What the IFB Annual Meeting Is
The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) Annual Meeting is where farmer-delegates from county Farm Bureaus set the organization's policy for the coming year, elect leaders and recognize outstanding members. The 2026 meeting, themed "Farming for the Next Generation," is scheduled for December 12-15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Sessions run from 8:00 a.m. on December 12 to 2:00 p.m. on December 15.
Who It Is For
Delegates chosen by county Farm Bureaus vote on policy and take part in grassroots advocacy. Members, young leaders and collegiate members attend as well. At the 2025 meeting more than 140 collegiate members were present, which was described as a first for the annual meeting.
What Happens There
Program for 2026
- Educational workshops on the challenges and opportunities for 2027
- An annual address by IFB President Philip Nelson
- Awards recognizing Young Leaders, county Farm Bureaus and other winners
- IAA Foundation fundraising activities supporting agricultural literacy
- Networking with members from across the state
Delegate business
At the 2025 meeting, delegates voted on resolutions for 2026 and discussed private property rights, selling American farmland, data centers and eminent domain. They merged the traditional M (voting member) and PM (professional member) categories into one, and folded smaller membership categories used by about 200 people statewide into the M and A categories, with billing changes to match.
Elections
The IFB president and vice president are elected in odd-numbered years for two-year terms, so the 2026 meeting is not a presidential election year. At the 2025 meeting Philip Nelson, a grain and livestock farmer near Seneca who served as IFB president from 2003 to 2013, was elected president with 55.6 percent of the vote over Brian Duncan of Polo. Evan Hultine of Princeton was reelected vice president. Five new board members were elected to two-year terms.
Young Leader awards
The County Young Leader Awards recognize young leaders and county Farm Bureaus for achievements, community projects and member engagement. County groups run from Group 1 (smallest) to Group 5 (largest). Categories include the Young Leader Achievement Award, the Excellence in Agriculture Award, Most Outstanding Young Leader Program (for programs for members ages 18 to 35), Top County Young Leader Chair and Friend of Young Leaders. Top chairs receive onstage recognition and a plaque, and Friend of Young Leaders winners also receive a cash prize. Young Leaders who respond to every legislative action request are entered in a drawing for a Leaders to Washington trip or a spot at the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference.
Key Dates and How to Register
- December 12: sessions begin at 8:00 a.m.
- December 15: meeting ends at 2:00 p.m.
- Register: online at ilfb.events, or through your local County Farm Bureau.
Where
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. The Illinois Farm Bureau main office is at 1701 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701, phone 309-557-2111.
Questions
Do I have to be a delegate to attend?
Delegates vote, but members register through the event page or their county Farm Bureau.
Is there a president's race this year?
No. President and vice president are elected in odd-numbered years.
Who do I call?
The Illinois Farm Bureau main office at 309-557-2111, or your County Farm Bureau.
Official Links
- Illinois Farm Bureau events: 2026 Annual Meeting details and registration
- AgriNews: delegates vote for change of leadership: 2025 elections
- AgriNews: IFB Young Leaders celebrated: 2025 awards
- Farm Bureau delegates approve membership changes: 2025 delegate actions
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Cook County Farm Bureau Field Day at Lincoln Park Zoo
Cook County Farm Bureau takes its summer field day to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, bringing farm education to an urban setting. Held each year; most recent date June 23, 2026.
Chicago, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - Illinois Farm Bureau Newer Presidents Seminar
A one-day January 2027 seminar for newer county Farm Bureau presidents, held at the IAA Building on Towanda Avenue in Bloomington.
1701 Towanda Ave, Bloomington, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference
The 2027 From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference runs January 27-29 at the Bank of Springfield Center, serving Illinois specialty growers and local-food producers.
Springfield, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference
Illinois Farm Bureau members meet at the Bank of Springfield Center on February 16, 2027 for the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference, focused on state advocacy.
1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference
The 2027 IFB Young Leader Conference gathers young Farm Bureau members at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign on February 26-27.
1900 South 1st Street, Champaign, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.