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| June Dairy Month Promotions The Cumberland County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee promoted National June Dairy Month at Neoga, Toledo, and Greenup IGAs during the month of June. They handed out dairy product samples, nutritional information, and some lucky participants walked away with Prairie Farms milk. The Women’s Committee would like to thank Neoga, Toledo, and Greenup IGAs for their donations that helped make our dairy promotion a success! 
Wilma Clark & Janet Padrick at Toledo IGA 
Donna Nash & Phyllis Swearingen at Greenup IGA 
Janet Padrick and Neoga IGA
Cumberland County FFA Chapters attend Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates Youth Conference 
Pictured (left to right) are: John Edgar, President, Illinois Association FFA; Kendra Schooley, Neoga FFA; Hallie Konczak, Cumberland FFA; Jesika Warner, Neoga FFA; Jaylynn Maxey, Cumberland FFA More than 500 FFA members, County Farm Bureau Managers, FFA advisors from 80 Illinois counties attended the 2010 Illinois Farm Bureau® & Affiliates Youth Conference, April 4-5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield.
"Lights, Camera, Take ACTION" the theme of this year’s conference, offered FFA members in their junior year of high school, a unique opportunity for career and personal development. This year’s attendees got the opportunity to visit with representatives about scholarships, internships, leadership programs, and career opportunities from community colleges, universities, agriculture commodity groups, and the Illinois Farm Bureau and it’s the family of companies at a career fair. The conference also provided a series breakout sessions that outlined opportunities in agriculture and provided information about the Illinois Farm Bureau and its family of companies.
The annual two-day conference is sponsored by Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliated companies, which include GROWMARK, COUNTRY Financial, Prairie Farms and the IAA Credit Union. Please visit www.youthed.org or http://www.facebook.com/ilfbyea for more information on the Illinois Farm Bureau & affiliated companies Youth Education program
Women's Committee Outing 
Cumberland County Women’s Committee took time in April for a fun, social outing. They visited a Victorian style home filled with an extensive doll collection. Everything from porcelain dolls, baby buggies, wedding dresses, and figurines were on display.
National Agriculture Week Coloring Contest Winners Cumberland County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee sponsored a coloring contest for children ages 3-11 this past March in celebration of National Ag Week. Over 150 kids from all over the county participated! The top three in each group received $15, $10, $5, respectfully along with fun prizes. Group 1 (3-5 yr.old) 1st Place: Jessica Evans 2nd Place: Lucas Smith 3rd Place: Caitlyn Sparling Group 2 (6-8 yr.old) 1st Place: Gracie Gresens 2nd Place: Cole Briggs 3rd Place: Kelsey Partlow Group 3 (9-11 yr.old) 1st Place: Taylor Lee 2nd Place: Sarah Thomas 3rd Place: Jayla Abernathy 
Cumberland County Women’s Committee Members looking through all of the great coloring contest entries.
Past President Robert Catey receives Award for Service 
Illinois Farm Bureau District 13 Director Richard Ochs presented Cumberland County Farm Bureau retiring president Robert Catey with an award for the years of service and dedication to Illinois Farm Bureau and Cumberland County Farm Bureau during the District 13 meeting on March 7. Catey served on the Board for 9 years, 4 years as president, and was involved in numerous committees both in the county and at the state level.
National Agriculture Week Radio Ads 
To celebrate and promote National Agriculture Week, Cumberland County 4-H’ers helped the Farm Bureau out by recording radio spots telling listeners to thank a farmer for all that they do to put food on our tables each day. They also informed listeners that farmers care for the land. They also thanked agribusiness men and women for all that they do to promote and support agriculture each day. Thank you Cumberland County 4-Hers for all your help!
Governmental Affairs & Leadership Conference 
Members of the Cumberland County Farm Bureau attended GALC in Springfield. During the conference, they attended sessions discussing current issues facing the agriculture industry. They also attended a State-Wide Legislative Reception where they met with Representative Roger Eddy. Pictured left to right: Roy Starwalt, David Shupe, Representative Roger Eddy, and Robert Catey.
FFA Acquiantance Program On February 8, 14 FFA students and guests from Neoga & Cumberland schools met at the Toledo Village Hall for the FFA Acquaintance Program. Speakers for the evening were representatives from area agricultural businesses. Matthew Taggart, COUNTRY Financial, and Rob Catey & Sarah Siefker, Cumberland County Farm Bureau, all spoke about their respective companies, careers, and job opportunities.
FFA Chapters in Illinois are required to participate with their county Farm Bureau to be eligible for Illinois Farm Bureau sponsored programs and trips through the 2011 school year.
After the presentations, students participated in an ice breaker game where they were able to become better acquainted with members from the other chapters. They also were challenged with an Ag in the Classroom activity to see if they knew the stages of a soybean plant. This is something that they could do in elementary classrooms. The Farm Bureau provided pizza, soda, and cookies for dinner. The night was a great success, and a fun time had by all. Thank you to the Toledo Village Hall for the use of their facility and to Angie’s Pizza in Toledo.  
 
Effingham-Clay FS makes Donation to Ag in the Classroom Program 
Pat Meinhart with Effingham-Clay FS presented Manager Sarah Siefker with a donation to the Ag in the Classroom program. This will help elementary students learn about agriculture. Thank you to Effingham-Clay FS!
Cumberland County Farm Bureau Holds 85th Annual Meeting The Cumberland County Farm Bureau® recently held their 85th Annual Meeting at the Municipal Building in Greenup. Over 100 Farm Bureau members attended the annual event to recognize the accomplishments and to conduct the business of the organization. Farm Bureau President Robert Catey, Greenup, presided over the annual meeting. Special guests present included IAA District 13 Director Richard Ochs, Fred Clatselter representing Representative Roger Eddy and Senator Dale Righter, Kevin Johnson, District Aide to U.S. Senator Tim Johnson, and many of our elected county officials. The Farm Bureau Women’s Committee was honored for their activities this past year. At the IAA Annual Meeting the committee received a Silver Star for their outstanding work. The Primetimer’s Committee received a Bronze Star for committee excellence. The election of directors to the Farm Bureau Board of Directors was also conducted at the Annual Meeting. Brett Williamson, Neoga Township, was elected to the board to serve as the At-Large Director for a term of one year. Directors elected to a four-year term, are Eric Inskeep, Crooked Creek Township, and Roy Starwalt, Union Township, Joe Buescher, Cottonwood Township and Josh McKinney, Neoga Township. Robert Catey and Doug Repp have completed their respective terms as directors. The featured entertainment for the evening was Mr. Wes Wheeler of the Battle Creek Band. 
Past President Robert Catey presented Phyllis Swearingen, member of the Prime Timers Committee, with a certificate for committee excellence, receiving a bronze star award. 
Past President Robert Catey presented Donna Nash, chair of the Women’s Committee, with a certificate for committee excellence, receiving a silver star award. 
Newly elected At-Large President Brett Williamson, presents retiring director Doug Repp with a past directors pin after 8 years of service. 
Newly elected At-Large President Brett Williamson, presents retiring president Robert Catey with a plaque and his past presidents pin after 9 years of service. 
Board of Directors for 2011 (L to R): Roy Starwalt, Joshua McKinney, Brett Williamson, Brian Stierwalt, Eric Inskeep, Kenneth Deters, Marty Smith, and David Shupe. Not Pictured is Joe Buescher.
Cumberland County Farm Bureau Recognized for Volunteer Acheivement The Cumberland County Farm Bureau® was recognized for its achievements during the 96th annual meeting of the Illinois Farm Bureau® held in St. Louis, MO on December 4-7, 2010. As part of its Annual Meeting, Illinois Farm Bureau presents program and committee awards in recognition of outstanding county Farm Bureau volunteer efforts throughout the year. County Farm Bureaus in Membership Group I are those with 1550 and fewer members.
In committee awards competition among county Farm Bureaus in Membership Group I, the following awards were received: Silver Star in Women’s Committee Bronze Star in Prime Timers
In program awards competition among county Farm Bureaus in Membership Group I, the following awards were received: Bronze Star in Ag Literacy, Commodities & Marketing, Local Affairs, Communication & Promotion, Member Relations, and Policy Development
In addition, the county received a Bronze for its Multi-County Project efforts. They also received the Most Outstanding Project Award in Membership Group I Legislative/Political Process for Legislative Picnic Representation. 
Delegates (L to R): Robert Catey, Brett Williamson, & Doug Repp. Not Pictured: Kenneth Deters
Cumberland CFB President Robert Catey recieving Project Awards from IFB Vice President Richard Guebert.
Fair Oaks Dairy Farm Prime Timers Trip Cumberland CFB's Prime Timers took a day out of the early fall to visit Fair Oaks Dairy Farm in Fair Oaks, IN. They were introduced to specific things Fair Oaks Dairy Farm does with interactive videos and games. They then toured one of the ten farms that comprises Fair Oaks Dairy Farm. The highlight of the day was the milking parlor where the cows are milked three times a day on a carousel milking system. This system runs 24/7, only stopping the milking for one hour a day for cleaning and maintenance. Members then continued on to the birthing barn where they were able to watch a calf be born, and view all the others in the nursery. After a filling lunch, everyone received a free dish of Fair Oaks Dairy Farm ice cream, and watched blue cheese being processed. It was both a fun and educational trip had by all!  
National Farm Safety & Health Week Blood Drive Cumberland CFB's Women's Committee promoted Natioanl Farm Safety & Health Week by sponsoring a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross. It is such an easy way to say thank you, and to save a life! 
Women's Committee Members Janet Padrick, Donna Nash, and Phyllis Swearingen (not pictured) volunteered at the canteen, where they handed out snacks and juice to the donors.
Membership Appreciation Picnic On September 2nd, approximately 150 people attended Cumberland County Farm Bureau’s Membership Appreciation picnic at the Toledo Reservoir. Despite a rainy day, it stopped just in time for the picnic and turned into a pleasant evening. On the menu this year was pork chop sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, and cake. Members signed up for door prizes, which were donated by Effingham-Clay FS. We could not have asked for a better night to enjoy with friends.
2010 Cumberland County Fair Despite the hot and sticky weather, Cumberland County Farm Bureau still promoted agriculture to the fair goers during Cumberland County Fair held August 22 – 28. Effingham-Clay FS shared the booth with CCFB and had great support and volunteers to make the fair a success. A big thank you to Women’s Committee Members Donna Nash, June Easton, Phyllis Swearingen, Janet Padrick, Pat Spencer, and Wilma Clark for all of your hard work! We could not have done it without you! In addition to the booth, the Women’s Committee was able to provide the 4-H kids and their parents with donuts and milk each morning. This was made possible by the generous donations from Prairie Farms in Olney, Casey’s General Store in Toledo, 4-H Federation, Cutright’s Car Wash, Nash Farms, McKinney Farms, Spencer Farms, Stewart Bulldozing, Toledo Democrat, and Cumberland County Extension. 400 cartons of milk and 46 dozen donuts were consumed during the week. Thank you to all of the donors!  
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