The 2017 White County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Seated left to right are: Brooks York, Kyle Hoskins, Don Duvall, Rusty Walsh, Larry Beck, and Kevin Seifried. Standing left to right are: Ryan Williams, Richard Curd, Ken Lamont, Jeff Young, Brad Gates, Vance Burzynski, Bryce Williams, and retiring director Bob Baumgart.
The annual meeting of the White County Farm Bureau, held on Wednesday, January 18, marked the 96th annual gathering of the membership.
Rusty Walsh, President of the White County Farm Bureau, welcomed around 85 members and guests to the meeting.
The business meeting included approval of last year’s minutes, financial reports, membership report, Manager’s Report, updates on the Young Leader Committee, Ag in the Classroom program, Illinois Farm Bureau, Wabash Valley Service Company, and Country Financial.
Richard Gates of rural Carmi was presented with the White County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award for his lifelong service to the agriculture industry.
Rusty Walsh recognized Kevin McArthy who retired from the board at last year’s annual meeting. McArthy served as the Indian Creek Township Director for 26 years. He also recognized Bob Baumgart who retired from the board this year after 32 years of service as the Emma Township Director.
Larry Beck was elected to serve as President, replacing Rusty Walsh. Don Duvall was elected as Vice President. Kevin Seifried was re-elected to serve as the Secretary-Treasurer. All three officers will serve a one-year term.
Members re-elected five directors… Jeff Young for District 1, Bryce Williams for a two-year term in District 2, Brad Gates for a 3-year term in District 2, and Brooks York as the At-Large Director. Ryan Williams was elected to replace retiring Bob Baumgart in District 3. Rusty Walsh was appointed to complete the remainder of Duvall’s term in District 2.
Mike Wilson from Wabash Valley Service Company presented on the “Tile Drain Monitoring in the Wabash River Valley” project, a joint effort between nine county Farm Bureaus, Wabash Valley Service Company, and the Wabash Valley College Agriculture Department, among others.
The meeting concluded with a catered lunch from Yesterday’s and door prizes.
