As GROWMARK enters its 85th year, the Illinois Farm Bureau (ILFB) is proud to have watched the cooperative grow into something bigger and better over the years.
“The GROWMARK system started under the auspices of Illinois Farm Bureau years ago, so we’re kind of the parent of the organization,” said ILFB president Philip Nelson at the cooperative’s annual meeting last week in Chicago. “It’s been successful, they continue to grow in all regions of the country providing goods and services that farmers utilize.”
Phil conducted the nomination and election of new directors for GROWMARK during the business session. Five of the cooperative’s 16 director seats, established by geographic zone, were elected and will serve three-year terms. Bob Phelps of Rockton, Ill., who has served on the GROWMARK Board since 1997, David Watt of Murrayville, Ill., and Matt Heitz of Farley, Iowa were re-elected to the board. Jack McCormick of Ellis Grove, Ill., and Kim Fysh of Thamesville, Ont. were elected to first terms on the GROWMARK Board.
You may recall that when President Obama visited Illinois this month, Phil was able to challenge him about the regulations being considered by the federal government that could make it more difficult for farmers to do their jobs. “We’re not asking for a favor but we need some common sense or you’re going to regulate what we think is the biggest industry in the country right out of production,” Phil said he told the president. “I think the president addressed the question somewhat but I think it shows that we need to get further engaged with the EPA so that they better understand what they’re doing.”
I also asked Phil about the crops in Illinois this season – listen to or download the whole interview here. IL Farm Bureau President Phil Nelson