Farm Smarts: A Fresh Look at Farm Fundamentals Coming to Champaign County
This winter, the Champaign and Piatt County Farm Bureaus are bringing farmers a new, practical, and highly engaging educational series designed to sharpen decision-making and strengthen farm fundamentals.
Farm Smarts, running January through March 2026, offers straight forward insights, real
conversations, and the kind of information farmers can use the very next day.
All sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Champaign County Farm Bureau, and dinner is provided!
But this program isn’t just about learning. It is also about rewarding members who invest in themselves. Attend 4 of the 5 sessions and you’ll receive a Farm Bureau swag bag. Attend all 5 and you’ll be entered to win a $250 Milwaukee tool bundle. And for anyone who joins Farm Bureau as a new member or renews during the series, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to the local restaurant of your choice. If gaining practical knowledge isn’t reason enough to attend, walking away with new gear certainly sweetens the deal.
A Closer Look at the 2026 Farm Smarts Lineup
- Marketing Beyond the Scale Ticket — January 20
Speaker: Greg Johnson, TGM
A deeper dive into commodity marketing strategies that go well beyond selling across the scale.
Takeaway: Learn how timing, tools, and market trends can turn a “good enough” year into a great one. - Finding Funds in Unexpected Places — January 27
Speaker: Mark Hortin, Ag Finance Guru
Explore traditional and alternative financing avenues you may be overlooking.
Takeaway: Discover hidden financial tools and opportunities sitting right under your nose. - Crop Insurance: What Am I Paying For, Anyway? — February 5
Speaker: Doug Yoder, COUNTRY Financial
A practical breakdown of crop insurance coverage and how to get your money’s worth.
Takeaway: Demystify your policy and learn how to make your coverage work smarter—not harder. - “We’re the Government, and We’re Here to Help” (Really!) — March 5
Representatives from SWCD, NRCS, FSA, Rural Development, USFWS, and more deliver fast-paced TED-style updates, followed by a lively Q&A.
Takeaway: Understand which agency to call when opportunity—or trouble—comes knocking. - Diseases, Deficiencies & Dirty Fields — March 10
Speaker: Jill Henninger, Sunrise FS
A field-tested refresher on agronomy fundamentals, soil health, and key questions to ask before theseason kicks off.
Takeaway: Strengthen your agronomy IQ and boost yields while keeping your sanity intact.
With practical takeaways, expert speakers, great food, and chances to win useful gear, Farm Smarts is shaping up to be an incredibly valuable winter program. Farmers looking to sharpen their skills, stay informed, and connect with fellow members won’t want to miss it!
To register for the Farm Smart series, visit: https://form.jotform.com/champaignCFB/farm-smarts, call the Champaign County Farm Bureau office at 217-352-5235, the Piatt County Farm Bureau office at 217-762-2128, or email bailey@ccfarmbureau.com.
RSVP’s are due 3 days prior to the respective sessions.
