Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower Training
WINTER 2022 DATES  

Illinois growers and grower farm operators who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia, or otherwise maintain anhydrous ammonia equipment, are now required by state regulation (8 IAC 215) to complete certified grower training. The full text of the current regulations is available at:
​https://www.ilga.gov/.../admincode/008/00800215sections.html

Growers and grower farm operators have until April 1, 2022 to be initially certified and must participate in refresher training every three years. As a reminder, Anhydrous Ammonia Certified Grower Training can also be fulfilled online at https://onenet.illinois.gov/page.aspx?item=128037. Questions and assistance with the training content can be answered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-3817.

Congratulations to Grace Arnold!

Grace Arnold, daughter of Sam Arnold, one of DeWitt County Farm Bureau's Board of Directors, is making great accomplishments in the agriculture industry locally and statewide. Grace is a sophomore attending Lake Land College. She is one of DeWitt County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship recipients for 2021. It is so encouraging to see students in our community going out into the world and doing great things for the agriculture industry. Keep up the good work Grace! 
AG Rescue Day 
Saturday, 17 2021

Thanks to the University of Illinois, Illinois Fire Service Institute, the DeWitt County Farm Bureau along with the generous help of Brian Robinson was able to host an Ag Rescue Day Saturday, July 17 2021, at the DeWitt County Highway Department. 
The invitation to this event was extended to all surrounding fire departments in the area. Thank you to the Clinton, Kenney, Wapella, and Weldon Fire Departments for coming out and spending a Saturday with us to train on 3 separate areas of agricultural rescue scenarios such as tractor rollovers, grain bin extrication, and large animal rescue drag. We had a great turnout with about 23 firemen and women. 
This training provided the firemen with very hands-on experiences in all areas without the pressures in the real world. With the help of 3 instructors the firemen and women were able to ask questions and learn useful techniques to use in case the need arises. After the training was completed, for the individuals who participated they earned a certification. 
Thank you to Country Financial for sponsoring the meal and to Cornerstone for sponsoring the training event, we greatly appreciate your continued support to the growth, success, and safety to our community.         

DCFB seeks surplus N95 masks for local healthcare workers

March 26, 2020
​Due to a national strain on our healthcare system from COVID-19, there is currently a shortage of medical personal protective equipment, specifically N95 masks. DeWitt County Farm Bureau is calling upon farmers, grain elevators, construction companies, union laborers, and individuals who use these masks as PPE, to donate any surplus new/unused masks.
The DeWitt County Farm Bureau is participating in F.A.R.M. for Health, which stands for Farmers and Ranchers Masks for Health. This is a campaign in coordination with numerous county Farm Bureaus across the state of Illinois to ensure that our rural healthcare workers have proper supplies and PPE during this pandemic.
A collection box is located outside the front entrance of the DeWitt County Farm Bureau office, 1060 IL-54, Clinton, where individuals can drop off their unused masks at any time. Masks will be given to the DeWitt Piatt Bi-County Health Department to be distributed where needed locally.
Due to the shelter in place order, DCFB asks that individuals drop off masks if they feel the trip is considered essential travel.  

Foundation Scholarship Recipients Announced

March 20, 2020
Five area students have earned post-secondary scholarships from the DeWitt County Farm Bureau Foundation.
A panel of judges selected Krayton Carter, Grace Arnold, Sarah Fabris, and John Koopman to receive scholarships as they enter their first year in college, and Riley Donelson to receive a scholarship to continue studying at Illinois State University.
Krayton Carter, a senior at Clinton High School, has earned the Ernest Thorp $1,500 scholarship. Carter, the son of Stacy and Belinda Carter, is planning to study Ag Production and Management at Lake Land College. He is involved in FFA, Clever Clovers 4-H Club, and Clinton High School Bass Fishing Team.
Grace Arnold, a senior at Clinton High School, has earned the DeWitt County Farm Bureau $1,000 scholarship. Arnold, daughter of Sam and Katy Arnold, is planning to enter the Ag-Transfer program at Lake Land College. She is involved in FFA, the Clever Clovers 4-H, and National Honors Society. She also raises and shows livestock.
Sarah Fabris, a senior at Clinton High School, has earned the I. Jackson & Imogene Blue $500 scholarship. Fabris is the daughter of Larry and Regina Fabris. She plans to study Agribusiness and Horticulture at Missouri State University. Fabris is active in FFA, Clinton High School band, National Honor Society, and the Clinton Swim Team.
John Koopman, a senior at Monticello High School, has earned the $500 Tractor Drive scholarship. Koopman, the son of Joe and Eva Koopman, plans to attend Lake Land College in the John Deere Tech program. Koopman is active in FFA, 4-H, cross country, baseball, and pep club.
Riley Donelson, a junior at Illinois State University, has earned the $500 DeWitt County Farm Bureau College scholarship. Donelson, the daughter of Phil and Tanya Donelson, is studying Agriculture Communications and Leadership. She is active in the ISU Sigma Alpha Agriculture Sorority, Agricultural Communications of Tomorrow, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and the ISU Livestock Judging Team.

DeWitt Farm Bureau members learn first aid, CPR, body mechanics tips

March 6, 2020
​DeWitt County Farm Bureau members and member families learned CPR techniques, along with ways to prevent common lifting and carrying injuries at a special workshop on March 5 in Clinton.
The featured speakers were Warner Hospital & Health Services specialists Deb Ertl, registered nurse (RN) and Cheryl DeMent, physical therapist (PT).
The presenters provided lessons on administering basic first aid, CPR on adults and infants, choking relief, and ways to protect your body while lifting, carrying, and climbing.
The program was made possible by a COUNTRY Financial and Illinois Farm Bureau Farm Safety Grant.  First National Bank & Trust Company donated space for the event.
While the demonstrations focused on activities that are common on farms, the lessons and techniques also applied to the non-farming members in attendance.
Ertl, who has served as a trauma nurse at Warner Hospital and Health Services for 25 years, shared techniques for hands-only CPR. This is a technique that is now used in lieu of mouth-to-mouth, and Ertl said it’s easier to learn and retain.
Cheryl DeMent, PT at Warner Hospital’s Physical Therapy wing, shared ways farmers and non-farmers can protect themselves from physical injuries.
The program took place during National Ag Safety Awareness Week, March 2-6, 2020. The week brings awareness to health issues affecting the agriculture workforce, both mental and physical.