McHenry County Farm Bureau President, Bruce Meier, accepts a recognition plaque awarded to McHenry County Farm Bureau for its achievements during the 2010-11 program year. The award was presented during Illinois Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting and calls attention to the comprehensive nature of county Farm Bureau programs.
The McHenry County Board is accepting applications from individuals interested in appointment to the McHENRY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND FARMLAND PROTECTION COMMISSION. Three (3) vacant positions are available for three (3) year terms to expire on January 1, 2015. Incumbents may apply for reappointment. A background and/or experience in agriculture, finance, conservation or planning are desirable. Application forms are available at the County Board Office, Room 209, McHenry County Government Center, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815-334-4221) or click the link at the bottom of this page. Completed applications should be returned to the County Board office no later than 3:00 p.m. on January 13, 2012. If mailing your application, certified or registered mail is recommended. Mailed applications should be sent to the following address: McHenry County Board, 2200 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098. http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/countyboard/PDFDocs/AppointmentApp.pdf
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that the ranking period cut-off date for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is January 13, 2012. Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012.
Agriculture students and Illinois Farm Bureau members and their children may apply for college scholarships offered by the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) Foundation. Fifty-six scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per year, will be awarded in total of $104,900 for the 2012-2013 school year.
"We are pleased to assist students with the ever-growing expenses of college," said Susan Moore, director, IAA Foundation. "It is a great privilege to support our next generation of leaders, and encourage continuing education in agricultural fields."
I love my heirloom tomatoes and believe there is nothing better tasting than vegetables and fruits right from the garden. I am also proud that Woodstock has a thriving farmer's market that provides consumers greater choice in a variety of foods grown locally and that supports local farmers. However, your article in the Torch regarding organic farming contained so many falsehoods that condemn modern farming practices that I got torched. Assertions that cannot be backed up by sound science only serve to create doubt and confuse consumers.
It is because of modern farming practices that we have the safest, most economical food supply in the world. Production technologies are enabling farmers to grow more food with greater efficiency, allowing us to feed more people while consuming fewer natural resources and generating less animal waste. Modern, efficient food production is environmentally sustainable.
