CCFB President Doug Downs –
The crop is well established and for the most part appears to be in about as good of shape as one could reasonably expect for mid June. I wish I’d of replanted a few beans here and there, but a very few thin bean stands, with plenty of waterhemp poking though my non-gmo beans, is my worst problem. So I will be grateful and hope for the best the rest of the year.
It’s also the weekend after the big Gala the Foundation puts on and this year was a roaring success. Thanks to all of you who attended, donated a desert or auction item, or bought a desert or auction item. I feel sorry for those who bought my desert, although I’m grateful for their overwhelming generosity, because there was an unfortunate accident with the desert I baked. It had to get substituted 30 minutes before the gala with the help of a local bakery and our astute assistant manager. Talk about a stressful situation! I had the privilege of hosting 4 other local county farm bureau presidents at my table and it was good to share our thoughts with each other and had a great night of fun and fellowship.
The calendar at the farm bureau office is absolutely packed with events for the summer. I encourage you to look through that calendar of events and try to maximize your membership. There are several “social” events as well as value based events with celebrity speakers that give presentations where you can literally take home information that most people pay for, then put that information straight to use. Recently some of us spent an evening with one of our bright local attorneys regarding easements and such and later this month, we will have a marketing meeting in the office with as good of advice as you could pay for anywhere. We are fortunate to be in an area where some of the best of the best work and provide services to farmers all across the country, and here at the Champaign County Farm Bureau, are happy to bring those insights straight to you to keep that constant value chain flowing.
Enjoy your summer.
