Who we are
Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) planted its roots as the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) in DeKalb, Illinois, in 1912 and became the Illinois Farm Bureau at the state level in 1916. More than a century later, we remain a grassroots membership organization dedicated to supporting farms, food and families across Illinois.
IFB is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation® (AFBF), organized in 1919 and recognized as the unified national voice of agriculture. Today, IFB is a proud leader in Illinois’ largest industry and gives members an advantage through impactful advocacy, trusted information and meaningful development.
Our Mission: To improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life.
From the beginning, Illinois Farm Bureau has focused on delivering trusted information and strong advocacy for farmers. One of the organization’s first initiatives was bringing soil and crop specialists to county Farm Bureaus to share the latest agricultural research and recommendations. That commitment to education, outreach and practical support continues today.
Our voting membership represents three out of every four Illinois farmers. Members help shape Farm Bureau policy through county, state and national organizations, ensuring our work remains truly grassroots and farmer-driven.
Illinois Farm Bureau creates value for members by:
- Advocating for farmers and agriculture at the local, state and federal levels
- Building and maintaining relationships with key policy stakeholders
- Providing access to reliable agricultural information and educational resources
- Offering leadership development and networking opportunities for current and future generations
- Delivering exclusive member benefits and discounts through trusted partnerships
Throughout our history, IFB has also supported the formation of key agricultural companies, including COUNTRY Financial, GROWMARK and FS, Prairie Farms Dairy and others, helping strengthen the infrastructure that supports Illinois agriculture.
We connect the farming community with consumers and promote the values and quality of life that define Illinois agriculture. Through advocacy, information and member development, Illinois Farm Bureau continues to serve as a strong, unified voice for farm families across the state.
View our affiliated organizations
IFB Gives Back
As a grassroots organization dedicated to serving our farmer members, service is at the heart of everything we do. We are invested in building thriving communities by supporting nonprofit organizations through financial gifts and engaging our employees in volunteer efforts. Learn more about our giving philosophy.