Our History

On December 1, 1917, a group of men met at the Monroe County Courthouse to consider the formation of a County Farm Bureau to work with farmers of the county. Additional interest was shown in the days that followed, and on December 21, 1917, the first Annual Meeting of the Monroe County Farm Bureau was held. The main purposes for its incorporation, as detailed in its Constitution, were to “promote the general welfare of producers of agricultural products in Monroe County, Illinois and to provide for such producers better and more economical methods of marketing agricultural products and buying agricultural supplies…to cooperate with other associations or individuals engaged in similar purposes…to develop the most profitable and permanent system of agriculture possible in this county and the educational, social, and financial welfare of its inhabitants in every legitimate and practical manner.”

One hundred years later, the Monroe County Farm Bureau is still working to provide better and more economical methods of marketing and purchasing, to create better and stronger relationships with other associations and individuals, and to further the educational, social, and financial welfare of all Monroe County residents. While farming has changed from horse-drawn equipment to 600-horsepower tractors, new and better crop rotations have evolved, and a greater amount of time is given to appropriate legislation and protection for farmers, Monroe County Farm Bureau is still dedicated to its original purposes. The needs haven’t changed much in these past 100 years. Technology has enabled farmers to be more efficient and accountable in order to keep agriculture sustainable.

Monroe County Farm Bureau continues to focus on the future. The Young Leaders Committee is a strong, active, and intelligent group of young people who are enthusiastic about agriculture. The Women’s Committee focuses on education and awareness about agriculture for all ages. The Monroe County Farm Bureau Foundation provides scholarships to those pursuing higher levels of agricultural education. The Legislative and Local Affairs Committee maintains a close working relationship with elected local, state, and national officials. The committee also advocates for legislation that is beneficial to agriculture and our communities.