Illinois Farm Bureau

In May 1862, the Homestead Act was signed into law and began creating new opportunities in agriculture for thousands of people.

The transcontinental railroad was also authorized by Congress at this time, allowing for agriculture to become the biggest business in America.

DeKalb, Kankakee, McHenry, Livingston, Will, DuPage, Kane and Tazewell counties all had organizations in place to assist in educating America's farmers.

By 1913, it was clear that there was a need for a statewide association, so on July 1, 1913, county advisors convened in Pontiac, Illinois, to discuss problems and experiences.

There were 13 charter members to the IAA that hailed from Adams, Bureau, Champaign, DeKalb, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Macon, Mason, McLean, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.

The Illinois Farm Bureau logo
This fence sign once belonged to Otto Steffey, the Illinois Farm Bureau president when IFB headquarters moved from Chicago to Bloomington. The sign was part of a time capsule that was buried after the move and was then unsealed in honor of the IFB's 100th birthday.