The Bureau County Farm Bureau is offering an agriculture student a chance for an Internship for the summer of 2012. Duties for the position would include assistance with summer ag literacy programs, support with public relations efforts and coordination of volunteers for future programming along with other activities as they arise.

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation is pleased to announce that they are offering scholarships to area students majoring in agriculture. Over the last seventeen years, the Foundation has awarded $41,750 to forty two deserving college students. Last year alone the Foundation distributed $6,000 to area students.

Again this year is a general student and graduate student scholarship, which will benefit Bureau County students who wish to further their education in agriculture. Application requirements are the same for both scholarships.

Over 50 students from Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties interested in pursuing degrees in agriculture were able to attend the annual College Open House for Agriculture on Wednesday, November 16th at the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau Building in Henry.

Still wondering what you could get the hard to buy for family member? Farm Bureau has gift ideas for you!

The 2009 Bureau County Plat Books are on sale now. You can purchase them at the Bureau County Farm Bureau office or the Bureau County Assessors office. These books, published by Rockford Map, will cost Bureau County Farm Bureau members $20 and non-members $30.

Since our earliest days as a nation, farmers have tilled the soil of this great land, feeding their families, other citizens, and people around the world. Over the years, our economy has changed, but the American farm and ranch has remained a vital thread in the fabric of our lives. In fact, an average American farmer feeds 155 people each year.

It is membership renewal time, Bureau County Farm Bureau members! By now all members should have received their dues notice in the mail. If you have not received your notice please contact us.

Again this year your dues notice form includes the dues notice AND your membership cards at the bottom of the page. Payment is required to activate your membership card. Please note, this will be the only membership billing you will receive from us.

U of I Extension units and County Farm Bureaus are again working with Black Hawk East in Kewanee IL, to provide horse enthusiast with the 2011 Fall Equine Seminar Series scheduled for the first three Thursday evening in November from 6:30-8:30.

We have once again jumped on the social media band wagon. Bureau County Farm Bureau now has a facebook page. "Like" us and check it out! Go to https://www.facebook.com/bureaucountyfarmbureau or search Bureau County Farm Bureau on facebook.

The 16th Annual IAITC Bike Ride took place September 6-8. This year's theme for the ride was "Ride where Abe Lincoln Walked". Cyclists traveled through six counties in central Illinois to promote agriculture literacy. Along the way riders visited 27 schools and reached over 5,000 students with lessons about how agriculture affects everyone's daily lives.