Adams County Farm Bureau: Over 100 Years of Growth & Service
A Century of Agriculture and Community
Founded in 1914, the Adams County Farm Bureau has been a cornerstone for local farmers and their families for over a century. What began as a small grassroots effort has grown into an organization with thousands of members, dedicated to advancing agriculture, strengthening rural communities, and supporting future generations.
The Early Years (1914–1920s)
The Farm Bureau movement took root nationwide when the Smith-Lever Act provided federal funds to support agricultural education and organization. In Adams County, farmer John E. Meatheringham of Camp Point championed the idea after seeing the benefits of farm organization while studying at the University of Illinois.
By June 1914, local farmers gathered in Quincy to form the Adams County Farm Improvement Association. With the support of community leaders, businesses, and even the C.B.&Q. Railroad, the group hired its first farm adviser, E.W. Rusk, in 1915. He became a trusted resource during World War I, helping local farmers maximize production.
Membership quickly grew — from 289 in 1917 to over 1,600 by 1923 — and the Farm Bureau became the go-to source for advice, education, and marketing support.
Building Strength (1930s–1950s)
Through the Depression and wartime years, the Bureau expanded its work in soil conservation, crop rotation, livestock improvement, and disease control. Cooperative marketing associations helped farmers sell milk, fruit, and livestock more effectively, saving money and reducing middlemen costs.
Leadership played a major role in shaping the Bureau’s direction. Presidents such as D.H. Myers, Frank Shriver, and Edwin Weber guided the organization through these decades of change.
Expanding Programs (1960s–1980s)
By the 1960s, membership exceeded 2,200. The Farm Bureau supported youth through 4-H and FFA, introduced new crop and seed programs, and strengthened ties with the Illinois Agricultural Association and American Farm Bureau Federation.
The Young Farmers Committee, established in 1969, gave the next generation a voice and launched initiatives like chemical and hazardous waste collection programs. The Women’s Committee, formed in 1978, promoted agriculture in schools, grocery stores, and community events until the early 1990s.
Advocacy & Leadership (1990s–2000s)
Legislative engagement became a priority. Adams County leaders regularly traveled to Springfield and Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers, ensuring that agriculture’s voice was heard on issues ranging from farm policy to taxes.
The county also took part in the Illinois Farm Bureau’s “adopt-a-legislator” program, partnering with urban representatives to educate them on rural issues. Locally, the Bureau expanded outreach through public relations efforts, including a monthly newspaper, radio, and eventually television campaigns.
Education & Foundation Work
In 2006, the Adams County Farm Bureau Foundation was created to provide scholarships, support Ag in the Classroom, and fund agricultural education. Since then, the Foundation has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and created summer internship opportunities for local students.
Insurance & Financial Services
The Bureau also built strong partnerships through COUNTRY Financial. For decades, local agency managers and representatives have helped farm families with insurance, financial planning, and risk management. These services remain a vital part of membership today.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
From its founding in 1914 to today, the Adams County Farm Bureau has been guided by a simple but powerful mission: to help farm families thrive.
Over the past 100 years, we have:
- Grown from 60 charter members to more than 5,000 members.
- Advocated for fair farm policies at the local, state, and national levels.
- Promoted better farming methods and cooperative marketing.
- Supported young and future farmers through education and leadership opportunities.
- Built strong community connections between farmers and consumers.
As we look to the next century, our commitment remains the same — to serve, support, and strengthen agriculture in Adams County and beyond.
To get more in depth information, click on the 100 Anniversary History Book PDF.