Carroll County Farm Bureau

We have scheduled this year's Girl's Day Out Shopping Trip. We will be venturing to Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall in Gurnee. The date is set for Friday, November 20. We will be leaving the Carroll County Farm Bureau at 7:30 a.m. and returning at approximately 7:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for members and $28 for non-members. Contact our office at 815-244-3001 to reserve your spot to get a jump on your holiday shopping.

We have also reached 393 recipes for the Women's Committee's cookbook for our 90th Anniversary. We are in the process of taking photos to use for the cover and dividers. Soon you will be able to pre-order the book. As soon as we get the final details lined up I will be sure to let you know.

Last week we held our Annual Legislative Update. It was very well attended and quite informational. Kevin Rund, Senior Director of State Legislation with the Illinois Farm Bureau, did an excellent job updating the crowd on new legislation and misbeliefs that are out in the country on road rules and regulations. Troppers Hoffberg and Harper also did an excellent job explaining what to expect in an inspection.

Next Monday, September 21 from 9 a.m. until noon, the Carroll County Health Department will be giving seasonal flu shots here in the Naaman Diehl Auditorium. Cost is $25, with only cash, check, or medicare being accepted. No appointment is necessary as the shots will be given on a walk-in basis.

Next week is National Farm Health & Safety Week. According to a COUNTRY Financial annual survey, roadway collisions involving farm equipment accounted for 24 percent of Illinois farm deaths from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Roadway collisions ranked as the second leading cause of farm deaths behind tractor rollovers.

Some tips for motorists: Reduce your speed when encountering farm equipment on public roads. Flashing Amber lights mean caution. Slow down when you see the Slow Moving Vehicle emblem. Keep a safe distance from the farm equipment so the farmer can see you. One thing I think we all forget is if we can't see their mirrors, they cannot see us. Pass wide, large farm equipment only if you know conditions are safe and you are sure the farmer will not be making a left-hand turn. Also be sure you are far enough in front of them before pulling back in. Regardless of how slow the farm equipment is going, it is illegal to pass in a no passing lane or within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, or bridge. Be prepared to yield to wide equipment. Watch for farmer's indication of a turn. Newer equipment has one or more amber lights flashing rapidly to indicate a turn. Older equipment is typically not equipped with turn signals to watch for the farmer's hand signals.

If you have not yet paid your Carroll County Farm Bureau membership dues for 2009-2010, be sure to get them sent in prior to October 1 in order to avoid the $10 reinstatement fee. There are a wide variety of membership benefits for everyone. It is quite easy to receive the same value in benefits as it costs you for your one year membership.

Farm Bureau Classifieds

Carroll County Farm Bureau members can place up to two (2) free classified ads per week, with a limit of 250 characters per ad (not including spaces). Ads are limited to personal or farm items for sale/wanted to buy, or farm labor or services available or wanted. No ads for the sale or rental of real estate, garage sales, or commercial businesses will be accepted. To place an ad, call the Farm Bureau office at (815) 244-3001 by noon Friday to get your ad in the following week's paper.

FS: Stowmaster 5000 by Roadmaster Folding tow bar. "A" Frame Tow Bar to pull your vehicle behind your motorhome. Complete with storage case. Retails for $ 359, Will sell for $ 250 OBO. 815-761-1873

FS: Class A RV Cover. Brand New in Box. DuPont Tyvek Fits Class A motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels. Retails for $ 504, Will sell for $ 450 OBO. 815-761-1873

FS: 2 place snowmobile/utility trailer. 1 ? inch steel tube rails. Good condition. $350 OBO 815-718-4737

To Give Away: White lilac bulbs. 815-684-5470

FS: 2003 Starcraft pop-up camper. 10 ft with trunk our front, has air, very nice. $4000 OBO 815-244-9610

Wanted: Set of front suitcase weights to fit on white 2-105 tractor. 815-213-1953

FS: Lewis Industrial Hemming Machine. Model # 150-2. $100. 815-864-2810

CRP Landowners: As your land comes out of enrollment, consider putting it in alfalfa production. 815-499-3659

FS: Sweep auger for 30ft grain bin, center drive with gear box, without motor, $50. Bin gearbox with 1 inch shaft with 14 inch double groove pulley, $50. 309-644-0099

Wanted To Buy: Adult walker with seat. 815-273-2846

FS: Bow-flex exercise system in excellent condition. $750 OBO. Call 815-493-6604

FS: 80 Big round bales of hay. Alfalfa-grass mix. Phone 815-244-9615