Our History
What is the Rock Island County Farm Bureau?
Rock Island County Farm Bureau's mission is to be a positive voice for agriculture, providing resources that enhance the economic success and quality of life for rural and urban communities.
The Board of Directors is elected by the 650 voting members of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau each August at the annual meeting. And for the next 24 months of their elected term, they meet on a monthly basis to carry out the mission statement of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau is a membership organization controlled by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. Illinois Farm Bureaus was founded in 1916 by a group of farmers who met at the University of Illinois to discuss the need for education, better information, and more effective farming practices.
Early on, Farm Bureau was involved in passing legislation and lobbying lawmakers about agricultural issues. At the same time, county Farm Bureaus provided a professional staff in accessible locations around the state.
Today, county Farm Bureaus, such as Rock Island County Farm Bureau, are still involved with legislation dealing with agricultural issues. Many more programs have been added to ensure the message of agriculture's importance is maintained in Rock Island County and throughout the Quad City area.
What is the Rock Island County Farm Bureau?
Rock Island County Farm Bureau's mission is to be a positive voice for agriculture, providing resources that enhance the economic success and quality of life for rural and urban communities.
The Board of Directors is elected by the 650 voting members of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau each August at the annual meeting. And for the next 24 months of their elected term, they meet on a monthly basis to carry out the mission statement of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau is a membership organization controlled by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. Illinois Farm Bureaus was founded in 1916 by a group of farmers who met at the University of Illinois to discuss the need for education, better information, and more effective farming practices.
Early on, Farm Bureau was involved in passing legislation and lobbying lawmakers about agricultural issues. At the same time, county Farm Bureaus provided a professional staff in accessible locations around the state.
Today, county Farm Bureaus, such as Rock Island County Farm Bureau, are still involved with legislation dealing with agricultural issues. Many more programs have been added to ensure the message of agriculture's importance is maintained in Rock Island County and throughout the Quad City area.
Rock Island County Farm Bureau Manager
Tara Mayhew grew up on her family grain and livestock farm in Mason County. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she earned a degree in Animal Science. She began her career with the Mercer County Farm Bureau in 2016 as the Administrative Assistant, and was hired in January 2019 as the manager of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau. She and her husband, Troy, reside in rural New Windsor, Illinois where they own and operate their beef cattle operation, focusing on cow-calf production. Tara can be reached at tmayhew@ricofarmbureau.org.
Tara Mayhew grew up on her family grain and livestock farm in Mason County. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she earned a degree in Animal Science. She began her career with the Mercer County Farm Bureau in 2016 as the Administrative Assistant, and was hired in January 2019 as the manager of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau. She and her husband, Troy, reside in rural New Windsor, Illinois where they own and operate their beef cattle operation, focusing on cow-calf production. Tara can be reached at tmayhew@ricofarmbureau.org.
Ag in the Classroom Program Coordinator
Sheryl Solomonson has been the AITC Coordinator for Rock Island County since December 2007. She grew up on a farm in central Illinois. After completing her bachelor’s (Agriculture Economics) and master’s (Agriculture Education) degrees from the University of Illinois she acquired a job with Purdue University Extension as an Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Natural Resources. She moved back to Illinois in 2007 and became the Agriculture Literacy Coordinator for Rock Island County. Sheryl lives in rural Coal Valley, IL with her husband and kids. The Rock Island County AITC program is a part-time position. If you are interested in using AITC materials in your classroom, please contact Sheryl by email at aitc@ricofarmbureau.org.
Sheryl Solomonson has been the AITC Coordinator for Rock Island County since December 2007. She grew up on a farm in central Illinois. After completing her bachelor’s (Agriculture Economics) and master’s (Agriculture Education) degrees from the University of Illinois she acquired a job with Purdue University Extension as an Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Natural Resources. She moved back to Illinois in 2007 and became the Agriculture Literacy Coordinator for Rock Island County. Sheryl lives in rural Coal Valley, IL with her husband and kids. The Rock Island County AITC program is a part-time position. If you are interested in using AITC materials in your classroom, please contact Sheryl by email at aitc@ricofarmbureau.org.
