Stevens Becomes First Woman Young Leader Chair

According to the USDA census, women have a growing presence in farming. Today, nearly one-third of U.S. farm are run by women; that's up 19% in just five years. During Illinois Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting, the Young Leader Committee reflected this change as it elected Monica Stevens as the first woman to chair the statewide committee.

Stevens is from Knox County and is the 3rd generation in her family to raise purebred Shorthorn cattle. Monica graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. Stevens also serves as Vice President of Knox County Cattlemen's Association and has served on the Illinois Beef Association Board of Governors in the Check-off Division.

In addition to Stevens, other committee members were elected to serve in 2012:

• Vice Chair Alan Bailey of Sangamon County
• Secretary Brent Pollard of Winnebago County
• Achievement Sub-Committee Chair Todd VerHeecke of Henry County
• Education and Recruitment Sub-Committee Chair Kurt Range of St. Clair County
• Governmental Affairs and Commodities Sub-Committee Chair Mike Carey of Grundy County

IFB Young Leaders are 18-35 year-old men and women who are passionate about farming. It is a member-created, member-driven program that helps members promote farming, grow in leadership, and become better farmers and supporters.