Illinois Farm Bureau received a New Horizon Award Sunday in recognition of the organization's efforts on mental health.
The award recognizes new innovative state Farm Bureau programs. Illinois' stemmed from its one-day Illinois Ag Mental Health Summit in March and the organization's mental health resources.
"What an honor for Illinois Farm Bureau to receive the New Horizon award," said IFB President Richard Guebert Jr., who accepted the award in Atlanta on IFB's behalf. "It speaks to the ability of county Farm Bureaus and staff to work together on behalf of our members to lift the issue of mental health to the forefront. County Farm Bureaus have worked nonstop to bring resources to our members. Many thanks to GoTeam member Adrienne DeSutter and husband, Drew, for their leadership in this topic."
IFB also received Awards of Excellence in four program areas for implementing outstanding member programs and membership achievement in 2021. IFB earned awards in Membership Value; Advocacy; Leadership & Business Development; and Engagement & Outreach.
IFB was also recognized for exemplary financial support of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture at the AFBF convention, receiving the following awards:
- Scholar Award, given to the six state Farm Bureaus with the highest total donations to the Foundation within their membership groups.
- Apex Award, given to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total contributions to the Foundation by 10% or more over the previous year. In all 22 qualified this year, including Illinois.
- Leader Award, given to states where each of their board members donates at least $50 to the Foundation. In all, 31 state Farm Bureaus qualified, including Illinois.
This story was provided by FarmWeekNow.com.