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 Literacy Coordinator
Join us in welcoming our new Ag Literacy Coordinator, Jay Bohnsack! Jay and his family have been longtime members of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau, and reside on their farm, Big Oak Farm, outside of Taylor Ridge. Jay comes to us with 35 years of teaching experience and a deep family history in agriculture. For over 20 years, he has been a computer education and business instructor, as well as a computer integration specialist at Moline High School. His computer and digital skills combined with his background in agriculture will make him a great fit for our program as we move towards using virtual reality in our Ag In The Classroom projects. We are excited to have Jay as part of our team and are looking forward to him bringing Ag In The Classroom back to the forefront in Rock Island County! Jay can be reached at aitc@ricofarmbureau.org. For more information about Ag In The Classroom in Rock Island County, visit https://rockislandaitc.weebly.com/
Join us in welcoming our new Ag Literacy Coordinator, Jay Bohnsack! Jay and his family have been longtime members of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau, and reside on their farm, Big Oak Farm, outside of Taylor Ridge. Jay comes to us with 35 years of teaching experience and a deep family history in agriculture. For over 20 years, he has been a computer education and business instructor, as well as a computer integration specialist at Moline High School. His computer and digital skills combined with his background in agriculture will make him a great fit for our program as we move towards using virtual reality in our Ag In The Classroom projects. We are excited to have Jay as part of our team and are looking forward to him bringing Ag In The Classroom back to the forefront in Rock Island County! Jay can be reached at aitc@ricofarmbureau.org. For more information about Ag In The Classroom in Rock Island County, visit https://rockislandaitc.weebly.com/
