Local Teacher Wins New Ag Teacher Grant
Destiny Swalve, ag teacher at
Armstrong Township High School,
was recently selected as one of
four new agriculture teachers in
Illinois to receive the Illinois
Agriculture Education Teacher
grant. The Illinois Farm Bureau
program to encourage new ag
education teachers presents grant
payments to first year teachers
that apply. Grant payments
increase over the course of the teacher’s first five years in the classroom, up to $10,000 total, if they meet the re-application process confirming they remain active as an agricultural education teacher in the state of Illinois. “I knew when I was a freshman I wanted to be an ag teacher,” Swalve said. She sees the value of agricultural education for her students. Congrats, Destiny!
National Farm Safety and
Health Week
National Farm Safety and Health Week runs
September 19-25. This year’s theme is
‘Farm Safety Yields Real Results.’
Harvest season can be particularly dangerous
for farmers with long hours and stress of weather delays, equipment breakdowns or high operating costs, and National Farm Safety and Health Week reinforces the importance of working together to ensure farmers make it home safely to their families at night.
The AgriSafe Network is offering free daily webinars on various farm safety and health topics, such as:
- Rural Road Safety - Stress and Mental Health - Food in the Field
- Fertilizer and Chemical Safety - Safeguarding Children
FIVE STEPS TO HELP SOMEONE AT RISK
1. Ask
2. Keep them safe
3. Be there
4. Help them connect
5. Follow up
Mental Health Awareness
As farmers, we are great at taking care of our land and livestock, but not always great at taking care of ourselves. It’s time to put yourself first. A healthy farm is nothing without a healthy YOU.
We know times are tough right now. If you or someone you know is struggling with daily stress, anxiety, depression, addiction or other mental health challenges, you are not alone. Reach out and ask for help. Your mental health and wellness are important to us. We are Stronger Together.
Vermilion County
Farm Bureau members
are urged to post signs
on their property to
promote the IL Farm
Bureau $1,000 Crime Reward Program. It offers a $1,000 to the person that gives information leading to the felony conviction of a person or persons committing theft, damage to property, arson or similar felony crimes against ag production-related property in Illinois. The signs are available at the Farm Bureau office. The first sign is free, with additional signs available for cost ($2.50). There are also stickers available that the be placed on
your property as a deterrent to rural crime.
Calendar of Events
Nat'l Farm Safety & Health Week - Sept 19-25
National 4-H Week - Oct 3-9
Board of Directors Meeting - October 21
Foundation Trustees Meeting - November 3
Daylight Savings Time Ends - November 7
VCFB Annual Meeting - November 30
Credit Card accepted for Membership Payments