston Bureau and congratula - younger sister and I had a lot of cookies. Hey, they were COOK - until lightly browned around 2004. Her office is locat - tions on your success! fun together, thumbing through IES – what’s not to like? edges. Cool 1 minute; remove magazines, finding recipes, I still make cookies at from cookie sheet to wire rack. Trust in farmers At a time when some corpo - making shopping lists, assem - Christmas and send a batch or Cool completely. Makes about rations are making sustainability bling ingredients and turning two to my brother, older sister 18 cookies. (continued from page 6) commitments that include or out dozens of cookies. We and niece and nephews in the Mer Chit a, een ! learned that, according to the impact agricultural production, would commandeer the kitchen Seattle area. And my younger Environmental Protection a bipartisan majority of adults Agency and Agriculture (62%) say corporations should Department, farmers have put compensate farmers for the What’s new in the COUNTRY agencies? 140 million acres in conserva - additional cost of implementing St. Charles Agency, Bob Effner, tion programs, more than dou - environmental practices to help Agency Manager Farm, Home, Life, Business, Representative of the Month for bled the amount of renewable achieve sustainability goals. Retirement. Let Ed’s expertise October 2020. Zach began his energy sources they use, and The survey also revealed Edward Stuehm has been help you! You may reach Ed career with COUNTRY nearly tripled the amount of there is still work to be done to named the Rep of the Month for at 630-845-8245, edward. food grown in the last 70 years increase awareness of agricul - Financial in May of 2007 and October 2020 in the St. [email protected] , services clients out of his office with the same or fewer ture’s comparatively small con - or https://representatives. Charles/Elgin Agency, as located at: 1920 Wilson Street resources. tribution to greenhouse gas announced by Agency Manager, countryfinancial.com/edward. ® Batavia, 60510, (630) 326- Looking to the future, the emissions in the U.S. More than Robert J. Effner, Sr., CLF , stuehm/. survey explores how Americans four in five adults (84%) were LUTCF. Ed has provided tangi - Congratulations, Ed! 1996. Zach’s professionalism think sustainability efforts on Aurora Agency, Kevin Gomes, not able to correctly identify ble plans for addressing the and vast knowledge of auto, farms and ranches should be Agency Manager agriculture’s impact. On a immediate and long term insur - home, life, commercial and funded. Seventy percent of brighter note, nearly half of ance needs of his clients through Zach Fox , Financial financial products make him a adults say government incen - adults (45%) correctly ranked COUNTRY Financial’s diverse Representative with the Aurora great person to do business with. tives to encourage farmers to agriculture as the smallest con - products and services: Auto, Agency, is our Financial Congratulations, Zach! adopt additional sustainable tributor to greenhouse gas emis - agricultural practices would be sions by economic sector. SERVICES HELP WANTED-CLERICAL/ effective. More than three-quar - According to the latest EPA data, CLASSIFIED ADS CUSTOMER SERVICE. 25-35 ters of adults believe it is impor - agriculture accounts for 10% of Jim Verhaeghe & Sons, Inc. – hours weekly: M-F: must be self- tant for the government to fund total U.S. emissions, far less CLASSIFIED AD RATES Tree removal, tree trimming, & starter and team player. stump grinding. Backhoe work & science-based research (76%) than the transportation, electrici - Classified advertising rates: 20 cents Applicants should be computer Tile Lines. Fully insured – Free literate with pleasant phone and improve infrastructure ty production, commercial and per word/$20 minimum (60 words or Estimates – Jim Verhaeghe Sr. (78%) to support agriculture. residential, and industry sectors. less). DISCOUNTS for members: voice. Some overnight travel pos - Call: 847 334 5730 sible. Vacation pay and invest - Associate members, 20%; Voting WANTED ment plan offered. Office located members, 30%; PLUS members, Want to buy vintage & used tools East Side of St. Charles. Call FB ACT – 40%. Advance payment requested. – Also, we do cleanouts. Call Bob: 630-377-1056 ext 101 for Ads due by the 15th of every month Chris – Call: 630 550 7182 further information. Act today, win tomorrow for the next issue. No advertising (classified or display) for financial or FB ACT is a tool for Farm • Contact us at 630-584-8660 insurance services will be accepted. Don’t miss out on holiday ham ordering – Bureau members to drive policy Ways to Receive IFB Action Call 630-584-8660. turn the page to order delicious for holiday dining agendas, focused on agriculture, Requests: and respond to the continuous • Open a text from FB ACT threats posed by other interest that alerts you to contact your groups and elected officials who targeted officials don’t share our same interests. • Receive a direct email from As a member of Kane County FB ACT the minute IFB Farm Bureau, you have the needs you to act voice and strength to stand up • Pick up a call from the IFB for farms, food, and our future. President laying out what How to Join FB ACT: action IFB needs from you. • Text FARM to 52886 Be an advocate • Visit the IFB App for Farms and Food, • Enter www.ilfb.org/fbact into text FARM to 52886. your browser Happy Holidays from the Kane County Farm Bureau PAGE 8 KANE COUNTY FARMER DECEMBER 2020 Up to 20 scholarships to help local students study agriculture

The Kane County Farm “Scholarships & Internships” to scholarships last year and since For more information on or go to www.kanecfb.com and Bureau FOUNDATION is download an application, or, pick 1989 has awarded over FOUNDATION scholarship click on “Scholarships & pleased to announce that schol - one up at the KCFB office, $500,000 in tuition assistance to programs, call Kane County Internships.” Application dead - arships are available to mem - Randall Rd. and Oak Street in St. local college students. Farm Bureau at 630-584-8660, line is February 15, 2021. bers or dependents of members Charles. A brochure is also avail - who wish to Applications available for able online to pursue high - KCFB Foundation scholarships assist students er education in identifying for a career potential in an agriculture related field, careers and areas of ag-related including a NEW scholarship study. opportunity for 2021. The appli - Farm Bureau internships are cations are for the 2021-22 also available for the 2020 win - school year. ter, and 2021 spring and sum - College students and high mer breaks. A separate school seniors are invited to Internship application is avail - apply for these Kane County able on the website. The KCFB Farm Bureau FOUNDATION FOUNDATION provided 15 scholarships. Go to www. kanecfb.com and click on The KCFB Foundation awarded 15 scholarships last year to area students, including Willem Vandermeij of Geneva who was awarded the President’s Scholarship for study at the Cedarville University. Applications for the 2020- 21 school year are now available and are due Feb. 15.

age area and space for visitors HBR FFA to bring animals, equipment and (continued from page 1) crops for student review. community.” “The KCFB Foundation is “Most Saturdays there were pleased to contribute to this 15 to 20 volunteers working on project,” commented Joe White. the building, which was quite “It’s exciting to see a communi - amazing,” Sanderson added. ty that is passionate about ag Sanderson and Long both education and we are proud be a commented that working paral - part of the process.” lel with alumni was unusual and refreshing and it was wonderful for the students to see the teamwork and altru - ism that fueled the project. FFA Chapter president and HBR senior Maddie Noble is proud that “Students helped as much as possible. We were on the lifts helping install the sheet metal and learning a lot in the process.” Noble also commented that “Seeing this building being constructed makes me happy that future students will have a more interactive experi - ence.” In addition to the build - ing under construction, the FFA chapter tends a 2 year old December Special – Holiday Hams! apple orchard adjacent to the Just in time for Christmas! The special this month is or calling the Kane County building, a greenhouse, and a 40 Tickets are now available Return the form below, stop delicious ham for your holiday Farm Bureau at 630-584-8660 acre test plot. Apples from the for the KCFB FOUNDA - by, or call the Kane County dinner. Each ham is individually by Thursday, December 17 at orchard will be used in class - TION’s 2021 Vintage Truck Farm Bureau at 630-584-8660 foil wrapped and boxed which noon. Pick-up is at the Farm room labs and donated to local Raffle. They make great stock - to purchase your tickets with makes them perfect for holiday Bureau on Tuesday, December food pantries. The greenhouse ing stuffers! VISA or MasterCard. Request entertaining or as gifts. They 22, after noon. gives students the environment The Grand Prize this year is tickets by December 20 and vary in weight from about to grow annuals and poinsettias a 1972 Chevy C/20 Camper we’ll mail your ticket stubs in 10-12 pounds for tradition - as fundraising items. The test Special. As in past years, Raffle time for Christmas gift giving! al ($3.86 per lb. member plot gives students the opportu - ticket stubs will provide FREE The winning ticket will be price) and 7-9 pounds for nity to work with local seed admission to Touch-A-Tractor drawn on September 9th, 2021 spiral ( $5.81 per lb. mem - dealers, and to plant, collect in April 2021 on the lawn at at the Kane County Farm ber price). PLUS status data and harvest the various Kane County Farm Bureau. Bureau. members always receive a crops. Tickets are $15, 2/$25 or 5% discount on edible The building will contain 5/$50 and ticket sales help pro - foods and monthly spe - classrooms, an equipment stor - vide Ag Literacy programs and cials. Order yours today by college scholarships for Kane sending in the form below County students. December Special – Holiday Hams! Name: ______Vintage Truck Raffle KCFB Foundation Phone: (______) ______Please send me ______tickets ($15 each, 2 for $25 or 5 for $50) Email: ______Name ______Member Number: ______Address ______Please indicate quantity: Traditional Spiral Slice City, State, Zip ______Top photo: FFA students review Plus Mbr. ($3.67/lb) ______Plus Mbr. ($5.52/lb) ______Email ______building blueprints inside the new Ag Education Building. They helped Member ($3.86/lb.) ______Member ($5.81/lb) ______Phone (______) ______with construction of the building Non-mbr. ($4.83/lb) ______Non-mbr. ($7.26/lb) ______Return with check made payable to Kane County Farm Bureau and are looking forward to the next Foundation, 2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174 or charge my: phase of interior work. DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS NOON. Thursday, December 17. Visa MC # ______Exp ____ / ____ Bottom: Tracey Sanderson, Payment is due at pickup at Kane County Farm Bureau (Randall Rd. ■ ■ Hinckley-Big Rock agricultural & Oak St., St. Charles) on Tuesday afternoon, December 22. Signature ______Date ____ / ____ / ____ teacher and FFA advisor.