Champaign County Farm Bureau

10/19/2026

This past Friday, Emily enjoyed connecting with students at Parkland College Ag Tech Fall Open House!

It was great meeting students who have their future plans figured out, along with those still exploring their options. She had the chance to share what Champaign County Farm Bureau is all about and how we can help young people make connections and explore opportunities in agriculture.

Through Young Leaders of Champaign County Farm Bureau, young adults can meet other ag professionals, learn about local ag businesses and get involved in the industry.

Not sure what your next step looks like? Farm Bureau is a great place to start!

10/16/2026

In The Field

The CCFB team has enjoyed being in the field with our members this harvest!

From delivering snacks, riding in combines, and helping our friends at Sunrise FS feed farmers at Total Grain Marketing in Champaign. Getting out and being with farmers has reminded us why we do what we do!

10/16/2026

⏰ LAST CALL for Freezer Chef meals!

Looking for a way to make a few meals a little simpler? This is a great opportunity to stock up on some easy options for those busy nights!

📅 Orders are due Tuesday, October 20!
https://myfreezerchef.com/shop/my-freezer-chef/fundraiser/93cfb803-436e-428c-81ee-3e4c27c89528

📍 Pickup: Wednesday, November 4 at 3:00 PM
📍 Champaign County Farm Bureau office

💲 Payment is due at pickup.

If you’re interested, be sure to get your order in before Tuesday! Have questions? Reach out to our office, and we’ll be happy to help

10/14/2026

🌽🚜 Emily enjoyed spending the day out in the county delivering harvest bags and catching up with our members!

It was fun having Katelynn, the Champaign County Fair Queen, & director Lacey along for the ride. Katelynn even got her first combine ride in! 🤩

We appreciate our farmers and love getting the chance to show them a little extra appreciation during harvest. 💚

10/13/2026

We’ve been spending some time out on the road delivering harvest bags to farmers across Champaign County. 🌾

It’s been a busy harvest season, but we’ve had some great conversations with members along the way, and even gotten to take a few rides in the combine!

Many down, many more to go! 🚜 Let us know where you’re working, and we’ll do our best to deliver a bag or two to your fields!

10/12/2026

Happy National Farmers Day! 🌾

A big thank you to all of the farmers and farm families who work hard every day to keep food on our tables and agriculture moving forward.

We’re thankful for all that you do!

10/11/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE: RED-DYED DIESEL IN ILLINOIS

This weekend, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has released guidance regarding the temporary use of red-dyed diesel in on-road vehicles for agricultural purposes.

Farmers choosing to take advantage of this temporary penalty relief should understand the documentation requirements.

KEY DATES
• October 6 – December 31, 2026: Temporary penalty relief period.
• January 1, 2027: Normal enforcement resumes.
• FOUR YEARS: Required documentation must be retained for four years following expiration of the Executive Order.

WHAT RECORDS MUST YOU KEEP?
For dyed diesel used during the relief period:
• Vehicle license plate number
• Gallons of dyed diesel used
• Dates of each fill-up
• Date dyed diesel was last added
• Proof of agricultural use, such as:
o Grain tickets or storage receipts
o Invoices for agricultural goods
o Trip sheets
o Bills of lading or waybills
o Transportation contracts
o Documentation showing the origin of agricultural goods

WHAT ABOUT RESIDUAL RED DYE?
Red dye can remain in fuel tanks even after switching back to clear diesel.

To help avoid penalties after January 1, maintain:
• Vehicle odometer reading on December 31, 2026
• Receipts for all fuel purchased after dyed diesel use ends
• Documentation proving agricultural use during the relief period

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• Missing documentation during an audit may result in penalties.
• Illinois' penalty relief does NOT extend to other states.
• Temporary penalty relief does NOT permanently eliminate fuel tax obligations.
• Additional federal guidance from the IRS is still pending.

ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU'S RECOMMENDATION:
If you choose to use red-dyed diesel in on-road trucks for agricultural purposes, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and have a plan to transition back to clear diesel.

Champaign County Farm Bureau will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as information becomes available.

We encourage members to review the full IDOR Informational Bulletin before using dyed diesel in on-road vehicles. LINK IN COMMENTS.

10/09/2026

In the Field

From visiting members during harvest to monitoring potential data center development and changes involving red-dyed diesel, it's been a busy week at Champaign County Farm Bureau.

Why does it matter? Because decisions being made today can have a lasting impact on our farmers, their land, and their livelihoods.

We're staying informed, asking questions, and making sure agriculture has a voice in the conversations that matter.

Different issues. One priority: Looking out for Champaign County agriculture.

10/09/2026

We love to see your pictures!

Here’s board member Gerald Henry out in the field last harvest.

Drop your harvest photos in the comments. Combines, trucks, delivering field meals, sunsets, kids riding along, or whatever harvest looks like for you.

Let’s see what’s happening across Champaign County! 👇

10/09/2026

🍽️ Freezer Chef Fundraiser Reminder!

Just a reminder that orders are due October 20!

There are several meal options to choose from, and 20% of sales come back to Champaign County Farm Bureau.

📅 Orders due: October 20th
📍 Pickup: Wednesday, November 4, at the CCFB office

Thank you for supporting our fundraiser!
Order through this link!
https://www.myfreezerchef.com/shop/my-freezer-chef/fundraiser/93cfb803-436e-428c-81ee-3e4c27c89528?fbclid=IwY2xjawUx7utleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMUFEU3ZKS1RPZjBCQWE3MjdzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeXHT-gHvqzrZNwYVl7koJ5hM4skK1elMxj3V3ePBtj9w_2eulUHnWUT7Dqwc_aem_nclPsZA8OpaaKjXpYTX7dw

Help Champaign County Farm Bureau reach its bundle goal. Choose freezer meal bundles, support the fundraiser, and pay the coordinator directly.