Illinois dairy farmers wanted for IMPB board roles

By Andi Anderson

The Illinois Milk Promotion Board (IMPB) is on the lookout for active dairy farmers to fill upcoming vacancies on its board of directors. This is a unique opportunity for farmers from District 2 or District 4 in Illinois to play a pivotal role in the dairy industry's future in the state.

Farmers interested in these roles should reside in specific counties. For District 2, this includes counties from Adams to Woodford, encompassing a broad swath of Illinois, including Champaign, Peoria, and Knox, among others. For District 4, it spans from Alexander to Williamson, covering areas such as Marion, St. Clair, and Effingham.

The IMPB is entirely composed of dairy farmers and is responsible for managing the funds generated from the 10-cent checkoff collected from the milk checks of Illinois farmers.

These funds total nearly $2 million annually and are invested in various programs. These initiatives include research, advertising, and nutrition education aimed at boosting the state's dairy industry.

Farmers serving on the IMPB board will have a direct impact on how these funds are allocated and will contribute to shaping the promotional and educational efforts that support Illinois' dairy industry.

To qualify, farmers must be actively involved in dairy farming within the designated counties of either district. The role offers a chance to influence key decisions that affect not just local but statewide dairy production and marketing strategies.

Interested candidates should reach out to Tasha Bunting, the IMPB manager, for more information on how to apply. They can contact her via email at tbunting@ilfb.org or by phone at 309-557-2993. Prospective candidates need to obtain and submit a petition by July 31, with elections conducted by ballot in September.

This call for board members is not just a duty but an opportunity for dairy farmers to steer the industry towards sustainable growth and greater market success, ensuring their work impacts future generations of Illinois' agricultural community.

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