KANE COUNTY, Ill. — Representatives of the Kane County Farm Bureau updated the county Agriculture Committee on July 17 about summer promotions, scholarships and fair activities, and invited committee members to stop by the Farm Bureau exhibit during the county fair.

Steve (presenter) introduced three guests: Dale Pitsdick of Elburn, identified as the newly elected president of the Kane County Farm Bureau; Brett Miller, the Farm Bureau's newly elected vice president; and Ben Freehill, identified as an Illinois Farm Bureau manager associate who farms in Melvin.

Pitsdick and the Farm Bureau outlined several ongoing activities: a series of drive-through barbecues (one scheduled the evening of July 17), an "eat, join, win" punch-card promotion tied to the chance to win a 1948 Willys Jeep, and orders for fresh Southern Illinois peaches. The Farm Bureau also reported its foundation awarded 25 college scholarships this year totaling $45,000; organizers said 13 of the 25 awardees were able to attend a donor-recognition event.

The Farm Bureau also promoted its vintage truck raffle and a Blue Ribbon live auction on Sunday of the fair; Pitsdick noted a heavy-piece item made from a 1947 John Deere crankshaft was expected to be auctioned and had a $500 bid at the time of the presentation. Committee members encouraged promotional partnerships; one committee member suggested a specialty license plate as a potential funding or promotional tool for farmland protection later in the meeting.

The Farm Bureau gave away promotional "swag" at the fair booth — including recipes, grill-temperature magnets and measurement-conversion magnets — and encouraged members to visit the exhibit. There were no committee votes connected to the Farm Bureau's report.

What's next: The Farm Bureau will continue its summer promotions throughout the fair and beyond; the committee and Farm Bureau representatives discussed ongoing coordination and publicity.