Illinois Farm Bureau

Brown County Farm Bureau (CFB)
The CFB Women’s Committee gave a presentation about meth to 450 fifth graders and 29 teachers. A toy anhydrous nurse tank demonstrated the dangers of contact with anhydrous. The message also included the criminal penalties of stealing anhydrous as well as manufacturing or distributing methamphetamine.

Clay County Farm Bureau
The CFB co-sponsored a public methamphetamine forum with the county probation department, county anti-meth coalition, and the county health department to show more than 100 citizens the dangers of meth making, the effects of the drug, and how it affects county taxpayers. The presenter panel included police officers, drug task force agents, a county judge, a CFB volunteer, and two recovering addicts.

Edwards County Farm Bureau
The CFB’s annual 4-H Seminar reached 45 4-Hers with a message on methamphetamine. After a pizza supper, the county sheriff shared professional experiences in dealing with meth problems. He spoke about the dangers of meth as a drug and the components of meth production as well as showing a contamination suit worn by law enforcement when encountering a meth lab.

Grundy County Farm Bureau
The State Representatives approached the CFB about hosting a forum to educate farmers, ag suppliers, and the general public about the dangers of meth and its impact on the local economy, school system, and public safety. An audience of 42 heard from a panel of speakers including a state police officer, a pharmacist, a counselor, and a medical doctor. Each speaker provided information on topics ranging from the impact of meth use to safety around meth labs to anhydrous theft.

Washington County Farm Bureau
The CFB Women’s Committee organized a program for the general public and young adults. A representative from the Illinois Department of Public Health discussed the health risks of meth and the realities of recovery. An employee of the local FS Service Company discussed anhydrous and the dangers in handling and stealing it. The State’s Attorney and local police officer talked about meth labs they had encountered and penalties when a meth producer is caught. A husband and wife, both recovering addicts, provided an emotional presentation on their recovery. In the future, the CFB hopes to coordinate a school-wide assembly with local high schools.