Section 600 Communications & Promotions

600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION* Edwards, "Cows & Pigs" – When word arrived that the county Senior Center was in desperate need of operational expenses, the WC decided to come to the rescue with a fundraiser. They had 50 signs made that featured cows, and 50 signs with pigs. They also had a sign made that said “You’ve been Pigged/Cowed by the Farm Bureau.” They then placed these signs in 2 random yards in the county. A note was taped to the home owners door explaining the fundraiser, and telling them that to get the signs moved from their yard they needed to make a donation to the Senior Center. The 5 member committee raised over $1,300 and the signs were placed in 20 yards. The program was highlighted in both county papers, and was the talk of the county for two weeks! There were over 40 volunteer hours were involved in the program. Brown, "Thanks to our Electrical Providers" – A way for our County Farm Bureau to say “THANKS” to local electrical providers after a bad storm in June that left our county in the dark for two to three days. The County Farm Bureau and Country® Financial Insurance Office were without power from around 2:00 a.m. and restored around 2:30 p.m. They worked with business and the elderly first on trying to restore power. The Co-op lost 12 of its 13 substations due to the storm damage and from down trees and high winds. Other crews from surrounding areas came to assist our local power providers. The Women’s Committee wanted to D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -1- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION thank the power providers for the long hours they were putting in and show our appreciation. Cookies were baked and fruit was purchased, meals were prepared and then delivered to a service center. Crews were able to enjoy and very much appreciated the thoughtfulness. A BIG “THANK YOU” went out for all their hard work and diligent hours they were putting into restoring power to our county. Everyone was back up with electrical power within three days of the storm. Pulaski-Alexander, "Traveling Farmer Image Billboards" – The idea sparked from the new Illinois Farm Families (IFF) campaign and will allow thousands of people each day to get a glimpse of what a true Illinois Farm is all about. Twenty (20) CFB’s working together contributed over $6,500 to sponsor a “traveling billboard” on a local trucking company’s semi- trailer. The wrapped trailer provides the message that 94% of all Illinois farms are owned/operated by farm families, while showcasing one IFB District YL representative’s family on each side of the 45-foot trailer. The trailer has truly been transformed into realistic farm scenes that highlight local farm families and messages from the IFF campaign. The trailer will be utilized on a daily basis to haul customers’ goods from one location to another in central and southern Illinois, including the St. Louis area. With the quality of the wrap guaranteed for at least 5 years, and similar wraps lasting over 10 years, our initial investment should continue to share our message for years to come. 5%, 20 CFB’s.D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -2- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTIONDouglas, "Food Check Out Shopping Spree" – February 2011, 100% YL Committee. The YL’s held a three minute shopping challenge at a local grocery store between our State Representative, State Senator and FFA Chapter President. The items each one collected in their carts was donated to the local food bank. The YL’s bought the groceries in the carts and delivered them to the food pantry chosen. While we have done this a number of times, we have never had such determined racers. Each racer was given one FFA member to help them collect items. In three minutes, the three collected over $3,000 worth of groceries. We were featured on the front page of a local newspaper reaching over 10,000 people and a three county newspaper reaching over 36,000. Our manager and YL’s spent time after the event at the grocery store, cleaning up items that were knocked on the floor and restocking shelves. With the dedication of our volunteers this year, we were able to reach 350 families with our donation. We were able to meet our goal of enhancing the quality of life by providing those who are needy with food. Gallatin, "Our County Farmers Feed…" – 5 FFA members, the FFA advisor and our manager set up the signs that read ___ Farmers Feed ____. The red signs were placed along the main highways when entering our county. We contacted JULIE, IL DOT, U.S. DOT & our local city engineer to make the setting of the signs possible. Our manager procuredD:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -3- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION the 4x4 posts, quick-crete, lag bolts, wrenches and electric drill for setting the signs. Our FFA group provided the tractor with the post-hole auger for digging the holes. This was a full day project for the group. We were featured in local newspapers & FarmWeek Spotlight on the Counties for this worth while project. There have been many great comments received by the general public with this promotion project. * Lee, "Annual Farm Visit Day" – August 20, 2011 80% PR CommitteeIn an effort to help educate the non-farm public on agriculture, our 9- member PR committee coordinated the 17th Annual Farm Visit Day in conjunction with a local campground resort. The resort is a popular weekend & summer home for many people from urban communities, many of which have a limited agricultural background. 8 buses over the course of 4 hours bused in 321visitors of all ages to a nearby grain & beef farm. Upon arrival to the farm, the visitors received a brochure about the history of the farm & production practices used on the farm. They were then given a guided tour of the operation, viewed cow/calf pairs, feedlot cattle, and a market steer with the cuts of beef painted on the side, as well as the chance to walk around the various pieces of farm equipment. Visitors had a chance to see what is fed to beef cattle, including corn, DDGs, & a round bale. Attendees were given the opportunity to visit with FB members & ask questions about agricultural practices. At the end of the tour visitors enjoyed a complimentary beef brisket sandwich lunch, & D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -4- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION had the opportunity to view various booths including FB, FSA, & IBA. Banners from Illinois Farm Families were also on display & information on the free grocery sweepstakes was distributed. Attendees were very thankful for the opportunity to visit the farm and learned a lot about agriculture. The event received great coverage by local media, so we were able to reach thousands more with our message. Edgar, "Near and Far – We May Be Different, But Yet We Are the Same" – This year the United States Department of State asked our CFB to host visitors from China for four days during our county fair. We agreed and worked to promote agriculture and explain our story, farming operations, answer their questions regarding rural development, and explain government programs for farmers. Our visitors were from economic and rural development backgrounds in China. Our group enjoyed the opportunity to educate and after our visit we took them around the fair to see the different areas of agriculture. There were 9 Chinese visitors/interpreters, 4 FB Representatives, and 4 volunteers from the State Department.Coles, "New - Ag Facts at the Mall" – March 2011. 3 Volunteers. At the local mall there are several seating areas and a food court, the CFB thought these areas would be an excellent location to place agriculture and Farm Bureau facts out for non-farming individuals. Approximately 40 D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -5- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION different facts were typed on brightly colored paper and then laminated. Volunteers then placed them on tables, benches, etc. for mall shoppers to read and gain a little more knowledge about the ag industry. This was a very easy promotion to do and we were able to reach several people. Reached approximately 2,000 people. Clay, "CFB Supports Food Check Out Week with a Dash and Advertises Week Long Event. February 2011" – To promote Food Check Out Week in February, the CFB sponsored a Dash for Food at a local grocery store and advertised locally with a radio campaign. The goal was to raise awareness and food for those in need and donate the gathered items to the local food pantry in the area. The runners at the dash were the CFB President, a CFB Young Leader and COUNTRY Financial Representative and local a Local Sheriff’s Deputy who is also a member of CFB. In only 90 seconds the 3 participants brought in over $400 worth of groceries for the Food Pantry. The CFB contributed $250 and the local IGA where event was held sponsored an additional $250 this year. This opportunity not only allowed the CFB to promote its organization and the great work that farmers do to keep costs down, but also allowed us to benefit our local members who are in need of food. Several representatives from the Food Pantry were on hand to cheer for the participants and the event was covered by several local publications and on the radio. D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -6- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTIONPerry, "Family Night at the Park" – Members of our YL committee participated in an annual “Family Night at the Park” event in July. This annual event, sponsored by local law enforcement and emergency services, brought out hundreds of youth from around the county. The committee handed out over 400 cups of free ice cream to visitors, and had a member’s Quad-Trac tractor and agricultural tile-plow on display for the kids to take a closer look at. In addition, the YL’s had the Ag in the Classroom program’s model dairy cow on display for the kids to try their luck at milking, and plenty of dairy-related items were handed out as well. This event was a fun opportunity for our YL’s to provide visibility to their committee and our CFB.* Hancock, "Looking For Lincoln" – For score and seven years ago, Agriculture was evident everywhere you looked. Everyone understood agriculture because everyone relied upon it so heavily. As a way to help bridge the gap between rural Americans and the non-farm public, we sponsored a Looking For Lincoln Wayside Exhibit. 11 exhibits were placed around the county. Our exhibit explains how Lincoln was directly tied to agriculture. Over 200,000 tourists visit our town each year. The site we selected was an old ran down lot in the downtown area. We chose this spot because of its prime location even though the lot needed a lot of work. The CFB Board of Directors pitched in a helping hand. They cut D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -7- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION down an 85 foot tree piece by piece, as to not damage the buildings located on both sides of the lot. They ripped out old bushes, park benches, and fencing. They cleared out the entire area and hauled all the debris away. An old bike rack was removed and donated to a local fitness center. The old flower beds were sprayed down with chemical. After the old plants and grass died, the flower beds were tilled up. Beautiful new landscaping plants, flowers, and mulch were added. Three new picnic tables were donated by the city to make the area an inviting place to have an outdoor picnic, a place to read a book, and a place where you can come and visit with friends. The new park is thriving and our exhibit has become a main attraction downtown. 16 Volunteers, including IFB Manager Trainee contributed 40+ hours to the park. After the park was complete, an ice cream social was coordinated to “show off” this new space. The local newspaper, local radio station, and FarmWeek all featured this project. 25 members of the community participated in the ice cream social, which was a sweet ending to this program. The exhibit should directly impact over 1 million people over the next 25 years. The park is located between a local restaurant and city hall. Patrons to the restaurant have to walk right by our exhibit before they can enter the restaurant. The exhibit should continue to grow in popularity, as Lincoln’s popularity continues to grow. Currently, Abraham Lincoln is the most popular President the US has ever had. D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -8- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION Fulton, "Chicago-land BillBoard" – We purchased a 20 ft. X 60 ft. board featuring a CFB Director & his family, on I-80 at the Joliet and Chicagoland Speedway exit. This location is seen by over 100,000 daily. Includes the words “I grow food for my family and yours. Over 94% of Farms in Illinois are Family Farms” and the WatchUSgrow website. We took the picture and emailed to contractor. Total cost of $9160 for a 3 month run. We used IAA Partnership Grant funds, which we originally requested for television campaign, but we found to be too expensive. We feel this is much better than TV anyway and are very excited about the project. Used same picture to make a 3 X 10ft. banner & we used it at ourCo. Fair.Warren-Henderson, "Radio Goes to the Farm" – The manager of our local radio station grew up in an urban area and has no knowledge of agriculture, but told us she wanted to learn, so we have been working to educate her. We talked with a farm family who gives tours to school children and asked if they would be willing to give our radio manager a tour. They agreed and we set up a time when she could meet us at the farm. She was very excited and decided that she wanted to do a live broadcast talking about what she was learning. She learned about ducks, chickens, turkeys, horses, cattle, pigs, rabbits and sheep and even fed a bottle calf. She also learned quickly what a farmer has to do when cattle get out as they had a couple cows break through a fence while we were D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -9- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION there. She got to sit in the different farm equipment and learn about their functions, how much they cost, etc. It was a great experience and other non-farm listeners learned through her live broadcast. She is also doing more ag-related stories. 6,000 reached. 5 volunteers. Monroe, "Livestock By-Products Displays" – Most people know that hamburger, roast, and steaks come from beef cattle, but they may not know things like detergent, shoe polish, cake mix, and pet food come from them. Most people also know that pork chops, sausage, and bacon come from pigs, but they may not know glue, insulin, insulation, and floor cleaner come from pigs. The YL’s Committee brought to life the importance of agriculture when they decided to build cow and pig by- products displays. A local high school ag instructor, who is also a committee member, volunteered himself and students to cut out the displays and a local community figure agreed to paint them. Six committee members gathered items and placed them on the displays. The displays were featured in our CFB booth during the County Fair and now live in our Farm Bureau office lobby so additional consumers can learn more about agriculture’s importance. Information has been sent to teachers about using the displays in their schools. Over 500 individuals have seen the displays in person and an additional 22,000 non-farm consumers and families have seen pictures and read articles about them in our local newspapers.D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -10- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTIONCarroll, "Harvest for All 2011" – 15 of our Young Leaders contacted over seventy individual family farmers in our county to donate grain to help our local food pantries get the monetary resources they need to keep the pantries full of food that is used to supply needy families in our county. Phone calls were made, semis were filled, and on a Saturday morning in July nearly 2500 bushels of corn were donated. One of the Young Leaders was even proactive and contracted the grain getting $7.60 and $7.08 with the corn. With cash and corn donations, the committee was able to donate over $22,344 to the four food banks in our county. The food banks on an average serve 400 families in a month. The event was publicized in three area newspapers along with blurbs on the local radio station. To inform the public of our success and to acknowledge those who donated, we took out a full page ad in our countywide publication on the event listing the names of those who donated. We then hand delivered the checks to the food banks, took photos, and submitted the check presentation to the local newspapers. * Grundy, "Liberty 5K Run/Walk" – The CFB wanted to create an event to honor our Military men & women who serve, or have served our country and are from our area, from that the Liberty 5K was created. Beginning in October 2010, the core committee of 8 began planning and creating the brochure for distribution at other races and events. The committee then D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -11- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION met monthly until May 2011, when the group began to meet weekly. Sponsors were secured for the race, which included monetary and in-kind donations. Held on the evening of July 3rd, the race started at 7:00 pm. Our objectives were to increase awareness for Operation MOMs Cookies, an organization offering assistance to families of service men and women, and to raise funds for the CFB Foundation. The goal was to create a community event and included a welcome from the mayor, singing of the National Anthem before the start, Color Guard Flag presentation, and a motorcycle motorcade by the Legion Riders led and followed the runners through the course. Runners could register online, by mail, or in person. Participants could pick up the race packet on Friday July 1st at a sponsor’s location if they desired, otherwise they could pick it up during registration on race day. The packet included the CFB newsletter, event t- shirt, discounts from athletic apparel suppliers, race number, and the electronic timing chip. The day of the event at 1:00 pm, 12 volunteers marked out the 3.1 mile route in the community the race was held. 8 other volunteers assisted in the registration area for the kid’s race registration and the 5K registration. Each child received ag mags, soy crayons, an American Flag and bracelet in their race packet. 30 additional volunteers were used as guides along the course for the runners, as photographers, and timers. 48 kids ran in the children’s race, 195 completed the 5K. Awards were distributed approximately 20 minutes after the last person crossed the finish line. The Top 3 Overall Males & Top 3 Overall Females D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -12- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION were awarded a certificate for a shirt of their choice from a local athletic shop. Medals were awarded to the top 3 males and top 3 females in each of the 13 age categories. The Race Committee also awarded the Top 3 Male and Female Veterans that participated. Also, a photo of every participant was taken as they crossed the finish line, as well as several other photos of the kid’s race, the 5K event, and all other activities during the evening. This event greatly increased the awareness of the CFB, including the CFB Facebook page. The number of “likes” to our page quadrupled after the event. We received terrific coverage for this activity from local newspapers and a radio station. After seeing the articles and news reports, many interested individuals have asked to be included in mailings for the 2012 event. It has been an extremely successful event and we look forward to continuing this program and increasing the public’s awareness of Farm Bureau. Whiteside, "County Barn Tour" – Barns are an iconic symbol of rural America and our country's agricultural heritage. In an effort to bring awareness to the significant role they played in our county, we host an annual barn tour. This year was the fourth year for our tour. Planning for the tour begins in October. A total of 12 volunteers serve as the project's planning committee, including three Chambers of Commerce, two tourism offices, and seven retired farmers. The tour moves to different areas of the county each year and typically includes 10 barns. This year's tour D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -13- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION included 8 barns and an authentic Dutch windmill that was built in the Netherlands, dismantled, shipped, and reconstructed. The windmill has a Cultural Center that was included on the tour, as well. Another 12 volunteers from the windmill and cultural center helped with tours and admissions. A sub-committee is appointed to select the barns for each tour. After the barns have been selected and the owners have confirmed their participation, we have the owners complete a three-page historical data questionnaire. We also have an artist pencil sketch each barn. We, then, use the historical information and drawings and put together a booklet. Each tour participant gets a book as part of their paid admission. The barn owners are expected to be at their barn during the event to answer questions and provide historical background. Several of them also show antique tractors, flower gardens, and old tools. The committee meets monthly beginning in October until the tour; held the second weekend in July. The tour is a two-day event that draws people from Illinois, Iowa, Chicago and Wisconsin. In July 2011, we had nearly 700 people take the tour. The County Farm Bureau manager chairs the committee and coordinates the promotions. The tour has increased its attendance each year since the first tour in 2008 with 400 attendees. The tour continues to gain in popularity. We believe it's a great way for our organization to connect with the general public. We receive tremendous feedback from tour-goers and great media coverage.D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -14- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTIONLivingston, "Illinois Farm Families Activities" – (a) The Taste of Home Cooking Show in Pontiac was the perfect opportunity to promote locally grown products from Livingston County. 439 consumers stopped by the booth to learn that many farmers are selling dairy products, meat, lettuce, and eggs locally. “Illinois Farm Families….Growing your food with care” provided the backdrop for the booth. A sign“94% of Illinois Farms are Family Owned” was displayed to debunk the myth about corporate farms grow all our food. The CFB Young Leaders and Membership Committee members handed out spatulas with “Illinois Farm Families…Growing Your Food with Care” logo. Every time someone uses their spatula they will read the logo and remember our message.(b) Ribbon Cutting /Kick-Off for “FarmersFeedUS” campaign. At the local County Market the Marketing & YL committee hosted a ribbon cutting kick- off for the “Free Groceries for a Year” promotion. A colored photo was taken by local newspaper with FB members and County Market employees holding the “FarmersFeedUS” banner and others held the ribbon while the Marketing Comm. Chair cut the ribbon. Members handed out spatulas and “stress” cows with a tag stating, “Win free groceries for a Year by registering at FarmersFeedUs.org.” YL member and owner of local dairy gave out samples of products produced on their farm. County Market sells their local brand milk products. County Market printed and distributed 14,000 buck slips with FFU contest information. Radio station D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -15- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION attended the event and had members provide sound bites for the news broadcast. 6 YL members and 2 Marketing Committee members. Newspaper circulation: 6,000 and Radio: 30,000 listeners.(c) On the local level during the “FarmersFeedUS” campaign the CFB Marketing Committee also offered “free groceries.” A display featuring a poster of a local farm family stating “______Family…Growing Your Food with Care,” entry forms, sign explaining the “free grocery giveaway,” and drawing box were set up at the 7 grocery stores in the county. Consumers could register for a chance to win one of three $25 gift certificates at each store. One winner in August, September, & October. Winners each month were/will be mailed their gift certificates. Each month a story in the FB publication will advertise the winners’ names and encourage others to register. Randolph, "Traveling Farm Families" – 40 volunteers, 200,000 viewers daily. The 30 members of the marketing and PR committees visualized a concept that would bring the non-farming public closer to the farm. Their vision evolved from several weeks of thinking outside the box by merging all the different ideas together to come up with a traveling storyboard. First they held a contest where local farm families were photographed in their natural environment. All the pictures were sent to IFB for judging. The top two families were chosen for the story. The project took off quickly from there. The idea was shared with the region and 20 county D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -16- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION Farm Bureaus embraced the idea of giving a minute financial investment to get a tremendous return. Four more families were chosen to be included in the adventure. A professional photographer came down and took hundreds of pictures of all the families. They were narrowed to one stunning scene from each of the six families. A graphic artist layered the pictures with wording to finalize the story and then sent the art to Craftsman Industries to print the storyboards onto high quality 3-M material. They applied the graphics to our Farm Bureau semi trailer along with two trailers owned by a large trucking company. The 45’x8’ trailers turned into a visually stunning showpiece that is on the road everyday of the week. The backs of the trailers portray two of the families and incorporates the same messages as the sides including “94% of all farms in Illinois are Family Farms”, “We farm for your family and ours”, and “Farmers know that quality food begins with quality care.” The trailers have also been featured in two major magazines, parades, at local festivals, and along high traffic roads. Miniature toy/collectable versions of the trailers will become available to help continue telling the story of the reliable, hard working, and trustworthy farm family.Jackson, "Museum Exhibit: Down on the Farm Memories of Not that Long Ago" – was the title of this exhibit with artifacts completely gathered by the tremendous work of the committee. The exhibit opened to the press on National Ag Day, March 14, later that week having an D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -17- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION open house for the general public. It will be open until November 12th for visitors of the museum to see. There is a wide range of antique farm equipment, tools, and household items along with pictures and stories from local people. The committee interviewed and collected stories from older residents in the county or their children who could recall the early 1900’s. To date: 532 people have signed the guest book at the museum. We are told many more have been through the doors but forgot to sign in. Schools have taken trips to see the display, and grandparents are taking their grandchildren to see the exhibit to give them a view of how things used to be before Facebook and video games. It might be a trip down memory lane for some, while a younger crowd may be amazed at what they take for granted everyday. The museum director worked hand in hand, and helped place the items where they needed to go as they came in, and get them categorized appropriately. 12 volunteers from the women’s committee were utilized during this 6 month process. * LaSalle, "Adopt an Acre" – Even thought the food versus fuel debate has died down, it is still our opinion that we needed a format to educate the urban public about agriculture. Our Viewpoint Committee discussed the idea of our local radio station adopting an acre and reporting on it on weekly basis. The committee met with the station manager to discuss the idea. The idea seemed to be a win/win situation for everyone involved. It was decided that the station would conduct the interview with the D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -18- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION chairman of our committee every Monday morning at 6:45am for 5 -10 minutes. The radio station would sell advertisement around the segment to increase their revenue. It would not cost us anything; however, we agreed to donate the profit on the acre to the local food bank after it was harvested. It was also decided that the proceeds would be on crop share basis and not cash rent basis. The acre that the chairman selected was near a major road for everyone to see. The committee met in March and went through a growing season and outlined suggestions as to what the chairman should discuss each week. We gave that outline to the station manager for his review prior to starting the program as a discussion starter. The program began about two weeks before spring planting and will continue each week through the end of harvest. The radio station taped each segment and posted it on their website. Since the plot was near a heavily traveled road, the county farm bureau purchased a 4’x4’ sign indicating that this is the site of the farm bureau/radio station adopt an acre. Also, the chairman on his weekly radio interview would discuss the expenses he would be incurring during the growing season, such as tillage costs, fertilizer, seed, mowing of the road bank, etc. As each expense was incurred throughout the growing season he would post that on the radio stations website in a spreadsheet format for everyone to access. He would also post from time to time the expected profit based on the current cash price. We have had fantastic results. The chairman of our committee has an a very large following as people tune in to hear what he has to say D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -19- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION about his adopted acre. We know this because of the comments he receives from people who he doesn’t know and will ask him specific questions about what he has said. The radio station has a listenership of over 20,000 people. Champaign, "Farm Bureau History Book" – In recognition of the county’s rich agricultural heritage, a retired professor completed 2 ½ years of member interviews and research in order to compile a 224-page book complete with committee information, financial records, photos of activities and volunteers, and priority issues that helped mold and shape our countyFarm Bureau over the last 100 years. Titled 100 Years of Leadership and Progress, the book includes pages about COUNTRY Financial history and information about the evolution of FS through the decades; both, as Farm Bureau affiliates. Member volunteers submitted photos and other documentation used in the research for the book which will be in the hands of FB members for Christmas, just as the county prepares to officially begin a year-long celebration of its centennial.DeKalb, "College Ag Day/Farm Tour" – With a university located in the midst of farm country, we explore opportunities to interact with the university community and expose them to agriculture. Farm Bureau took the lead in the college’s Ag Day held in conjunction with their football game. Ag Day offered students, alumni, staff & community person’s D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -20- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION activities such as a corn toss, searching for ag treasures in corn and soybeans, shelling corn, and sitting on a large John Deere tractor. Signs were posted to offer ag facts and prompted dialogue. 5 volunteers assisted with the college’s Ag Day activities reaching hundreds. During the football game, FB was recognized as the major sponsor of Ag Day. As a reciprocal effort, the university’s football coaches, team and staff visited and toured a local grain and cattle farm as arranged by FB. They learned about GPS technology, modern farm equipment, ultrasounding beef, grain and cattle production. 130 participated in the farm tour along with 30 volunteers. Ag information was offered by our FB president and the farm family hosts. Our outreach connected football and agriculture, enhanced relationships with the university community and welcomed many first- timers to a local farm.Will, "Phone Cards for Troops" – 72 volunteers, year round program. A committee member began this effort and we joined forces with a local American Legion Hall to purchase phone cards for our troops overseas. Fundraising began and donations were sought. We have raised over $35,800 for the effort this year & have provided over 20,500 phone cards. We sold patriotic items, had booths at events, wrote letters and had a couple raffles. Many servicemen & women e-mail us saying thank you for the phone cards.D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -21- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION McHenry, "CFB Facebook Page" – Facebook provides our organization an opportunity to promote our programs, activities and member benefits to a younger audience. Our page on Facebook is similar to our traditional website. It includes contact information, news stories, events, benefits, pictures, videos, farm features and links. What is truly unique is that it automatically provides all our fans with instant updates whenever we post something new. The fans are then able to share this information with their friends and post comments/questions. Fans are also able to communicate with CFB staff and other fans. The reception to our page has been outstanding and we continue to expand each month. During the program year our Facebook page collected more than 10,000 views this past program year. We also added an additional 385 fans bringing our total to 976; 29.4 percent of our fan base is 24 years of age and under, 84% of our total fan base is 54 years of age and under. Through Facebook, we gathered 2 voting members and 4 associate members. Judges PickCook, "Elevator Speech" – 55 volunteer board and committee members brainstormed and participated in creating an elevator speech for our CFB organization. Results: By developing an elevator speech we have a uniform one minute message to convey when speaking to the general public about what the FB is.D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -22- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTIONEffingham, "Rural/Urban Banquet" – Four volunteers of the CFB worked with the local Rotary Club to set up a rural/urban banquet. The speaker was Keith Soltwedel, Manager of the Product Line Marketing for John Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group. Keith discussed how farm equipment technology is improving productivity. This meeting helped to explain to our urban Rotarians some of the complexities farmers deal with in their business. It also built goodwill between our rural and urban communities and helped us inform the non-farm community about modern production agriculture. During the banquet, a rural person was seated next to an urban person to encourage the two groups to engage in conversation. 48 farmers and 71 business people attended. This luncheon promoted a greater understanding and appreciation for agriculture as a business. Kankakee, "Celebration of Agriculture at Farmers Market" – In order to reach a different segment of the non-farming public, a Celebration of Agriculture event was held at the local downtown Farmers Market. Since the non-farming public already had produce and agriculture on their minds at the market it seemed like a good fit. However, the event needed a new and exciting component to draw a crowd. Along with a petting zoo and antique and modern tractors, a mobile dairy trailer from Fair Oaks Dairy in Indiana was another highlight. It was decided that during the event, a Local Foods Breakfast would be prepared to enhance the crowd and D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -23- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION highlight local ag products. This took an immense amount of planning and organizing, but was a complete success and brought a large crowd to the event. A local farmer who is a gourmet chef prepared the breakfast all from local produce or locally processed foods. 149 meals were served for $10 each with the net proceeds of over $1,500 going to the Ag in the Classroom program. 22 volunteers helped to collect tickets, seat people, clear tables, and serve food including 7 Young Leader volunteers. Those attending the local foods breakfast included our State Rep and her staff, Co Gov’t Chairman and 4 County board members, directors and board members of the Economic Development and various Chambers of Commerce, the host city Mayor and several aldermen. There were displays from the Co FB and U of I Extension as well as displays from the other various financial sponsors. This was all in conjunction with the 20 regular produce venders who appreciated their local products being featured on the breakfast menu and the extra business that the large crowd brought.Livingston, "Leadership Development Course" – 10 business professionals learned how important agriculture is in this county through the Agriculture Awareness portion of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Development course. The FB provides ag speakers and tours for the 2-day agriculture portion of the County Leadership class. Ag D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -24- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION Education includes: panel of 3 ag professionals, tour of wind farm and ag businesses, Ag Literacy coordinator and FB manager presentation.McHenry, "Ag Week Dinner" – 8 volunteers, 6 media representatives, 2 radio interviews, 2 articles and 40,000 people reached. Our County Farm Bureau and a local journalist co-sponsored an Ag Week Dinner for journalists and radio personalities. The program included updates on specialty crops, dairy, farmland preservation, agricultural commodities, agri-tourism, land use and renewable fuels. The program had four journalists, two radio representatives and area agricultural leaders in attendance. The purpose of the program was to create awareness of agriculture through mass media. Sangamon, "Foreign College Student Training" – A college student from Liberia studying agriculture in the states came to us to further his learning. He spent time with our manager learning some of the skills on the business side of farming and also toured our assistant manager’s grain and cattle farm. His goal is to take what he learned here back to his country to further their progress. He hopes to obtain a governmental job in the field of agriculture to help his country become less dependant on foreign trade.D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -25- 600. COMMUNICATION & PROMOTION Winnebago, "Plant a Row Collection Point" – The CFB volunteered to be a collection point for the Master Gardner "Plant a Row" . Local gardeners could bring their produce to the FB building where it was weighed and delivered to the local food pantry. Over 300 lbs. were collected at the office with over 12,000 collected at around the county. A FB volunteer was incharge of keeping a record of all the produce collected at the Farm Bureau building. This was the first year the FB served as a collection point for the Plant a Row project in the county. It is also a PublicRelations for our members to support the Plant a Row program.D:\Docs\2017-12-28\00666dab858a32d40f63689d987eec75.doc -26-

Section 600 Communications & Promotions

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