Montgomery County Farm Bureau Young Leaders
Minutes

February 5, 2008

The meeting of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau Young Leaders was called to order by Manager J. Robert Lentz at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.

Pledge to the flag was lead by Manager Lentz.

Those present: Jarod & Mary Lynn Hitchings, Jay & Connie Niemann, Allen Kasten, Blake Furness, Kris Reynolds, Brian Brown, Jeff Schraut and Manager J. Robert Lentz.

Election of Officers:

President—Kris Reynolds—by unanimous consent
V.P.—Jarod Hitchings—by unanimous consent
Secretary—Jeff Schraut—by unanimous consent
Treasurer—Viola West

Manager Lentz then turned the meeting over to Kris Reynolds to run the meeting.

Minutes of Previous Meeting:

Minutes of the January meeting were read by Jeff Schraut. Allen Kasten made a motion to approve the minutes and Kris Reynolds seconded the motion.

Treasurers Report:

Manager Lentz told the group that they had approximately $1,300 dollars in their fund plus $400 from the sale of the float wagon. Since no Treasurer was elected, Viola West will continue managing the account.

Old Business:

Jarod & Mary Lynn Hitchings, Kris Reynolds and family, and Brian Brown attended the Young Leaders Conference in January. Brian noted the State Committee needs feedback from attendees for future planning. Brian will relay any comments to the state committee. Planning for next year's conference will start in July. Jarod noted that he rated all 3 sessions he attended as “excellent”. Kris also said the conference was excellent.

Manger Lentz announced that the Young Leaders' float wagon was purchased by Brian Brown for $400. Allen Kasten reported that he was not aware of any other wagons to purchase at this time. The group was asked to notify Bob Lentz if anyone learns of a wagon for sale.

The group discussed the miniature grain elevator project proposed last meeting. No action was taken at this time.

Kris Reynolds introduced Kendra Cox, Montgomery Ag in the Classroom Teacher. In January, the group decided to invite Kendra to future meetings. Kendra stated that she would appreciate any young leader willing to be a guest speaker in one of her classes. She said her students would be very interested to listen to a guest speaker. The group discussed possible activities that they could do to assist Kendra. Suggested ideas included helping man stations at Conservation Day held at the Extension Office or Farm Safety Day held at the 4-H park. The group also discussed educational videos on agriculture.

Manager Lentz commented that in the past Montgomery County Young Leaders adopted a classroom in Chicago. The group might consider adopting a classroom in Montgomery County. Kendra said that many classes in our county only have 1 student familiar with agriculture. Kendra suggested Witt grades 4 and 5 as classes to consider adopting. Kendra will contact Witt School to see if they are interested.

Kendra distributed her Ag in the Classroom schedule to the group.

New Business:

Brian Brown will be attending the Ag Industry Tour to Puerto Rico. Brian plans to report back about his trip at the next meeting.

Manager Lentz updated the group about the Drainage School to be held at LLCC on Feb. 12. The deadline to register is Friday February 8. The class will be lead by Dr. Cook from UIUC.

Manager Lentz distributed brochures for the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference—Feb. 26-27 at Springfield Crowne Plaza. Manager Lentz has applications for anyone who is interested. Deadline is Feb. 15.

Manager Lentz briefly described the “Penny War” competition State Office runs every year.

Manager Lentz presented a Young Leaders Program DVD which described some of the programs and competitions available to young leaders.
a. Ag Quiz
b. Discussion Meet
c. Harvest For All
d. Ag Industry Tour

Allen Kasten made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Brian Brown. Motion Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25.The group stayed and around and visited with each other after the meeting

Next Meeting: March 4,2008 at 7:00 p.m.

Secretary Jeff Schraut