The IAA Foundation has announced this year’s scholarship opportunities. Application forms can only be found online at www.iaafoundation.org. There is only one application for eight different scholarship opportunities. There are six general scholarships for those majoring in agriculture, agribusiness, or an ag-related field, along with a few others that are offered as memorial scholarships. Application deadline is February 1, 2011.

We still have a few seats available on our Alaska Trip which will take place next July 25- August 7. The trip will include a cruise as well as a land tour. We will hit Denali Park, take the rail to Anchorage, visit the Alaska pipeline, and more prior to boarding a Holland America Cruise ship. If you would like some information, please give our office a call.

“We have to tell our story to consumers!” This has been the battle cry of the farming community for decades. The declining farm population and the growing desire to be protected from attacks have created a one-two punch to most efforts. Something has changed, though. Social networks like Facebook and YouTube have opened new, exciting ways to communicate.  Illinois Farm Bureau created a website to help farmers tap into this new power: www.ilfb.org/social.

“You are the expert for your farm,” said IFB’s Mary Ellen Fricke. “There are six billion people in the world and none of them know more about your farm than you do. That also means that no one – but you – can honestly tell your story.”

Websites, like Facebook, help farmers connect to consumers, voters, and legislators. These social networks are fun and free. Best of all, they fit your lifestyle. Using your cell phone, you can send a photograph from your tractor. You can write two or three sentences at midnight. You can even share pro-farm videos while you watch the big game. These websites are easy to get started and maintain, but IFB members looking for a little more know-how before they get started can visit www.ilfb.org/social.

“This site includes videos and downloads that will help you make the most from Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The site is designed to jump around, letting you discover only the things that interest you.”

Fricke added a suggestion, “If you’re not comfortable with a computer, invite your grandson or a neighbor kid to get involved. It’s a great way to show another generation how essential advocacy is to today’s farming community.”

If you are interested in telling your story, please let me know!

On behalf of the Carroll County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Staff, I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!