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

VOL. 84 NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2 019 February 25 Shopping Spree to provide hunger relief

On Monday, February 25th, Tri-Cities Salvation Army in St. cient efforts by America’s farm - highlight the 10,000 Gallon efforts, including the 10,000 Kane County Farm Bureau will Charles, respectively. The con - ers and ranchers, who work CHALLENGE. Gallon CHALLENGE, Harvest host its 18th annual Food test will once again be held at hard every day to provide a All of the groceries collected for ALL and 2013’s Million Check-Out “Challenge,” a the Batavia Jewel-Osco, on safe, abundant and affordable during the 5-minute spree by Meal Challenge, KCFB mem - Shopping Spree to benefit local Randall Road at Main Street at food supply. each contestant will be pur - bers have donated the equiva - food pantries. The public is 10:30 am. This year will be the first chased by the Farm Bureau and lent of more than 2 million invited to come watch State Food Check-Out Week where an additional emphasis donated to the respective meals to area food pantries. Representative Jeff Keicher and teaches Americans how to will be made on milk and dairy pantries. Many State Senators Shopping Spree contestants State Senator Donald DeWitte stretch their grocery dollars products. The KCFB Foun- and State Representatives repre - have raised nearly $40,000 for race to collect food to help with healthy, nutritious food. dation’s 10,000 Gallon CHAL - senting Kane County, local local food pantries while com - restock the shelves of two area Typically, consumers spend just LENGE will feature prominent - Mayors and elected officials peting in the Farm Bureau spon - food pantries. The pantries they 10 percent of their disposable ly. Members are invited out to have competed in the event, sored contest at the Batavia have chosen to represent are annual income on food. This see the contest and participate in raising thousands of dollars in Jewel-Osco. Many organiza - Hinckley Area Food Pantry and low number is thanks to the effi - a pre-contest event at 10:20 to groceries for local food pantries. tions have bAe elnis rte porfe sceonntteeds toavnetsr Through this and other tahned ybeeanresf.i ciaries is on page 3 Local food pantries accept KCFB sponsored hunger relief . ‘matching’ contributions

The 10,000 Gallon CHAL - KCFB President Joe White Pantry, Food for Greater Elgin, LENGE, officially launched by presented checks to Rita Burlington-Hampshire Food the KCFB Foundation in Nov - Burnham, Director, Country- Pantry, Batavia and Aurora ember, has successfully raised side Food Pantry in Elburn; Nan Interfaith Food Pantries and over 5,000 gallons of milk for 10 Long, Director, Hinckley Area Holy Angels Food Pantry. local food pantries and the Food Pantry; and, Teresa Area food pantry reps attend - Northern Illinois Food Bank. Schryver, Advocacy & ing the presentation not only Created to raise hunger aware - Awareness Specialist at received much needed funding ness for a much needed, but Northern Illinois Food Bank. for milk, but were also provided For the past 17 years KCFB has sponsored a Food Check-Out Shopping rarely donated food item, milk, as Among other agencies receiv - with bins of promotional mate - Spree featuring 2 contestants from local government competing against the well as helping to support local ing matching funds were St. rials for collecting additional clock. The event is 5+ minutes of fun, excitement, and a race to collect the dairy farmers, the Campaign is Peter’s Community Food donations at area businesses. most groceries for their designated Food Pantry. Each contestant is award - past the halfway mark but needs At the January meeting of the KCFB Board of Directors, President Joe White ed a traveling trophy to display in their respective office for the year, show - continuing support to reach the (l), presented 10,000 Gallon CHALLENGE “matching” donations to local casing their participation. Pictured above are 2018 participants. A list of 10,000 Gallon goal. food pantries reps (l-r) Nan Long, Director of the Hinckley Area Food Pantry; contestants and beneficiaries is on page 3. As promised, the Kane Teresa Schryver, Advocacy & Awareness Specialist at the Northern Illinois County Farm Bureau has Food Bank; and, Rita Burnham, Director of the (Elburn) Countryside Food matched the first 1,000 gallons Pantry. Food Pantry/Bank representatives were also provided with bins of donated. KCFB Foundation promotional materials for collecting additional donations at area businesses. Executive Director Steve Arnold also presented checks to Contributions as seven local food pantries, of January 15 matching the first 25 gallons of totaled 5,420 each donation made by KCFB gallons of milk Directors and KCFB Staff. committed to Representatives from several the Northern food pantries were invited to Illinois Food attend a January presentation to Bank and/or accept the contributions, total - area food ing well over $3,000. pantries – including KCFB CALENDAR Right: A happy and busy day pledges for for KCFB Manager Steve matching con - Arnold as he signs a “score or 2019 tributions! To FEBRUARY more” of checks to local food join us on our 7 Board of Directors, 7pm pantries for the 10,000 Gallon way to our 15 KCFB FOUNDATION CHALLENGE. 100% of the 10,000 gallon Scholarship Applications Due funds from checks to the KCFB goal, visit www. Foundation, designated by 19 Water Test Kits Available kanegives. donors to local food pantries, is org/10000. (through March 1) passed along with NO adminis - Govt. Affairs Leadership trative fee. A “progress” Conference, Springfield sign replica of this graphic will 20 Puzzle Night be erected on 5,420 gallons – FEBRUARY FEATURED PRODUCT 21 Ag Committee, County Randall Road in January 15, 20 19 Admn. Bldg., 10am front of the Kane County 25 Food Check Out Challenge, Seasoned Pork Chops Farm Bureau so Jewel-Osco, Batavia, 10:30am Our featured product for this month is Inboden’s Meats deli - motorists and 26 KCFB Young Farmer Mtg, cious seasoned pork chops. Each 5 lb. box comes in 8 oz. (10 per the community KCFB, 6:30pm box) or 10 oz. (8 per box) and boneless and bone-in varieties. Each can track our 28 Chili & Cornbread Cook- chop comes in a vacuum sealed plastic bag. Just thaw, cut it open progress. For a Off, 5:30pm and you’re ready to cook up a perfectly seasoned, thick, juicy pork form to “match” contributions from a group or club you belong to, or to chop every time. It’s a Farm Bureau favorite! Price is (not includ - challenge other groups or organizations, contact the Kane County Farm 29- 30 2019 Illinois Pork ing tax) $24.90 per box for members, Non-members pay. $28.63. Bureau at 630-584-8660. Expo, Springfield Plus Status members always receive a 5% discount on edible prod - ucts at the Farm Bureau! Think blue –February’s FarmToy is on – page 7 PAGE 2 KANE COUNTY FARMER FEBRUARY 2019 KCFB Board Repor t–December 20 18

The December meeting of reports and feedback from Priorities” for the Illinois Farm Farm & Food Trivia Giant Jenga guides for CAFO’s – Swine, the Kane County Farm Bureau KCFB’s 2017-2018 Annual Bureau for 2019. Game. Awards and rankings for Beef, and Dairy. The Board was held on Thursday the Reports of Activities to Illinois The Nominating Committee the Annual Reports of Activities Governmental Affairs report 13th with 13 Directors present. Farm Bureau; and, a “What a will be present for the January 3 to IFB (MAPS) for the 2017- recapped the IFB Action With uncertainty in the financial Great Idea” book of program meeting to interview potential 2018 program year were present - Request for the Farm Bill in markets, the first order of busi - ideas from CFB’s. candidates for the Board of ed. lame duck session. 1490 mem - ness was a market update and Directors’ monthly reports Directors. A proposed budget In Local Issues, Directors bers made 5,000 contacts. future market conditions out - included discussion of food will be delivered in February. heard reports from recent meet - Special thanks to Craig Bradley, look from an area financial labels, the state of the dairy Also discussed were potential ings of the Kane County Board, Bill Collins, Beth Engel, Joe advisor who discussed market industry, and the IFB Annual capital improvements, and Forest Preserve District, Engel, Wayne Gehrke, Chris volatility, organizational assets Meeting in Chicago. In needs in Programming and Agriculture Committee & Gould, Marty Keltner, Karl and individual stocks. Unfinished Business, a Staffing. Stormwater TAC. No reports Kettelkamp, Donna Lehrer, Directors reviewed contracts Resolution on Charitable Arnold gave a report on were given from the Farmland Karen Myer, Jean O’Brien and and agreements including reim - Contributions was approved to KCFB’s Membership History Protection Commission, the Keith Sanders for responding. A bursement for expenses incurred allow the organization to sup - and circulated the Kane County Zoning Board of Appeals, or the written Ag-in-the-Classroom in constructing a woodchip port specific farm related causes Farmer 2019 production calen - Regional Planning Commission. report was circulated from Suzi bioreactor to track nutrient loss - and not-for-profits. dar. Directors White, Gehrke, Myers. es and invoices for the provision In New Business, an The IAA Annual Meeting was Pitstick, and Kenyon along with In FOUNDATION news, the of an intern to work with the Agreement to allow the KCFB to held at the Palmer House, Manager Arnold are registered “31 Days of Christmas” Raffle County of Kane in the areas of serve as Agent for the collection Chicago, December 1-4. Reports for the AFBF Annual Meeting in report was given. Over 2/3 of farmland protection and local of contributions to the KCFB were given by attendees as well New Orleans, January 12-16. the available tickets had been foods. They also received infor - Foundation was approved. as Delegates. Beth Gehrke The Marketing Report issued. “Winner’s Choice 2019” mation on the Specialty Crops, Directors revised policies for use received the Ag-in-the- included circulated resource (continued on page 8) Agri-Tourism & Organic of Meeting Rooms and discussed Classroom Volunteer of the Year Conference in Springfield; recommended “Action award, Carolyn Gehrke partici - KANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOARD ATTENDANCE pated in the Young Leaders JANUARY 2019 THRU DECEMBER 2019 On-the-Road seminar Discussion Meet, and Kane JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JLY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC County was well represented in C. BRADLEY X X X X X X X X X X X X Trucking regulations can be reshaped in recent years with B. COLLINS X X X X X X X X X X X X the Taste of Illinois by suppliers C. COLLINS X X X X X X X X X X X X complicated, and farm exemp - more changes yet to come. Foxtrot Organic Farm, Garlic J. ENGEL X X X X X X X X X X X X tions compound that problem. Rules recently affected include: Breath Farm, and Big Rock G. GAITSCH X X X X X X X X X X X X Seems everyone has a different farmer exemptions, Harvest Organics. CFB Awards received B. GEHRKE X X X X X X X X X X X X answer to your ques - Motor vehicle Season permit, included the New Horizon W. KECK X X X X X X X X X X X X tion. Come join farm - Electronic Logging Award for the 2nd year straight, M. KENYON X X X X X X X X X X X X ers from Kane, rules for Devices (ELDs), given this year for Pillow Pet K. KETTLEKAMP X X X X X X X X X X X X DeKalb and McHenry Illinois waivers for insulin- D. LEHRER X X X X X X X X X X X X Fundraising and (2) MOPS A. LENKAITIS X X X X X X X X X counties at 7 p.m. on Farmers related diabetic driv - (Most Outstanding Projects) for N. LONG X X X X X X X X X X X X Monday, March 11 at ers, a new class “C” Pillow Pets Fundraising and D. PITSTICK X X X X X X X X X X X Joe’s Place 19716 E. license plate, Covered W. SCHNEIDER X X X X X X X X X X X X Grant Hwy., Marengo, 60152 to Farm Vehicle options for small OTICE OF J. WHITE X X X X X X X X X X X X find out what you need to know. trucks, and the UCR payment N Illinois Farm Bureau along schedule and fees for 2019. ANNUAL MEETING with area County Farm Bureaus Presenting the seminar will Notice is hereby given that will be co-hosting a two-hour be Kevin Rund and Kirby the 106th Annual Meeting of Kane County Farmer seminar that focuses on trucking Wagner, who specialize in farm KANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU laws – old and new – specifical - the Kane County Farm Bureau PUBLISHED MONTHLY transportation issues for the will be held at the Kane ly for farmers. We’ll introduce Illinois Farm Bureau ® will pro - Steven J. Arnold, Editor you to new rules, remind you of County Farm Bureau, 2N710 vide take-home materials cover - Randall Road, St. Charles, IL Suzi Myers, Ag Literacy Coordinator the old ones that still apply and ing these topics. Audre Pack, Training Specialist help you to figure out whether 60174 on Thursday, April The seminar and pizza buffet Elizabeth Polovin, Member Services Coordinator exemptions are available. 11th, 2019, at 6:30 pm for the Marty Keltner, Communications Specialist are free to KCFB farmer- purpose of receiving and act - Throughout it all, you’ll OFFICE: Randall Rd. between Routes 64 & 38 members courtesy of Kane ing upon reports of officers, have the chance to ask those Address: 2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles farm trucking questions that County Farm Bureau, but the board of directors, and PHONE: 630-584-8660 everyone seems to have an advance registration is required. management for the fiscal [email protected] www.kanecfb.com opinion about, but to which no To reserve your spot, please call year ended December 31st, OFFICE HOURS: 8:3 0-4:30 Monday though Friday one can agree on an answer. 630 584-8660 or email 2018, and to announce the five (USPS No. 289700) Trucking laws have been [email protected]. directors elected to serve POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kane County Farmer terms of three years to repre - 2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174 sent Districts 1 through 5, and Periodical Postage • Paid to St. Charles, IL 60174 Lunches to Legislators for transaction of any other Year Subscription: $2.00 business that may properly ■ Would you like to have lunch with an Illinois State Representative come before the meeting. DISTRICT 1 Joe White Mike Kenyon or Senator? Kane County Farm Bureau’s Lunches to Legislators Michael Kenyon Aurora, Sugar Grove, President Secretar y/Treasurer (L2L) program gives you a chance to do just that! We need volun - , Big Rock Twnshp. 47W727 Main St. Rd. 1250 E. Main St. teers for this annual visit that allows Farm Bureau members to get Secretary Nan Long Elburn, IL 60119 South Elgin, IL 60177 630-557-2517 847-741-1818 better acquainted with legislators. 11461 E. County Line Rd. ■ Big Rock, IL 60511 DISTRICT 3 Craig Bradley Farm Bureau staff will arrange visits for volunteers to district 815-693-7214 Virgil, Campton, 37W791 Orchard Lane offices of Kane County’s local legislators, (state representatives and Donna Lehrer St. Charles Twnshp. Elgin, IL 60124 847-888-2380 state senators) starting at 9am on March 15th. Equipped with boxed 7S027 Jericho Rd. Andrew Lenkaitis ■ lunches, Farm Bureau policy books and farm and food facts litera - Big Rock, IL 60511 6N707 Corron Rd. DISTRICT 5 ture, they’ll express their appreciation for the legislators’ hard work. 630-556-3476 St. Charles, IL 60175 Hampshire, Rutland, You receive the Kane County William Keck 630-513-9980 Dundee Twnshp. To volunteer to assist with this program, please fill out the form Farmer because you are a Farm P.O. Box 281 Chris Collins Joe Engel below and mail to KCFB, 2N710 Randall Rd., St Charles, IL 60174. Bureau member. If you are a farm Sugar Grove, IL 60554 1143 Anderson 516 Sawgrass Ln. 630-466-4668 Elburn, IL 60119 Hampshire, IL 60140 Name: ______operator or owner, you benefit ■ from a local, state and national DISTRICT 2 630-934-4642 847-347-5561 Phone: (______) ______Kaneville, Blackberry, Dale Pitstick Gerald Gaitsch organization committed to agri - Gen ./ Bat. Twnshp. 128 N Hadsall St. 10613 Brittany Ave. Email Address: ______culture and your way of life. Bill Collins Genoa, IL 60135 Huntley, IL 60142 If you do not have direct ties 630-816-0223 847-669-2003 Address: ______1125 Lewis Rd. ■ to farming, your membership Geneva, IL 60134 DISTRICT 4 Wayne Schneider City:______State:_____ Zip Code: ______helps promote local farms and 630-484-6852 Burlington, Plato Vice President Elgin Twnshp. 721 Lindsay Lane farming, encourages wise use of Karl Kettelkamp Legislative District: ______0S860 Rowe Rd. Beth Gehrke West Dundee, IL 60118 our limited natural resources and 847-428-0488 Congressional District: ______Elburn, IL 60119 12N860 US Hwy. 20 preserves farmland and our agri - 630-365-2713 Elgin, IL 60124 Do you have a relationship with a current elected official? If so, cultural heritage while allowing 847-697-2538 whom?: ______you to enjoy COUNTRY insur - ______ance and the many benefits of Beef store is now open! one of Illinois’ premier member - Are you willing to support Farm Bureau policies on state and nation - ship organizations. By appointment only al issues? ______We appreciate your member - ______ship and continued support and we welcome your comments on Please provide a brief description of your agricultural background the content of the Farmer . We 100% hormone free beef. and views: ______encourage you to make recom - Selling individual cuts. Buy as little or as much as you want. ______mendations about farm, home, 815.895.4691 ______food, natural resources, renewable Mark & Linda Schramer, Owners energy or agricultural heritage and Sample Packs make great gifts! ______history related topics for inclusion 8N840 Lakin Road, Maple Park in future issues of the Farmer . FEBRUARY 2019 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 3 10K CHALLENGE milk jugs coming to a location near you! KCFB member Dave Ramm (R) Here are the locations you can find collection milk jugs so far: Be on the look-out, 10,000 stopped by the KCFB office in late Gallon CHALLENGE jugs ready December to drop off empty milk DeKane Equipment Burlington Oasis to receive your donations are jugs and in return, offered to take 47W619 US HWY 30, Big Rock 125 Plank Rd, Burlington coming to a local business near two prepared jugs out to local food Randall’s Pancake House Spee-D Mart, Petersen Fuels, Inc. you! Volunteers are encouraged pantries. With help from local com - 305 S Randall Rd, South Elgin 990 S State Street, Hampshire to distribute milk jugs around munity members like Dave, 10,000 Esther’s Place University of Illinois Extension Kane County. Gallon CHALLENGE milk jugs will 201 Galena St, Big Rock Office, Kane County Distributing prepared milk be available for those who want to 535 Randall Rd, St. Charles jugs to local businesses is the make donations locally. Buck Bros Inc. next step in meeting the goal of 14N937 US HWY 20, Hampshire More locations to come 10,000 gallons to be donated to tional materials to businesses Salon Urbane in March! area food pantries and banks. As you frequent, have a relation - 3091 Route 20, #102, Elgin an important part of our organi - ship with, or own. zation, you can help, not only Please call 630-584-8660 for with your donation, but by visit - more information or stop by ing the Farm Bureau office to 2N710 Randall Road to pick up Private well testing program in Feb. pick up and distribute empty your 10,000 Gallon CHAL - milk jugs and additional promo - LENGE kit. The Kane County Farm Collect the water sample. More detailed sampling Bureau and Kane/DuPage Soil Step 3. Monday, March 4, instructions will be included in and Water Conservation District 2019 each kit and additional informa - are cooperating again to offer a Return water sample to Farm tion on how each test can help Food Check-Out Challenge water testing program in Bureau or Kane/DuPage Soil & you is provided at the Farm February 2019. A high quality Water Conservation District. Bureau or Kane/DuPage Soil past contestants water supply is vital for fami - Costs vary for depending on and Water Conservation’s lies, and this program helps pro - which tests you have performed District offices. Testing will be Shopping Spree contestants have raised nearly $40,000 for local vide peace of mind and identi - on your water. Three kits are performed by Heidelburg Food Pantries while competing in the Farm Bureau sponsored fies potential problem areas for available: College Water Quality contest at the Batavia JeweSle-eO stcoor.y Manadn yp hoortgoa noinz aptaiognes 1 have been homeowners of Kane County. A. Basic Package (Nitrate Laboratory in Tiffin, Ohio, a represented over the years. . Year Contestants Beneficiary The program works simply Package) – $45.00 certified lab that has been 2002 State Senator Chris Lauzen Holy Angels Food Pantry as follows: Tests for nitrate, nitrite, nationally recognized for its State Rep. Pat Lindner Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry Step 1. Tuesday, February 19 ammonia, chloride, sulfate, sol - work in testing rivers and lakes, 2003 U of I Extension Leader Lala Williams Salvation Army, Elgin – Friday, March 1, 2019 uble phosphorus, silica and spe - and results are mailed directly to Kane Co. Brd. Chairman Mike McCoy Marie Wilkinson Foundation, Aurora Pick up water test kits from cific conductivity. your home. We are able to pro - 2004 State Senator Steve Rauschenberger Salvation Army, Elgin the Kane County Farm Bureau, B. Pesticide Screen – vide these deeply discounted State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry 8:30am-4:30pm or from $80.00 testing fees because we are pro - 2005 State Rep. Tim Schmitz South Elgin Food Pantry Kane/DuPage Soil and Water Indicates the presence of tri - viding the laboratory a bulk State Rep. John Millner Salvation Army, Tri-City Corps Conservation District, 8am - azine herbicides, lasso, dual or number to be tested. 2006 KC Board Chair Karen McConnaughay Salvation Army, Tri-City Corps 4:30pm, M-F. Payment is due harness. Call Kane County Farm KC State’s Attorney John Barsanti Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry for each test kit upon pick-up. C. Metals – $95.00 Bureau at 630-584-8660 with 2007 State Senator Mike Noland PADS of Elgin Step 2. Sunday, March 3, 2019 Tests for 23 different metals. any questions. State Senator Linda Holmes Wayside Cross Ministries, Aurora 2008 State Rep. Ruth Munson All People’s Interfaith Food Pntry., Elgin 16th Circuit Judge Patricia Golden Community Crisis Ctr., Elgin Celebrate National Chili Day 2009 State Rep. Keith Farnham Centro Informacion, Elgin State Rep. Kay Hatcher Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and support the KCFB Foundation 2010 State Rep. Randy Ramey Northern Illinois Food Bank State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz Lakeview Pantry, Chicago Awards and entries. Come help the KCFB Vegetarian Chili : Chili 2011 Mayor Tom Weisner Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry Village President Sean Michels Between Friends Food Pantry, Sugar Grv. FOUNDATION celebrate A trophy will be awarded to made using vegetarian or vegan National Chili Day, February the top creations in the following: ingredients 2012 State Rep. Bob Pritchard Between Friends Food Pantry, Sugar Grv. State Rep. Christine Johnson Burlington-Hampshire Food Pantry 28th, by participating (or Best Cornbread : 2013 State Treasurer Dan Rutherford Batavia Interfaith Food Panty sampling) in our 3rd Make it sweet, or hot. State Senator Karen McConnaughay Food for Greater Elgin Annual Chili Cook-Off, Any type of cornbread 2014 Mayor Jeff Schielke, Batavia Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and the Cornbread com - with or without “add-ins” State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry petition! Chili judging The judging for the 2015 State Rep. Keith Wheeler Elburn Food Pantry will be based on ICS cri - best in each category State Rep. Steve Andersson Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry teria: good chili flavor, will begin promptly at 2016 Dr. David Sam, President, ECC Spartan Food Pantry texture, consistency, 4:30pm by a panel of T.R. Smith, Chair, KC Ag Cmte. Burlington-Hampshire Food Pantry blend of spices, aroma “celebrity” judges. 2017 State Senator Cristina Castro F.I.S.H. Food Pantry, Carpentersville and color. Winners will be Dr. Christine Sobek, President, WCC Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Not a cook but still want announced at the conclu - 2018 Jeffrey Walter, Elburn Village Pres. Countryside (Elburn) Food Pantry to celebrate National Chili Day 2018 “Celebrity” judges and County sion of judging. For more infor - Theresa Barreiro, Kane County Board Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and enjoy some delicious corn - Board members (L-R, front) Jarett mation, check out www. 2019 State Rep. Jeff Keicher Hinckley Area Food Pantry bread? Sanchez, Don Ishmael, and Mike Kanecfb.com/Chili. State Senator Donald DeWitte Tri-Cities Salvation Army, St. Charles Kenyon, at the 2018 Chili Cook-Off A People’s Choice Chili : Stop by the KCFB office for and fundraiser for the KCFB FOUN - will be selected at the end of the a public tasting at 5:30pm. A $5 DATION along with (back) emcee night based on the number of donation will get you 6 tickets Steve Arnold, KCFB Manager, and tickets collected from event Thanks to our Donor s... and each ticket will get you a Joe White , KCFB President. patrons. The chili with the most Dixie cup of chili or a piece of The KCFB FOUNDATION offers its sincere appreciation to the tickets wins! The People’s following for their contributions to our hunger relief, community cornbread. 6 tickets will get you Best Homestyle Chili : a Choice award winning chili service, education, and scholarship programs. Names shown are con - a 9.5 oz bowl of the chili of your spicy stew of beef and red (trophy PLUS braggin’ rights) tributions in excess of $50 received December 15-January 16, 2019. choice to enjoy at the event or chilies or chili powder often will be announced at the take home. A “try before you with beans and tomatoes or evening’s conclusion. buy” option will provide a small pasta could be added. To enter just follow the sim - spoon for a “taste of chili”. Best Non-Traditional Chili : ple steps below. Prizes will also All entry fees and event pro - Chili made with pork, chicken, be awarded for best presentation Donor Beneficiary ceeds benefit the KCFB FOUN - turkey, or goat. or theme (plan for 30” of table The Konen Family Foundation KCFB Foundation DATION in support of agricul - Best Wildlife Chili : Chili space) and best recipe card. The Konen Family Foundation KCFB Foundation, SPROUTS program tural education and college made using non-domesticated Multiple recipe cards are Charles & Mary Ellen Heidgen, Batavia KCFB Foundation scholarships. sources of meat protein. encouraged. Suzon Scott, Huntley KCFB Foundation Heinz Brothers Greenhouse, (due by February 21st ): Jay Schrock, St. Charles KCFB Foundation Entry Form Alice Macha, Joliet KCFB Foundation Head Cook: ______10,000 Gallon CHALLENGE Chili/Team Name ______Joe & Margaret Engel, Hampshire Burlington/Hampshire Food Pantry Suzanne Myers, St. Charles Northern Illinois Food Bank Type(s) of Chili ___ Homestyle ___ Non Traditional (meat ______) Gerald Gaitsch, Huntley Northern Illinois Food Bank ___ Wildlife (meat ______) ___ Vegetarian University of Illinois Extension employees, St. Charles Northern Illinois Food Bank Cornbread ___ Free with Chili Entry ___ Cornbread (without chili, $5 entry) Kenton Geier & Rosemarie Geier-Grant, Gilberts Northern Illinois Food Bank Address ______Phone (______) ______Wayne Schneider & Lisa Geisler, West Dundee Northern Illinois Food Bank City______State ______Zip ______Jodie Wollnik, Batavia Northern Illinois Food Bank Entry fee: $20.00 (Member) and $30.00 (Non-Member) Myrna Molina, Aurora Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Elgin United Civic Association, Elgin Food for Greater Elgin Make checks payable to: University of Illinois Extension KCFB Foundation. Visa, Discover, or MasterCard accepted in person or over the phone employees, St. Charles Hinckley Area Food Pantry PAGE 4 KANE COUNTY FARMER FEBRUARY 2019

took a photo of these little rain - Sandhill Cranes flying high in differences in each of our four bows and sent it to the children the sky (noticed by their strange seasons; the list goes on and on. so they could be aware of how call); snow or ice on the tree Though it is still early in the AG LITERACY CORNER much I’m enjoying their simple branches glistening in the sun - year, I think this will be one New gift. Daily, I am in wonder of light; a harvest moon; the life Year’s idea that will stay with me these reflections. cycle of the Monarch Butterfly – By Suzi Myers until 2020. So far, it has definite - Walking outside the other ending with the adult flying ly opened my senses to many night, just before sunset, a flock away from my deck; the beauty daily wonders. A new thought, “Always be on the lookout of geese flew overhead. This of the clouds in the sky as well my computer (when it works) is thoughts. The way a child looks was nothing out of the ordinary, as sunrises and sunsets; the new a wonder...just think, I no longer for the presence of wonder.” at new ideas or things with such except that the orange of the set - experiences as I travel; the ger - have to retype everything due to ting sun was reflected on their mination of a seed; watching the awe and an abundance of the a mistake, I can move paragraphs —EB White breasts...beautiful. In that same harvest of crops; a newborn classic questions...the who, around easily, spell check helps Those of you who have ever category of wonder, I found my baby; water rushing over rocks; what, why, when and how’s of me be a great speller, and I can gotten an email from me may their world. first praying mantis egg case on waves crashing onto the beach; save the document to be copied have noticed the above quote on Also, I wanted to be more a New Year’s Day hike. It heart shaped, smooth rocks, or or used again years from the signature line of these emails. aware of the “wonders” of the wasn’t very large, but had the cracked-in-half rocks all shaped This year, I wanted to find a world. There are so many things look of a ball of twisted yarn. by erosion; the sound of pen - now...wow, that certainly quali - “word of the year” that I could that can be classified as a won - Hopefully, this summer many of guins walking on tiny rock sliv - fies my computer for a wonder. experience and think about der. The first one I noticed this these eggs will hatch. ers; spring wildflowers; the My quest for wonders con - throughout the year, instead of year was the abundance of small Some of my favorite wonders cycle of the moon; past cultures’ tinues. Wishing you all a Happy making a resolution that would rainbows I saw scattered throughout the years: the bald ability to know where the sun Valentines’ Day...hey, did you go by the wayside quickly. throughout my front room that eagle soaring through the sky – would be seen at different times ever wonder how chocolate is The word I decided upon were reflected off a small sun especially over my own house; of the year (i.e. Stonehenge); the made? was “wonder”. Why? Because I catcher made for me by some Doris Braddock (L), Program wanted to remind myself of the special children in my life. I “I wonder...” of a child’s Coordinator for 4-H & Youth Development at the University of Illinois Extension office in St. Book of the month Charles, presents donations col - lected to Marty Keltner, KCFB Staff Ever wonder about Chinese streets of New York’s member. In lieu of a Christmas gift New Year and how it is cele - Chinatown. exchange between fellow employ - brated? Reading this factual This is a Reading Rainbow ees, $226.80 was collected for the story about Ernie Wan will book, meaning it was highlight - 10,000 Gallon CHALLENGE, which explain many of the traditions ed in the Reading Rainbows tel - equals 97 gallons of milk. Thank of Chinese New Year, as well as evision show hosted by LeVar you, Extension office employees other parts of Ernie’s life. The Burton. The show was created for your generosity! story revolves around Ernie’s to entice children to read. It ran first lion dance through the from 1983-2006 and is now available on Netflix. Come in to borrow this book in our lending library, the idea of Bob Konen and Dean Dunn and supported by funds given by the late Alyce Konen. Lion Dancer – Ernie Wan’s Chinese New Year by Kate Waters and Madeline Slovenz- Low Warm up at puzzle night February 20th

Tired of those long winter nesday, February 20th in the nights with nothing to do? board room of the Do you love the challenge that FREE Kane County putting togeth - hot cocoa & Farm Bureau er a puzzle cookies while we put provides? together a 1,000 Come warm piece puzzle of a up at the Kane Farmall 560. We’ll have County Farm it framed, hang it on a Bureau and wall and use it as part of help us build a a future fundraiser for puzzle! We’ll our not-for-profit Kane provide finger County Farm Bureau food, the puzzle, FOUNDATION. hot cocoa, cookies, and fun – you RSVP to Liz or Marty by provide the dexterity, mental calling 630-584-8660 or e-mail - sharpness, and social banter. ing [email protected] by Join us at 6:30 pm, Wed - February 18th. Volunteers neede d@Ag Days

This March, Kane County Farm Bureau would like your Farm Bureau and dozens of Ag assistance with this Ag in the Literacy volunteers will organ - Classroom event. ize the 36th annual Ag Days at Students rotate through a Mooseheart. Please consider series of more than a dozen pre - being a part of this great tradi - sentations on agricultural top - tion by volunteering your time ics. This is one of the Farm on either of the days listed Bureau’s longest running and below or both! most popular programs. For more than three decades, Students will learn about crops, hundreds of Kane County 4th livestock, natural resources, grade students have been gath - farm machinery and more. ering at Mooseheart Fieldhouse Call 630-584-8660 to sign up in March to learn about agricul - for specific dates and times ture from farmers and represen - when volunteers are most need - tatives from local agribusiness - ed, a continental breakfast and es. This year’s event will take complimentary lunch will be place, March 19-20 and the provided both days. Your help is needed during the following times chaperoning groups of students and teachers or providing 5-minute agricultural lessons. Tuesday March 19 8:30am - 12:30pm Wednesday March 20 8:30am - 12:30pm FEBRUARY 2019 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 5

Compiled by Suzi Myers Growing cherries in Illinois Sour cherries can be grown all include “Montmorency,” popular. Mature sweet cherry over the state of Illinois. Mahaleb “Meteor,” “Suda Hardy,” trees need to be pruned every is the standard rootstock for sour “Mesabi,” and “North year but less severely compared cherries but the semi-dwarf root - Star.” All are called self-fruitful, to other fruit trees. The suggest - stocks such as Gisela are also which means cross-pollination is ed varieties include “Black becoming more popular. Plant not needed. Tartarian,” “Glass,” “Ranier,” sour cherries in a location with Sweet cherries can be “Stark Gold Yellow,” “Stella,” well-drained soil and full grown in central and “Van,” and “Windsor.” “Stella” is sun. Mature sour cherry southern parts of Illinois. reported to be self-fruitful and Sour Cherry Salsa trees need to be pruned Plant any two or more can be planted alone. This spicy-sweet salsah makese a delirciousr accomipaeniment to grilled every year. The most varieties of sweet cherry Harvest ripe cherry fruits as pork, chicken, or duck. common sour cherry dis - for cross-pollination. soon as possible in order to ease in Illinois is cherry leaf Mazzard is the standard avoid fruit cracking that occur INGREDIENTS spot that can be controlled by rootstocks for sweet cherries when it rains. Cover cherry trees 21/4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sour applying recommended fungi - but dwarfing rootstocks such as with nets to protect mature fruits cherries (3/4 lb) cides. Suggested varieties Gisela are also becoming more from birds. 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (1/2 small) Cherry blossom festivals 1 large fresh jalapeño chili, finely The blooming season of cherry don’t spend time with our loved resent friendship, goodwill, and chopped, including seeds ( 11/2 blossoms are brief, resulting in ones, and why we do not take the political alliance. These trees tablespoons) instant beauty and immediate time to simply pay attention to were planted in West Potomac 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice death of the flower. They, there - the living, breathing world Park by the American First Lady, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro fore, serve (within the Japanese Helen Taft, and Viscountess 1/2 teaspoon salt culture) as reminders of humanity Chinda, wife of the Japanese PREPARATION and mortality since, like cherry ambassador. There, these two If using fresh cherries, coarsely chop, then stir together with sugar blossoms, a human being’s life trees still stand, marked by a in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. If using can end at any given moment. The plaque. frozen cherries, thaw in a small bowl, reserving any juices in bowl, human condition is epitomized Today, the Washington D.C. then coarsely chop and stir together with sugar in same bowl. Stir in through the cherry blossom, National Cherry Blossom Festival onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt and let stand at room tem - alerting people that life is too is a beloved event in which thou - perature 30 minutes for flavors to develop. Makes about 2 cups short to waste away and that peo - sands come to watch these cher - ple should live life to the fullest. ry trees blossom into a sea of Cooks’ note: This salsa is best the day it is made but will keep, cov - This idea is tied to Buddhist 2019 National Cherry Blossom pink and white in a three-week ered and chilled, 1 day. theme of mindfulness – the prac - Festival’s official artwork, created long cultural festival held by Simon Bull. Jokes: What do you call cherries playing the guitar? • A jam session . ticed ability to live in the present. throughout the city. The National Did you hear the joke about the cherry? • It was pit-iful . The life cycle of these flowers around us. Cherry blossom festi - Park Service oversees the pre - What happens when a cherry tree grows up? • It blossoms. make us question why we fail to vals are a time to regain our per - diction of the peak bloom season live life to the fullest, why we spective on life, and to make a by examining the trees and cli - promise not to take the good mate conditions, revising their Cherries things in our lives for granted. forecast right up until the day of In 1912, Japan gave three the bloom so that celebrants can O P W F N Z Z I Y X W T X U E F Y Z L R L L A C Q thousand cherry trees to arrive at just the right time in Washington D.C., bringing this order to behold the blooms. This G K U H R O E X Q B M R N M I I O A D A I L N C F precious cultural symbol to year, the festival will be held K I GSC IT Q BDT F Z A PSM DV B M I I X T American soil in an effort to rep - March 20-April 14. W K H O R R E G Y T F Y O S D B W I P O E W H M D E D PYP YN N NL J W C V EI T LS H F D C U Z Handprint cherry tree craft S Z O O O Y E L D I A O U R J S X S X Z O O K E F Materials needed: making cherries S I T I R H T R A S H O T B E J O O Z Q R O P C G Brown tempera paint Directions: (activity needs K H D T M Y C N H E H S L F L L N N I D Q G O N Y Pink tempera paint adult supervision) Paper Paint the hand and bit of fore - T I C X Z M E Z T M F I A L B C I D J T A P T A D Wine cork or child’s thumb for arm of child with brown wash - S W E E T X X T A L Z A P W E N C I B K N X A I U able paint. Have child make print I Y PDJ BQ R BR X Z T S QR H GE W J A S L I of hand and forearm on paper. February i s ... Wash child’s arm and hand. If L U QPM EA F XTE Y S N OWO CK E R U S L Z Month-long events: you are using child’s thumb to Q X MAH SUL PLV G T S IZ Z MW K M Q I A R American Heart Month make the cherries, once the Y Z V F C G W F H D J V P Q H C Z E G W C X U T I An Affair to Remember Month brown paint has dried, let them make pink thumb prints through - H V M H V F C A L T T R W E V T H O D R W X M Z I Black History Month Canned Food Month out the “tree branches” they B I I X E Q E V K O L G Q E U Y K M I B A C J Z R Creative Romance Month have made with their hand print. Y N JT G ON J IV L A Y B PMB FY M C N G O N Great American Pie Month (If you prefer, these pink circles could be made O P B H Z F K F Z N X M E T M L B S G N I B T L T National Cherry Month National Children’s Dental Health by using a wine S J D I S I B O R G E M M H B A L A T O N E I E B Month cork or other O G C V Y I S A V V H K M F J O C E J I V F E I D National Grapefruit Month circular object.) Let dry and U C WHN FID ZLC E G Z TPA PE Z E V H R E National Weddings Month enjoy your R C M A E N T U N N C T Z G R B I U J B F V N W T Daily Holidays, child’s artwork. B N PAI RY L SRU Q H Y ED B UI A R S R W Q Special and I A N E P A R W F Y Y C K T T O S X Z U N G Z C A Wacky Days: J Z R O J N W Y Y G C O X P K W L Y T T E P J I N ALLIANCE BLOSSOM GOODWILL LIFE RAINIER 2 Ground Hog Day Congratulations ANTIOXIDANT CHERRY GRANTED MARASCHINO SOUR 3 Superbowl Sunday - ARTHRITIS CHINA HEALTH MORELLO SWEET Superbowl 53 Diane Stone from St. Charles! BALATON FESTIVAL JAPAN PIE TREE 5 Chinese New Year Her name was chosen from the BING FRIENDSHIP LAMBERT POTASSIUM WASHINGTON 9 National Pizza Day entries received for correctly 12 Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday completing last month’s Word Name ______14 Valentine’s Day Search Puzzle. For her partici - 15 Susan B. Anthony Day pation, she receives a bag of Address ______17 Random Acts of Kindness Day “OATS” themed products! City______State ______Zip ______18 President’s Day Thank you, Diane, for reading 20 Cherry Pie Day the Kane County Farmer and Telephone (______)______Email ______Age _____ 22 George Washington’s continue to watch each month Return to: Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St Charles, IL 60174 by February 15, 2019 Birthday for more great opportunities to be entered in our drawing for a cherry themed prize. Prize must be picked up at the KCFB office. 24 National Tortilla Chip Day from the Kane County Farm 27 Polar Bear Day Bureau. PAGE 6 KANE COUNTY FARMER FEBRUARY 2019

and I fondly remember the Buying little Valentine cards, first helmets used on the field excitement the games provided. I filling them out, and then were made of leather. Also, foot - also remember collecting foot - secretly putting them into the balls have traditionally been LOVE AND FOOTBALL ball cards and being so hopeful personalized Valentine boxes made using cow hide leather. that each time I opened a pack was such a big deal. Classrooms Since 1941, Chicago’s own By Marty Keltner and threw away the nasty, chalky were decorated, candy was Horween Leather Company has gum stick, there would be a play - doled out, cupcakes were baked exclusively supplied the leather er I’d recognize, be able to brag and distributed, and excitement used to make the footballs you about getting, or covet for what and anticipation filled the air. see being thrown by your ebruary is an important plenty of excuses to see friends, the future value might hold. I do With agriculture in mind, favorite quarterback. This month for love and for foot - family and enjoy time with still have all of those football celebrations this month couldn’t arrangement was established by Fball for many of us. Big plans loved ones. cards, so it’s possible I could be be made possible without farm - Arnold Horween, who played are made for both the Super I grew up in the 80’s follow - sitting on a gold mine! ers and ranchers. Think of how and coached in the NFL. Thank Bowl and for Valentine’s Day, ing the Chicago Bears, which I also remember celebrating much food is purchased, pre - a rancher! which I now see advertised as meant being a big fan of Walter Valentine’s Day in school was pared, and consumed on Super Hopefully this time of year “Hearts Day”. Whether you are Payton, Mike Singletary, and something to look forward to. Bowl Sunday? Or your dinner also conjures up fond memories hosting Super Bowl parties and William “The Refrigerator” Elaborately decorating a shoe date with a loved one. Thank a for you or you set foot into the get-togethers or scheduling Perry among others. Watching box for your classmates or farmer! month ready to make new, romantic dinners and weekend Sunday afternoon football with crushes to (hopefully) put American football has a treasured memories. Happy get-aways, it’s a month with my dad was definitely a big deal Valentines into was a must. deeply rooted history when it Super Bowl Sunday! Happy comes to leather, after all, the “Hearts” Day! Happy February! Apply for FOUNDATION Touch-A-Tractor seeks scholarships by Feb. 15 tractors of all types, sizes The Kane County Farm Ag Scholarships, the KCFB Find an application for Bureau FOUNDATION is offer - President’s Scholarship, Chuck KCFB FOUNDATION Kane County Farm Bureau the road. They can participate in ing several scholarships to mem - Swanson Memorial Scholar - Scholarships at www.kanecfb. FOUNDATION’s 14th annual hands-on activities, ride pedal bers or dependents of mem bers ship, the John Buck Memorial com. There are approximately Touch-A-Tractor will be held tractors, frolic in the corn corral, pursuing college degrees. The Scholarship, the NEWLY creat - 22 million people who work in Friday – Sunday, April 12-14. crawl through culverts, bang on scholarship application deadline ed Ruth & Frank Carlson agriculture related fields. The NEW this year, the KCFB pots and pans, play with toy is February 15, 2019. Scholarship, AGCO Platinum Agriculture industry offers Foundation invites Farm Bureau tractors and farm equipment and There are hundreds of members to bring tractors of any see farm animals. Scholarship and/or the AGCO hundreds of rewarding and careers in the agriculture indus - size or age to the event. “In the “Area moms tell us their kids Parts Divisio n/AGCO GWN challenging careers, with cate - try and hundreds of students gories including: Agribusiness past, we have invited members to ask them to come back year from Kane County studying in Scholarships. Applications and only bring antique tractors to the after year” said Arnold. “Be details on scholarship require - Management, Agricultural and schools across the country to Natural Resources Commu - event, relying on only one farmer sure to add this event to your ments are available at www. prepare to take the lead in pro - nications, Agri-science, to bring the modern farm equip - 2019 calendar.” viding food, fiber and fuel for kanecfb.com and at the KCFB Resource Development and ment”, said KCFB Manager Touch-A-Tractor is also the us all. office, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Management, Parks, Recrea- Steve Arnold. “For 2019, we KCFB FOUNDATION’s Applicants may qualify for Charles. Call 630-584-8660 tion, and Tourism Resources, invite members to bring tractors biggest community event and KCFB General Scholarships, with questions. Packaging, Hor ticulture, of any size or vintage, as ALL fundraiser. For 2019, Winner’s Forestry, Food Science, and tractors provide a unique experi - Choice Raffle ticket will get Previous KCFB FOUNDATION Fisheries/Wildlife. ence from a kid’s perspective.” FREE family admission all 3 Scholarship winners gather KCFB members always days, all others will pay $2 for a photo at an award cere - bring some farm to the city for (adult) or $5 (family) admis - mony at the conclusion of this ever-popular event. It is sion. Proceeds from Touch-A- Touch-A-Tractor. The Kane often the first chance for parents Tractor and the Winner’s Choice County Farm Bureau FOUNDA - and grandparents to get kids out Raffle benefit the college schol - TION is offering numerous of the house in the spring. arship and agricultural literacy scholarships to members or Kids get to touch and even sit programs of the not-for-profit dependents of members pur - in the seats of big, farm machin - Kane County Farm Bureau suing college degrees in agri - ery they normally only see from FOUNDATION. cultural career fields. The scholarship application dead - line is February 15, 2019. Annual Ag Days teaches 4th graders about farming, where food comes from

Did you know the felt on a this Kane County Farm Bureau ence is needed. pool table comes from a sheep’s agricultural expo has been help - Join us at AG Days March 19 wool; that crayons can be made ing fourth graders walk away & 20 as a Farm Bureau volun - from soybeans, and band-aides with a better understanding of teer. Come from 8:30-noon both from corn? Neither do lots of where their food comes from. days or whichever day you’re kids. Many also don’t realize Up to 2,000 kids will learn available. that food comes from farms, not about farm products that go into Farm Bureau is the Fox Touch-A-Tractor – the name says it all! There are dozens of hands-on the store. everything from fuel to cloth - Valley’s largest and oldest agri - activities and fun for the family. Come on out to the Farm Bureau to A snapshot of farms and ing, baseball mitts to newspaper cultural association and the celebrate the coming of spring, April 12-14, 2019. farmers will be on display for print. leader in education about farm - two days, March 19 & 20, It’s the perfect time for you, ing. We promise you an enjoy - inside the Fieldhouse at as a Farm Bureau member, to able volunteer experience! Call Support local farms Text FARM to 52886 Mooseheart Child City & get involved. You can help with 630-584-8660 with questions or School near Batavia during AG activities that are all ready to go to reserve a volunteer spot. Days. For over three decades – no teaching or farm experi -

Whether you’re someone who doesn’t know a grain bin from an airplane hangar, or you log hundreds of hours in the cab of a combine – you can help Kane County Photos, left to right: ten-year-olds A class listens intently as a volunteer from Esther’s Place in Big Rock shows them the wool collected learn about from their Cheviot sheep. The wool is then carded, dyed, and sold in the store. Items on the table show farming and the students just how versatile wool is: clothing articles, accessories, and “art” that can be made. what it does for The animals featured at Ag Days are always a favorite. Classes never want to miss learning about the world. and petting the sheep and lambs, the Holstein calf, goats, or even chickens. The class shown here Call pets Jacob’s sheep from the Kettelkamp Farm as they learn about the products that sheep provide. 630-584-8660 Dan Klein, from Klein’s Farm Fresh Vegetable stands, shows one of the students a list of different to learn how. vegetables and what they do for the body. Dan also talked about what fruits and vegetables pro - fessional athletes eat to help them stay healthy and strong. Another fun part of the presentation was showing the students the growth cycle of corn. FEBRUARY 2019 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 7 10,000 Gallon CHALLENGE kits available

Gaining community aware - empty milk jug for collecting Please visit our office located ness for our milk campaign is donations, heavy laminate at 2N710 Randall Road in St. the next step in making sure our reversible sign with information Charles Mon-Fri, 8:30am- goal of donating 10,000 gallons about the campaign, and 4:30pm to drop off and pick up of milk to local food pantries is DONOR clings for windows or your 10,000 Gallon CHAL - met. Food pantries have begun vehicles, to proudly display LENGE counter top kit. to receive donations from our your support. Edward Stuehm (l) a Representative donors and have been so thank - Helping is easy, for those of with COUNTRY Financial in Geneva is ful, but there is always more that you with empty, clean milk jugs, shown choosing a milk jug to promote can be done. please bring them in to our the 10,000 Gallon CHALLENGE. To make it easy for volun - office. We can then “trade” Counter top kits, with pre- prepared teers, members, and concerned your empty jugs for a “counter donation milk jugs and FREE promo - tional materials such as laminated citizens of our community to top kit” ready for you to drop off reversible signs, DONOR clings, and help us promote this campaign, at any local business you fre - additional campaign information are available at the Kane County Farm Bureau for community minded businesses we have created a “counter top quent, have a relationship with, and individuals to expand the reach of this campaign to help promote milk consumption, hunger awareness, and sup - kit”. This kit includes a prepared or own. port local dairy farmers. You too can help! Stop by the KCFB Office to pick up a kit or call us for more information at Farm toy of the month 630 584-8660. Our February toy of the count if they bring us an empty, What’s new in the COUNTRY agencies? month is blue! clean milk jug for our 10,000 St. Charles Agency, Bob Effner, New Holland T9.700 This Gallon CHALLENGE and in Agency Manager products and services: Auto, Representative of the Month for tractor farm toy represents a turn, take a prepared one to a Farm, Home, Life, Business, December 2018. Cornell began 620 horsepower, 154” wheel - local business of their choice. CHUCK QUICK has been Retirement. Let Chuck’s expert - his career with COUNTRY base length, 480 gallon fuel named the Financial Represen - ise help you! You may reach Financial in August of 2015 and capacity, and 44,046 pounds in tative of the Month for DECEM - Chuck at 847-683-2100, charles. services clients out of his office weight beast of a tractor. It is a BER 2018 in the St. Charles/ [email protected], or located at: 1161 Oak Street, 1/64 (approx. 5” long x 3” wide) Elgin Agency, as announced by https://representatives.country North Aurora, 60542-(630) 423- die-cast metal replica full of Agency Manager, Robert J. financial.com/charles.quick/. power and fun for any - ® 9885. Cornell’s professionalism Effner, Sr., CLF , LUTCF. ACuornogrraa tuAlgaetinocnys, CKheuvcikn! Gomes, one over the age of 3. and vast knowledge of auto, Chuck has provided tangible Agency Manager Regular price is plans for addressing the immedi - home, life, commercial and $16.99, Farm ate and long term insurance Cornell Shaw, Financial financial products make him a Bureau members needs of his clients through Representative with the Aurora great person to do business with. receive a 20% dis - COUNTRY Financial’s diverse Agency, is our Financial Congratulations, Cornell! Directors attend AFBF meeting Recruiter of the Month Illinois Farm Bureau ® propos - ful of the new policy opposing his interest in farming, and also Each month we honor the December of 2017. His office is als shape American Farm the creation of a federal vehicle what rural voters mean to him,” person who signs the most located at 1750 Grandstand Pl, Bureau Federation policy mileage tax (VMT) which said Guebert. “The fact a sitting members into our organi - Ste 20, Elgin. Thank you Voting delegates at the would tax motorists based upon U.S. President addressed our zation. This month, the for your continued sup - 100TH annual meeting of the the number of miles driven,” members two years in a row honor goes to Victor port of the Kane County American Farm Bureau said Guebert. shows Farm Bureau’s impact as Alvarado! Victor has been Farm Bureau and con - Federation (AFBF), including Illinois delegates also called an organization. The President a COUNTRY Financial gratulations on your suc - 21 delegates from Illinois on the AFBF Board of Directors called attention to passage of the Representative since cess! Victor Alvarado addressed Illinois Farm to develop a national legal advo - 2018 Farm Bill, regulatory Bureau’s (IFB) priority issues, cacy strategy that actively reform such as the Clean Water CLASSIFIED ADS WANTED including submittals on trade, addresses legal or regulatory Rule proposal, and tax reform.” Farm Employee wanted – Kendall transportation, legal advocacy actions taken by governments, “He wants to get USMCA County. Experience necessary. and Health Savings Account groups, or third parties that passed and wants an agreement CLASSIFIED AD RATES Able to obtain CDL. Wage based (HSA) reform. impact our members’ private with China to help farmers in Classified advertising rates: 20 cents on experience. Call: 630-554- “Our delegates were instru - property rights and production the long run,” said Guebert. per word/$20 minimum (60 words or 9238 or 630-951-9238. mental in promoting and debat - agriculture. At the meeting, Illinois Farm less). DISCOUNTS for members: U.S. President Returns to CUSTOMER SERVICE POSI - ing several key policy resolu - Bureau received a New Horizon Associate members, 20%; Voting Convention TION – 30-35 hours weekly, M- members, 30%; PLUS members, tions to promote and protect the Award for collaborative work on F:we do not work on Sundays. 40%. Advance payment requested. interests of Illinois Farm Bureau On Monday, President the Illinois Livestock Report. Applicant must be computer liter - Ads due by the 15th of every month members,” said Richard Donald Trump spoke to a full The New Horizon Award honors ate with pleasant phone voice for the next issue. No advertising Guebert, Jr., President, IFB. house of convention attendees. states with the most innovative and manner. Some overnight (classified or display) for financial or travel required. All applicants “We wanted to reaffirm our He kept his promise to return to new programs. IFB received insurance services will be accepted. must be self-starters and able to organization’s longstanding the convention after last year’s Excellence awards for Call 630-584-8660. work as a team. Office located in trade policy. Delegates approved appearance in Nashville and Advocacy, Engagement and St.Charles. Starting, entry level policy urging trade disputes to was welcomed on stage by Outreach, Leadership and SERVICES employment offering paid vaca - be resolved through negotiations AFBF President Sonny Duvall Business Development, and Jim Verhaeghe & Sons, Inc. – tion, self-directed savings plan, – using tariffs or withdrawals and Secretary of Agriculture Membership Value. Guebert Tree removal, tree trimming, & partial tuition reimbursement. Call from trade agreements as a last Sonny Perdue. was re-elected for a two year stump grinding. Backhoe work & Bob to discuss this position. Call: resort,” Guebert said. “President Trump returning term on the AFBF board repre - 630-377-5807. Tile Lines. Fully insured – Free “We were also were success - to the AFBF convention reflects senting the Midwest region. Estimates – Jim Verhaeghe Sr. Want to buy vintage & used tools The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) held its annual meeting January Call Chris – Also, we do Call: 847 334 5730. 11-15 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Several KCFB Directors were in attendance for cleanouts. Call: 630 550 7182. the organization’s 100th Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration. The AFBF was organized in 1919 in Chicago. In addition to breakout sessions on numer - ous farm policy, production and farm management themes, Directors also vis - ited the convention exhibit hall and saw the newest offering from companies serving farmers, as well as the best program ideas from county Farm Bureaus across the nation. A highlight of the conference was an address to attendees from President Donald Trump on Monday, January 14, the second consecutive year the President has addressed the Convention. Trump touted successes in regulatory reform, tax reform and trade and made his case for a border wall and immigration reform. KCFB member to travel to Germany for discussions on direct food marketing As the United States’ hunger County farmer Ellen Kamps Examples of her value-added for locally produced food hopes to glean while visiting products include black garlic, a approaches an annual 9-billion- Germany in April 2019. fermented, shelf-stable version “Helping to keep America Picked up for 45 years” dollar industry, Secretary of “As a direct to consumer of the allium that sells for $25 Agriculture Sonny Perdue pro - farmer at Foxtrot Organic Farm, per pound. claimed August 5-11 as National we sell 100% of our products The Illinois Farm Bureau has Zimmerman Recycling, Inc. Farmers Market Week in 2018. within a 5 mile radius,” a long-standing relationship 301 Industrial Drive, DeKalb Transatlantic consumers to the explained Kamps. “There are with the German American east share the growing sentiment, times when we need to get Chamber of Commerce, annual - (815) 756.8600 encouraging farmers to invest in creative to increase cash flow ly partnering for an international direct marketing and value-added and minimize waste in our exchange program. The chosen initiatives; initiatives that Kane business.” (continued on page 8) PAGE 8 KANE COUNTY FARMER FEBRUARY 2019 Young Farmers ‘pass the hat’ for milk 22 lucky winners in The Kane County Young “passes the hat” around the food pantries and banks, pro - this year’s ‘ 31 Days Farmers gather each year at a table and each member con - mote milk consumption and local restaurant to celebrate not tributes what they can to a com - support local dairy farmers. only the holidays, but the year munity organization, program, The Young Farmers raised of Christmas’ raffle they’ve had and their accom - or farm family in need. $655 at the dinner, translating to plishments. This year the cele - Last year, their donations 280 gallons of milk! The group The Kane County Farm match to their ticket on the bration was held at Sorrento’s in were given to pipeline explo - invites any farmers or those Bureau FOUNDATION extends Illinois lottery evening Pick 3 Maple Park with 18 Young sion victims in Dixon, IL. This working in agricultural related its thanks to everyone who pur - numbers during December: Farmers in attendance. year, it was collectively decided careers, ages 18-35, to join them chased and sold tickets for the Trish Regan, New Orleans, LA; Besides getting together donations collected would go to at their next gathering, 7:00 pm third “31 Days of Christmas” Scot Figved, Geneva; Caleb socially, an important part of the support the 10,000 Gallon at the KCFB on February 26. college scholarship raffle and Loebbaka, Elburn; Julie group dinner is to “pass the CHALLENGE, a program cre - Contact Steve or Marty at the fundraiser. Raffle proceeds will Jarmusz, Pingree Grove; Tim hat”, a tradition they have ated to provide much needed Kane County Farm Bureau, help provide college scholar - Butvilas, Brighton, MI; Jim upheld for years now. The group milk and dairy products to local 630-584-8660, for more info. ship to students pursuing higher Powers; Kory Kamp, Elgin; At left: education in 2019-2020, toward Nancy Heine, Hampshire; Allan “Passing the hat”, an annual giving tradition of the Kane farm and food related careers. Cramton, Hampshire; Chris County Young Farmers, is part of each holiday party the With roughly 70% of the Bunting, Pontiac; Jerry Rhodes, group holds. James Goebbert of Union, IL, shown here, available tickets purchased, 22 Rochelle; Jim Feece, Elburn; is adding his donation to the hat that Carolyn Gehrke of lucky winners had their holiday Elgin, Chairwoman, is holding. This year the group brightened on 22 different days Rick Hoy, Elgin; Nicole raised $655, translating to 280 gallons of milk for the with gifts ranging from $168 to Collins, Geneva; Mona Carlson, 10,000 Gallon CHALLENGE. $500 in value. Winners were Maple Park; Steve Coucoulis, provided with gift cards to Highland Park; Kurt Fitzgerald, Cabela’s for the actual value of Aurora; Doug Martin; Phillip the prize won each day, allow - Biage, Batavia; Jack Anderson, ing, for example, the winner of Wasco; Theodore Bain, Ottawa; a grill to purchase a winch, tree and Ann Roth, Lombard. ladder, hunting gear, boots – Congratulations, and thank At right: whatever they would like! You from the Kane County Dale Pitstick, Young Farmer and Kane County The following had an exact Farm Bureau Foundation. Farm Bureau Director, “passes the hat” to a fel - low Young Farmer at the holiday dinner. The group’s annual giving tradition benefits com - munity organizations or farm families in need.

Germany trip This past November at the on her experience in Germany IFB’s Live Local Conference, in an upcoming issue of the (continued from page 7) German farmers and dignitaries Kane County Farmer. topic this year is direct food visited Illinois farms where they marketing, where participants shared the challenges will visit farms and discuss with and successes of direct owners how they market their food marketing. The products, their successful chan - exchange program (L-R) “31 Days of Christmas” Raffle winners accepted their winnings in nels, and the experiences they gives farmers opportu - January. Cabela’s Gift Cards were presented by KCFB Foundation President have encountered along the nities to see how Joe White, to Kurt Fitzgerald; Caleb Loebbaka (who won for the 2nd consec - way. American delegates will another country is utive year); Nan Long (for Julie Jarmusz); Nicole Collins; Mike Kenyon (for also learn from German agricul - addressing the topic, Tim Butvilas); and Dale Pitstick (for Mona Carlson). tural associations and govern - share ideas, and Ellen Kamps mental institutions about the explore similarities Text FARM to 52886 challenges and regulations sur - and differences. Support local farms rounding global agriculture. Kamps will report

date. The 1,000 gallon match Blue Ribbon Sale steer pur - New year, new raffle! Board report from the Farm Bureau had been chase; Lauren Lurkins, IFB – (continued from page 2) met and the management match reminder of IFB Resource So many people make New Classroom activities and Raffle tickets are now available. stands at 125 of 500 offered. Guides for livestock producers; Year’s resolutions to lose Agriculture related scholarships The P.R./Membership report The 18th Annual Shopping CAE Department, ASAE – noti - weight, save money, and do to local Kane County students. included 21 donors of the Spree was discussed for either fication of Certified Association more for their community. Tickets are NOW available! 10,000 Gallon CHALLENGE, February 11th or 25th. Executive credential renewal, While we cannot help you lose Return the form below, stop by, October 18th through Nov - Correspondence was circu - Steve Arnold; Garlic Breath weight, we can help you to save or call the Kane County Farm ember 15th . lated from Richard Guebert, Farm – thanks for invitation to money and do more for your Bureau at 630-584-8660 to pur - Reports were given from the President of the IFB – enclosing Taste of Illinois Event. community! chase your tickets with VISA, elected officials Victory Mixer an IFB 2019 Action Priorities The next scheduled Kane Our “2019 Winner’s Choice MasterCard, or Discover. Visit and the 10,000 Gallon CHAL - Survey; Ellen Kamps – express - County Farm Bureau Board of Raffle” does both – you can save www.kanecfb.com for more LENGE. It was advised that ing gratitude for Farm Bureau Directors meeting will be held $ when you buy 3 tickets/$50 information. donations equivalent to 4,179 support in various area in 2018; on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at (reg. price is $20 each) and you The Grand Prize this year is a gallons had been received to Georgia Harvell – thanks for the 7:00pm. are helping your community by choice between a 1966 Ford 100 providing funds for Ag in the pick-up truck OR a 1956 Massey-Harris Model 333 farm Farm advocates sought tractor (or $3,500 cash). Second and third prizes are $500 each Taking Charge of Change is take a greater role in leading for Leadership Conference. The (food and fuel gift cards). As in the theme for the Illinois Farm our organization and champi - one-day event will highlight past years, Winners Choice Bureau’s 2019 Governmental oning our legislative priorities. Illinois Farm Bureau legislative Raffle ticket stubs will provide Affairs Leadership Conference Illinois agriculture only remains priorities, provide insights from FREE admission to Touch-A- (GALC). The annual event is an strong when farmers realize this nationally recognized speakers Tractor, April 12-14, 2019 on the opportunity for members to power and continue “Taking and end with a legislative recep - lawn at Kane County Farm learn about and advocate for Charge of Change.” tion with members of the Bureau. Farm Bureau legislative priori - Our farmer-members and Illinois General Assembly. Winning tickets will be drawn ties, and a chance to mix and professional-members will be The conference is scheduled at the 4-H Blue Ribbon Sale at mingle with state elected offi - working with a new Governor, for Tuesday, February 19 at the 2019 Kane County Fair. cials during an evening legisla - Congress and General the President Abraham Lincoln tive reception at the President Assembly in 2019. We invite (DoubleTree) Hotel in Spring - Winner’s Choice Raffle KCFB Foundation Please send me ______Tickets ($20 each or 3 for $50) Abraham Lincoln (DoubleTree) any and farmer and professional field. Event details are available Hotel in Springfield. members to join us in at wwwilfb.org/galc. To register, Name ______If leading your family farm is Springfield for this 2019 call Kane County Farm Bureau, Address ______what you know best – paying Governmental Affairs 630-584-8660 and ask for Steve. bills, making market - The cost of $75 will be City ______State ____ Zip ______ing decisions and paid by KCFB for Email ______leaving the farm better Regular (farmer/farm - for the next genera - land owner) and Phone (______) ______tion, then Farm Professional members. Return with check made payable to Bureau asks you to Kane County Farm Bureau Foundation, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles, IL 60174 or charge my Featured food product • Toys for girls and boys • Chili contest ■ Visa ■ MC # ______Exp ___ _/____ Puzzle night • Private well and water testing • FOUNDATION Scholarships Signature ______Date __ _/ __ _/ ___ There’s a lot to love in this month’s Farmer