Local Ag News

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack issuing a disaster declaration that includes Mercer County. The announcement was made Monday and involves tornados and high winds that occurred March 31 through April 5. Henry and Rock Island [FULL STORY]

The Mercer County Youth Livestock Auction celebrating 30 years. The event has generated over $1-million for exhibitors. Again, this year’s Mercer County Youth Livestock Auction is Friday, July 14 at 6 p.m.

In advance of the county fair season, a cattle fitting clinic is taking place at the Mercer County Fairgrounds next month.  It’s the idea of new Sherrard FFA President Levi Schurr. Again, the cattle fitting [FULL STORY]

The Rock Island County Farm Bureau Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 Scholarships. This award is given to outstanding high school students who have achieved a well-rounded high school and collegiate [FULL STORY]

A local state lawmaker’s FFA legislation is winning approval in the Illinois General Assembly. The measure is sponsored by State Rep. Dan Swanson. Swanson was in the Alwood FFA Chapter while in school and just [FULL STORY]

Thirteen scholarships have been awarded by the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation. In addition to student scholarships, Mercer County Farm Bureau manager Jenna Preston says the foundation supports programs such as Agriculture in the Classroom [FULL STORY]

Former Sherrard teacher, Ramona McMeekan, was recently honored for 20 years of volunteer service with “Ag in the Classroom,” an initiative to teach children about agriculture through the Mercer County Farm Bureau. Connie Lord, Ag [FULL STORY]