Farm Progress America, Nov. 18, 2024

Mike Pearson examines the Illinois Farm Bureau Federation and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

After months of negotiations, the AFBF announced it's cutting ties with the Illinois Farm Bureau to cut ties effective Dec. 20.

The heart of the dispute is decision by Country Financial which has had a long standing disagreement with the Illinois Farm Bureau to require non-farm policy holders to a be a member of the Illinois Farm bureau.

AFBF President ZIppy Duvall explained This has sparked concerns by the AFBF and jeopardizes the member base and reduces revenue. He says it takes the farmer control away from the organization.

Illinois Farm Bureau saying the decision was business related and non-farm business affiliates of Country Financial was pushing back against the membership.

It was creating friction with customers and stopping Country Financial from being competitive in the insurance markets.

The Illinois Farm Bureau says they will fight to stay a part of the farm bureau organization.

Illinois Farm Bureau filed a lawsuit in McLean County Circuit to stop expulsion from the AFBF, enforce a 1990 settlement agreement and secure their rights to keep using the Farm Bureau name.

On the financial side, Illinois Farm Bureau could lose over $3 million in organization dues.

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Meanwhile, the AFBF faces questions over it's ability to represent farmers from across the country.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .