Geneseo FFA Members Compete, Learn, and Lead Throughout July

Written by Hannah Wildemuth 

VoAg Fair

On July 2, members had the opportunity to compete at the Section 3 Vocational Agriculture Fair at the Cambridge Fairgrounds. They competed in various livestock and crop areas.

Members showed their animals based on their conformation, overall balance, muscling, and the way they move. They also competed in showmanship classes where they were judged on their ability to handle, control, and present their animal. The crops were judged using a separate criteria of quality, cleanliness, maturity, and the condition of the crop. They had fun showing off their projects!

Horse Fair

Annabelle, Hannah, and Ashlynn competed at the Section 3 VoAg Horse Fair at Black Hawk East. They had the opportunity to show off how well they can execute patterns, the conformation of their horses, and how well they can perform different gaits.

They started the morning by showing their horses in halter classes, presenting their horse to be inspected by a judge on their conformation and the quality of their movement. Afterwards they competed in pattern classes where they performed different transitions, pivots, and the ability to effectively communicate with their horse. They were in pleasure classes where they had to smoothly transition from the walk, trot, and canter. They had a great day competing!

Leadership Camp

Henry, Lydia, and Ella had a fun week at the Illinois FFA Leadership Camp. They learned how to be an effective leader and how to better communicate with others.

They were put into groups for the week where they met FFA members from all around the state. They worked together in these groups to complete an obstacle course that taught them about how effective communication is essential when working in a team. These groups also competed in ag olympics that taught them how trust is important when working with others and how different leadership styles impact a team.

FFA coverage is proudly sponsored by Valley Insurance.

John Deere Settlement Expands Repair Options for Illinois Farmers

A new federal settlement could change the way many Illinois farmers repair their John Deere equipment, giving owners and independent repair shops access to software and diagnostic tools that were previously available only through authorized dealerships.

The agreement, announced this week by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorneys general from five states—including Illinois—resolves an antitrust lawsuit alleging Deere unfairly restricted repairs by limiting access to critical software and electronic repair resources. Deere has denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement.

For farmers, the biggest impact may be greater flexibility.

Under the 10-year agreement, Deere must make available to farmers and independent repair providers the same repair resources it provides to its authorized dealers. That includes the ability to:

• Read, clear and reset electronic fault codes.

• Reprogram electronic components after they're replaced.

• Restart equipment following certain emissions-related shutdowns.

• Access technical manuals, troubleshooting information and repair databases.

The settlement also requires Deere to provide future repair tools once they become widely available within its dealer network and prohibits the company from retaliating against customers or independent repair businesses that choose to perform their own repairs. The FTC and participating states will oversee compliance for at least 10 years.

Why It Matters

For many farmers, equipment downtime during planting or harvest can have significant financial consequences. Modern farm equipment often relies on proprietary software that has required dealership access for certain diagnostics and repairs.

Supporters of the settlement say expanding access to repair software could reduce delays, lower repair costs and give farmers more control over equipment they own. Independent repair shops may also be better positioned to compete with dealerships for certain repairs.

Henry County farmer Curt Jacobs said the ability to choose who repairs equipment—or perform repairs yourself when possible—is becoming increasingly important as dealership labor costs continue to rise.

"Having that ability to hire somebody to come out and do repairs—or do it yourself if you have the technical abilities—is huge because the dealership costs are so high anymore," Jacobs said. "There's definitely ways to save money if you're able to do it yourself or hire a private repairman."

The agreement applies specifically to John Deere agricultural equipment. While it does not require Deere to provide repair resources free of charge, it does require the company to make them available on fair and reasonable terms.

Local Impact

Agriculture plays a major role in Henry County's economy, and John Deere equipment is widely used throughout the region. The settlement could provide local producers with additional repair options while reducing the need to rely exclusively on authorized dealerships for certain electronic repairs.

Jacobs said minimizing equipment downtime remains one of the biggest priorities for farmers during planting and harvest.

"If we're in one of our main seasons—planting or harvest—a machine being down is huge," he said. "It can cost us days of production, and if weather moves in, those delays can have an even greater impact."

He also believes the issue is more nuanced than many people realize. Jacobs noted that John Deere has made diagnostic software available to farmers through a lease program for several years, though many producers may not have been aware it existed. He said the larger limitation has been access to software and firmware updates, which remain restricted and continue to require dealer involvement.

"The tools have been available," Jacobs said. "The bigger issue is that farmers and independent repair shops still can't perform software and firmware updates, so there are still limits on what can be repaired outside the dealership."

Looking Ahead

The settlement is viewed as one of the most significant developments in the national "Right to Repair" movement, which advocates for consumers' ability to repair the products they own. While the agreement currently applies only to Deere, many industry observers believe it could influence how other agricultural equipment manufacturers approach repair access in the future.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission; Associated Press; Reuters; Interview with Curt Jacobs, Henry County farmer; The Geneseo Current.

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From State Finals to Flower Bouquets: A Month of Growth for Geneseo FFA

What a superb kickoff to a new FFA year! This month’s recap will cover our many successes in the month of May, including District 1 Public Speaking, State Parliamentary Procedure/Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Points Chart Trip, Adopt-A-Highway, SAE Tour, and our Bend Don’t Break Event.

District 1 Public Speaking

Dawsyn, Kolby, and Faith participated in the District 1 Public Speaking LDE. This contest provided members with an excellent opportunity to strengthen their communication skills, build confidence speaking in front of others, and further their understanding of important agricultural topics.

May Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup

Dawsyn McDonald competed in Extemporaneous Speaking, which means she was required to prepare and deliver a speech on an agricultural issue within a limited amount of preparation time. Kolby Causemaker competed in Prepared Speaking, which required her to research an agricultural topic, write an original speech, and present it before a panel of judges. Faith Kuster competed in Creed Speaking, which asks participants to recite and interpret the FFA Creed while answering questions about its meaning and purpose.

We are incredibly proud of these members for representing our chapter at District and continuing to grow as well-spoken leaders and communicators!

State Parliamentary Procedure/Conduct of Chapter Meetings

Both our Parli and Conduct teams competed at the state level on May 7th. It was a great experience for both teams and a fun way to wrap up the contest season as the school year came to an end.

The Parliamentary Procedure team included Chairperson Hannah Wildemuth, Floorperson 1 Dawsyn McDonald, Floorperson 2 Annabelle Betcher, Floorperson 3 Jackson Frank, Floorperson 5 Jacey Gehl, and Floorperson 6 Ella Schaaf.

The Conduct of Chapter Meetings team consisted of President Faith Kuster, Vice President Ashlynn Chamberlain, Secretary Delaney Killian, Reporter Faith Schaver, Treasurer Lili Marshall, Sentinel Molly Wannemacher, and Advisor Henry Dwyer.

We are very proud of these teams for earning the opportunity to compete at the state level!

Points Chart Trip

Every year, members with the most participation points are invited to go on an educational (but fun!) trip with their fellow members at the top of the points chart. This year, Living Lands and Waters welcomed us onto their “floating classroom,” the Mississippi River Institute. 

Members learned about the founding of Living Lands and Waters, how barges operate, and the many career opportunities available on the river. They also heard from a guest speaker, an Illinois DNR fisheries biologist, who shared insights about fisheries management and careers in the field. It was a fun day filled with learning and exploration. 

Adopt-A-Highway

Bend Don’t Break Grant - Petals for Positivity at the Local Motive

Members wanting to use their time for good helped out at our May Adopt-A-Highway event. Cleaning up everything from plastic bottles to vehicle debris, members worked hard to help keep our community clean. It was a great way to give back while spending time with fellow FFA members.

SAE Tour

Members invited their families to come experience and learn about SAE projects throughout our chapter. Fueled by Kim Chamberlain’s famous cinnamon rolls, members carpooled across Geneseo and got to see where their friends spend so much of their time and hard work. A few stops included Kat Zelnio Quarter Horses with Annabelle Betcher, Pink Prairie Gardens with Jack Gehling, and a cookout at Frank Pumpkin Farm to end the day. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the diversity of SAE projects within our chapter, and we look forward to doing the SAE Tour again in the future!

Bend Don't Break Event

With the help of the Bend Don't Break Grant, we were able to spread Petals for Positivity throughout our community. Members put together beautiful bouquets to hand out to community members on Thursday morning before school outside of The Localmotive. Each person walking by was offered two bouquets of flowers, one to keep and one to give away to keep spreading positivity. It was a simple but meaningful way to spread kindness and keep positivity flowing throughout our community.

Henry County Fair Returns With New Events, Family Favorites, and a Celebration of Agriculture

As soon as one Henry County Fair ends, planning for the next one begins.

According to fair organizers, the volunteer board typically takes only a month or two off after fair week before discussions begin for the following year's event. That work continues throughout the year, with volunteers contributing countless hours to organize exhibits, entertainment, grandstand events, livestock shows, vendors, and attractions.

"It's amazing how quickly fair week arrives," organizers said. "People may not realize how much planning and volunteer effort goes into making the fair happen."

New Attractions for 2026

Visitors returning this year will find several new attractions added to the schedule.

Among the new events are Backseat Driving and Lawn Mower Barrel Racing during Family Night, along with School Bus Demolition events on Saturday evening.

While the fair continues to offer many longtime traditions, organizers are always looking for ways to introduce new experiences that appeal to families and keep the event fresh for returning visitors.

The Biggest Crowd-Pleasers

Several events are expected to draw large crowds throughout the week.

The Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull remains one of the fair's signature attractions, bringing powerful machines and plenty of noise to the grandstand.

The Demolition Derby is also expected to be a major draw, continuing a tradition that attracts fans eager to watch vehicles collide in competition.

The Backroad Truck and Tractor Pull is another anticipated favorite.

"People love the pulls and how loud they are," organizers said. "And everyone loves to see a good car smash into another one."

The Best Day for Families

For families trying to choose just one day to attend, organizers point to Family Day as the best value and experience.

Family Day features free grandstand admission and a lineup of activities designed specifically for children and families. Events include the Pedal Pull, Egg Toss, Sack Races, Pig and Chicken Scrambles, and the new Backseat Driving competition.

The combination of free entertainment and hands-on activities makes it one of the most popular days of the fair.

Fair Food Favorites

No county fair would be complete without great food, and Henry County has no shortage of options.

Among the longtime favorites is Malone's Taffy, which continues to be a popular stop for fairgoers each year.

The Henry County Pork Producers stand remains another must-visit destination, serving what many local residents consider one of the county's most iconic fair foods—the pork chop sandwich.

Visitors are also encouraged to support local 4-H members by stopping at the 4-H food stand, while exploring the many other food vendors located throughout the grounds.

"There are so many delicious options," organizers said.

What Visitors Should Know

Fair organizers encourage attendees to come prepared for a full day of activities.

Comfortable clothing and shoes are highly recommended, especially for those planning to spend several hours walking the grounds.

Daily admission to the fairgrounds is $5. Grandstand admission ranges from $10 to $20 depending on the event.

Beyond the headline attractions, organizers encourage visitors to spend time exploring livestock shows, exhibits, carnival rides, and educational displays throughout the week.

A Continuing Need for Volunteers

Despite the fair's popularity, one challenge remains consistent from year to year: finding volunteers.

Organizers say recruiting enough volunteers to assist during fair week—particularly for grandstand operations—continues to be one of the biggest hurdles facing the organization.

As a volunteer-driven event, the fair depends heavily on community members willing to donate their time to ensure everything runs smoothly.

More Than Just Entertainment

For many residents, the Henry County Fair represents far more than rides and grandstand events.

Organizers see the fair as an opportunity to bring communities together while celebrating the county's agricultural roots. It also provides a showcase for the hard work and accomplishments of local 4-H and FFA members, who spend months preparing exhibits and caring for livestock.

The fairgrounds also serve as a gathering place where families, friends, neighbors, and former residents reconnect each year.

A Reason to Come Back

For those who haven't attended the Henry County Fair in several years, organizers say there has never been a better time to return.

Visitors will notice improvements throughout the grounds, including newer buildings and ongoing facility upgrades. Combined with well-maintained grounds, new attractions, longtime traditions, and community spirit, the fair continues to evolve while preserving the qualities that have made it a summertime staple for generations.

"Come see what we've done at the fairgrounds," organizers said. "Take a look at the updates, enjoy the atmosphere, and experience everything the fair has to offer."

The 2026 Henry County Fair promises a week filled with agriculture, entertainment, food, family activities, and community traditions—offering something for visitors of every age.

See the fair guide book or visit the website for more information.

Breaking Free: How Non-GMO Hybrids Can Empower Farmers in Tough Times

By Curt Jacobs
Geneseo Current

For small and mid-sized farmers, the current economic landscape is more than challenging—it’s personal. Every dollar counts, every yield matters, and every decision impacts not just the farm, but the family and the legacy tied to it. In this environment, planting non-GMO hybrids offers a practical and profitable way to regain control and improve resilience.

Save Money Where It Matters Most
Non-GMO seeds are more affordable than GMO varieties, meaning less of your hard-earned money goes toward upfront costs. Additionally, non-GMO farming often requires fewer expensive herbicides and pesticides. When every expense on the farm feels heavier than ever, these savings add up quickly and can make the difference between breaking even and turning a profit.

Put More in Your Pocket with Premium Markets
There’s a growing demand for non-GMO crops from consumers who want transparency in their food. Many buyers are willing to pay premiums for non-GMO grain, creating a unique opportunity for farmers to earn more per bushel. Unlike many farming practices, planting non-GMO hybrids doesn’t just cut costs—it can increase income, giving you a much-needed edge in a competitive marketplace.

Proven Yields Without the Extra Costs
Some farmers worry that non-GMO hybrids can’t compete with GMOs in yield, but the results speak for themselves: non-GMO hybrids are delivering competitive—and in some cases, superior—yields in real-world conditions. In organic systems, yields exceeding 267 bushels per acre aren’t just theory—they’re happening. Plus, with non-GMO seeds, you’re not locked into someone else’s traits. You have the freedom to choose genetics that fit your fields, your soil, and your farm.

Take Back Control of Your Farm
One of the biggest frustrations for small and mid-sized farmers is feeling trapped—by rising costs, by market demands, by contracts with big seed companies. Non-GMO hybrids break that cycle. They give you more independence to make decisions that fit your needs, not someone else’s agenda. Companies like Prairie Hybrids support farmers with personalized service and expert recommendations to help you succeed on your terms.

Better for the Land and Your Family
Your farm isn’t just a business—it’s your home and your future. Non-GMO farming supports healthier soil, fosters biodiversity, and reduces chemical use. That’s better for the environment, your family, and the generations that will work your fields after you. It’s not just sustainable; it’s practical stewardship that benefits everyone.

A Smarter Path in a Tough Economy
For small and mid-sized farmers, every decision is a balancing act. Non-GMO hybrids provide a clear path forward: lower costs, higher earning potential, competitive yields, and greater independence. In today’s weak farm economy, planting non-GMO isn’t just a choice—it’s a strategy for survival and success.

Take the step. Choose non-GMO hybrids and build a stronger, more resilient future for your farm and your family. If you would like to talk about options Selected and Produced for your farm, please reach out to Curt at Maplewood Ag. Call or text 309-314-3603.

The American Farmer's Role in the Upcoming Christmas Holiday

By Curt Jacobs
Geneseo Current

As families across the United States prepare for their Christmas celebrations, American farmers are working tirelessly to ensure that holiday tables are filled with delicious, locally-grown foods. From the centerpiece roast turkey to the variety of side dishes and desserts, agriculture plays a vital role in our cherished holiday traditions. 

The Christmas season begins on many farms long before December. Christmas tree farmers, numbering between 15,000 to 20,000 across the nation, have spent years nurturing the 25-36 million fresh-cut trees that will adorn American homes this year. These trees not only provide festive cheer but also support local economies and employ nearly 100,000 people either full- or part-time. 

Livestock farmers work year-round to raise the turkeys, hams, and prime ribs that will become the focal points of Christmas dinners. Poultry farmers ensure that millions of turkeys are ready for the holiday season, while pork and beef producers provide the hams and roasts that grace many tables. 

Crop farmers contribute significantly to the holiday spread. Potato farmers in states like Idaho and Washington supply the staples for mashed potatoes, while sweet potato growers in southern states provide the foundation for beloved casseroles. Corn farmers in the heartland produce the basics for creamed corn and corn puddings, popular side dishes during the festive season. 

Fruit and vegetable farmers also play a crucial role. Cranberry bogs yield the berries for sauces and relishes, while pumpkin farms and apple orchards provide the key ingredients for classic holiday pies. Green bean farmers ensure there's plenty for the traditional green bean casserole, and Brussels sprouts growers contribute to the diverse vegetable offerings. 

Many families continue the tradition of home gardening and food preservation, echoing the practices of earlier generations. They spend summer months canning and freezing homegrown vegetables, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor during the holiday season. This connection to agriculture, even on a small scale, enhances the appreciation for the work of larger commercial farms. 

As noted by one dairy farming family, even on Christmas Day, the cows need to be fed and milked. This commitment ensures that fresh dairy products are available for holiday recipes and that Santa has milk to accompany his cookies. 

As we gather around our Christmas tables, it's important to recognize the hard work and dedication of American farmers. From the fields to our forks, agriculture is deeply woven into the fabric of our holiday traditions. This Christmas, let's take a moment to appreciate and thank the farmers who work tirelessly to bring us together over delicious, homegrown food.

From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.