News

New $500 Dodge Allowance for Members

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 04:24

HURRY, ENDS MARCH 31

Illinois Farm Bureau and Dodge have teamed up to offer IFB members $500 cash allowance toward the purchase or lease of a new eligible Dodge as a way of saying thanks to Illinois farmers. Better hurry though. This offer is valid March 8-31, 2010.

"This $500 offer is good for March, which is Ram Truck Month," said IFB's Melissa Rhode. "That means Illinois Farm Bureau members have the opportunity to drive away with some great deals."

Men and women, who have been members for 30 days, can simply show their Illinois Farm Bureau membership card at any Dodge dealership and receive the $500 allowance on one of these 2009 and 2010 models:

Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships offered:

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Fri, 03/05/2010 - 22:05

The McHenry County Farm Bureau Agricultural Education Foundation is offering two $1,000 scholarships. One scholarship is from the McHenry County Farm Bureau Women's Committee for high school seniors and the second scholarship is the David B. Gardner Memorial Scholarship to high school seniors or college students. The $1,000.00 scholarships would be applied to continuing education in a Jr. College, 4-yr institution or technical college. Scholarships are available for students perusing continuing education in agriculture, home economics, or any agriculture related field. The applicant or the applicant's family must be a member of the McHenry County Farm Bureau to qualify. All scholarship applications need to be received by April 30, 2010.

If you need an application or have any questions regarding either of these scholarships, please call our office at 815-338-1520 or email mcfbmgr@stans.net.

Federal Crop Insurance Deadline

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 05:40

Illinois farmers have until March 15 to sign up for spring federal crop insurance policies, according to COUNTRY Financial.
"Increasing input costs, volatile grain markets and uncertain weather pose risks for farmers and their grain operations. Federal crop insurance offers one way to protect farmers' grain assets and protect themselves against a potential price decline," says Sheri Bane, director of commercial/agribusiness for COUNTRY.

Want a Pet? MCFB Says Adopt Locally!

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 15:54

It's hard to watch a TV commercial with big-eyed puppies and shivering kittens without wanting to run out and adopt every pet in the nearest shelter. The problem is that it may not be your local shelter running that commercial. Some pleas for help come from nationwide groups that are more interested in vegan agendas than in caring for dogs and cats in need. That's why McHenry County Farm Bureau has kicked off a new campaign, encouraging everyone to "Adopt Locally!"

 

Tax season approaches; local help available

Submitted by mchenrycfb on Fri, 02/19/2010 - 17:44

McHenry County Farm Bureau will once again be offering tax return services to Farm Bureau members.

Ralph Miller, certified public accountant, will be preparing taxes for clients on Thursdays in February and March. Miller has more than 25 years of experience in preparing personal and farm income taxes.

Tax Bits:
If you paid real estate taxes this year, you will need your tax bill because the State of Illinois is requesting the parcel number (PIN) before they allow the deduction this year.

If you have wages, farm income or schedule C earnings, IRS is going to give you $400 per taxpayer to make up the withholding tax rate that was effective in April.

When you receive any notices from IRS, please let your tax preparer know before making any payments. The majority of the time, IRS is incorrect and a simple letter will resolve the issue.

If you are interested in making an appointment or have further questions you may contact the McHenry County Farm Bureau at 815-338-1520 or e-mail mcfb@stans.net.