News

How I see it

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Thu, 02/20/2014 - 20:44

The undefined term "factory farm" in itself is an example of a huge problem we face in agriculture. You see it is those evil factory farmers who don't have names, faces or families, who don't care for their animals or the environment; those are the ones that deserve to be attacked.

My name is Dan Volkers and my whole life has been wrapped around agriculture. I grew up on a livestock and grain farm, majored in agriculture and have enjoyed the position of County Farm Bureau Manager for 15 years. I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of farmers and never met a "factory farmer". I have met organic and conventional farmers, I have met grain, vegetable, fruit, tree, fish and livestock farmers, I have met small farmers and large farmers, I have met high tech farmers and low tech farmers. I have met all sorts of farmers, but not one "factory farmer".

Does a farmer become an evil factory farmer when he or she uses technology and equipment to raise a lot of something? I understand that part of our food system doesn't look like it did in the past. But I ask you what is without change? Does your family use different technology than the generations before it? Would you use a horse as your mode of transportation? Would you give up your microwave for a wood stove?

Consumer choice should be celebrated and protected. If consumers want a product produced in a particular way a farmer will find a way to produce it. At the same time, part of our food system must be allowed the opportunity to use technology and innovation to produce more food with fewer resources. So the next time you come across the term "factory farm" ask yourself what does that mean and why are they using the term.

Blood Center asking for immediate assistance

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 21:27

Heartland Blood Centers is asking for immediate blood donations, as bad weather across the area continues to negatively impact the blood supply. According to Heartland Blood Centers CEO Dennis Mestrich, approximately 2,000 units of blood have been lost in January due to the severe temperatures and an increase in illness related cancellations. Included in this number was the cancellation of some 21 mobile blood drives.

To meet the needs of the 49 hospitals served by Heartland Blood Centers, almost 600 units of blood are needed every day. In order to rebuild the blood inventories that have been so greatly impacted by the adverse conditions, we are pleading for healthy community members to reschedule their cancelled appointments and all other eligible blood donors to make an appointment as soon as possible. Please call 1-800-786-4483 or go online at www.heartlandbc.org. Every donation is valuable and appreciated.

To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years old or 16 with written parental permission; weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in general good health. If you are someone that has been considering donating blood, please call today...we need you!

Please call for an appointment ~ walk-ins are welcome.

Crystal Lake Center
6296 Northwest Highway
Crystal Lake
815-356-0608

Women's Committee supports TLS

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Fri, 01/24/2014 - 22:43

McHenry County Farm Bureau Women's Committee donated 23 kitchen welcome packs to homeless veterans who are in the process of rebuilding their lives at New Horizons in Hebron.

TLS needs your help as well!
Transitional Living Services can't help veterans without the generous support of individuals and organizations. Whether you want to share your time, donate goods and services or give financial assistance, your contributions will make a difference in the life of a struggling veteran.

Here are ways that you can help:

Food donations

TLS maintains a food pantry on the New Horizons campus that residents can access so they can cook for themselves in their studio apartments or in a community kitchen.
It is vital that the food be nutritious. Some snack foods are welcome, but canned goods are more in keeping with the nutritional needs of TLS clients, a number fighting chronic illness because of life on the streets. We can accept frozen meats from an approved market. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a huge help.
Toiletries and personal hygiene items for both men and women are welcome.
To donate to the pantry, visit New Horizons at 10513 Illinois Hwy. 47, Hebron. Call 815-648-2203 beforehand so a staff member can make time for your visit.

Cash donations

Many New Horizons residents do not have a driver's license or car. Cash donations will help TLS buy gasoline for vans that take veterans to work, doctor's appointments, job interviews and school.
A financial gift may also go toward rehabilitation services and resident living expenses.
Donations are tax deductible.

Grain Bin Rescue Program

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Sat, 11/02/2013 - 03:01

McHenry County Farm Bureau had the opportunity to assist Harvard Fire Dept. with the purchase of a grain rescue tube.

The tube aids in the rescue of a farmer or worker who has been trapped in grain. 

Most farmers know that grain bins can be extremely dangerous, but sometimes it's easy to forget basics of grain bin safety. Also, there is an increased risk if someone who is inexperienced is using them or playing in them, especially children.