Here’s the latest activity of the Illinois Farm Families, a program funded in part by Illinois corn checkoff dollars. IFF is also supported by the soybean, beef, and pork checkoff programs, and the Illinois Farm Bureau. We’re always trying to make sure that the information we provide to consumers is timely and relevant. With that in mind, you’ll note particular interest in adding content about the drought’s impact on your farm and family to the www.watchusgrow.org website.

Blogs- Illinois Farm Families would like to know how the drought is affecting you, your farm, and your livestock.  We’re hoping you will send us some photos, videos, and written testimonials that we can share on our website.  You can send us your blogs at any time, and there is no limit to how many you cant.  Please send your information to Carla Mudd, IFB Manager of Consumer Communications at cmudd@ilfb.org.  Suggested topics include:  The drought’s affecting us too!  I have to run my farm differently because of the drought; hay shortages, higher feed prices, etc.  Droughts happen, it’s a part of farming.  How the drought impacts livestock; cutbacks on herd size, lack of hay, and lack of water.  Weather affects us all; raising livestock indoors vs. outdoors.  

Illinois State Fair-  Make sure you stop by the Commodities Pavilion at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, August 9-19.  It’s a great place to meet up with friends, sit down and relax, grab a cold drink, eat a delicious pork chop on a stick or a juicy ribeye sandwich.  There’s something for everyone, even the pickiest eaters!  Of course, your support at the Commodities Pavilion helps our organizations continue serving the needs of farmers and consumers across the state of Illinois.  When you leave the Commodities Pavilion, make sure you head over to the Farmers Little Helpers area, located near the sky ride.  The exhibit is free and it’s a great place to take people who want to learn more about agriculture by touring different stations.  While you’re at the fairgrounds, we hope you’ll take a minute and notice the variety of consumer related banners messages that will be displayed throughout the fairgrounds.      

Scavenger Hunt-  Illinois Farm Families is looking forward to launching a new fun, family activity that will provide consumers with an interactive way to learn about where their food comes from.  Farmtastic Food Trek is a virtual scavenger hunt that will connect farmers to food at the grocery store by using Instagram™.  We’re working with the farmers who are featured on WatchUsGrow.org to help us deliver the scavenger hunt clues.  Consumers will use their clues to locate food products in the grocery store. When they identify the food product, they will take a photo and upload it with their Istagram smartphone application, , to qualify for a Family Farm Prize package. The contest will run from August 15 to September 30.  Go to www.watchusgrow.org for more details.

The Field Moms are bringing their families to their next farm visit-  Coming up this fall on September 8-9 the Field Moms will get a chance to take in the sites of Bloomington and have the opportunity to visit Funk Farms located in Shirley, IL.  We intend to offer the moms a chance to bring their families along on a tour and let them experience a fun, laid back trip to the country.  Some of the highlights of this tour will include a hayrack ride, horse back riding, tractor and combine rides, plus a chance for the kids to explore nature and open spaces.

Consumer Mindset Training Workshops-  Join the movement of Farmers Opening Our Doors (FOOD), and learn how to effectively converse with consumers.  We know that our old tactics of “educating” consumers is not working.  We must change our language, retrain our mindset, and reach consumers in a whole new way.  Today, it’s all about a dialogue.  We must engage with consumers about food, farmers and farming, and answer their questions. This workshop is open to County Farm Bureau Managers, County Farm Bureau Leaders, Commodity Group Representatives, and farmers.  The training workshops will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  To register, please contact your local County Farm Bureau or Commodity Group office by MONDAY, August 13.          

                 August 21, 2012

                Franklin County Farm Bureau

                August 22, 2012

                LaSalle County Farm Bureau

                August 23, 2012

                Sangamon County Farm Bureau

                August 24, 2012

                Knox County Farm Bureau

From the ‘Burbs to the Farm-  Naperville Community Television, Channel 17 interviewed Field Moms Amy Rossi and Pilar Clark.  http://www.nctv17.com/napervillenews17/article.php?id=1625

Illinois Farm Families are Illinois farmers who support Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Soybean Association, and Illinois Beef Association through farmer membership and checkoff programs. We are committed to having conversations with consumers, answering their questions about food, farmers and farming, and sharing what really happens on today’s Illinois family farms. More than 94 percent of Illinois farms are family owned and operated. We are passionate about showing consumers how we grow safe, healthy food for their families and ours. Wholly or partially funded by one or more national or state checkoff programs.