By Jackson Hogan

What Members Need to Know

At the 2025 Annual Meeting, delegates approved several bylaw amendments related to membership categories and membership timelines. These changes were adopted with the required two-thirds vote of the delegate body and will take effect in stages through 2026. County Farm Bureaus™ operate under their own bylaws, but those bylaws must remain consistent with statewide Illinois Farm Bureau policies. This is due to the “Uniform Cooperative Agreement” that every County Farm Bureau, including the WCFB, and IFB have signed that governs the membership relationship between the two organizations.

Simplifying Voting Membership Categories

One of the most significant changes approved by delegates is the consolidation of two current membership classes.

Under the existing structure, Illinois Farm Bureau recognizes both Voting Member (MM) and Professional Member (PM) classifications. Beginning September 1, 2026, these two categories will be combined into a single classification known as Voting Membership.

The new category will carry the same statewide privileges that Voting Members currently hold. This means that members who currently hold voting membership status will continue to enjoy the same voting rights and participation opportunities within the organization.

It is important to note that voting rights will continue to apply only to individual members. Business entities such as partnerships, corporations, and trusts may hold memberships but will not have voting privileges under the bylaws.

The primary purpose of this change is to simplify the membership structure and make it easier for members to understand their role within the organization.

Removal of the MS Membership Category

Delegates also approved a bylaw change that removes the MS membership classification from the statewide bylaws. This change will take effect September 1, 2026. While this category has existed for many years, it represents a relatively small portion of total memberships across the state. The removal of this classification is part of a broader effort to streamline membership categories and reduce administrative complexity.

For current MS members, the most important message is this: your support of Farm Bureau continues to matter. Members in this category have long played an important role in strengthening the organization, supporting agricultural advocacy, and helping maintain a strong voice for Illinois agriculture. Even though the category itself is being phased out, the individuals who hold these memberships remain valued members of the Farm Bureau family.

If you are a current MS member of the WCFB, our office will be reaching out to discuss your membership options as we move through this change.

Updated Timeline for Membership Dues

Another bylaw amendment adopted at the Annual Meeting updates the timeline related to dues payments and membership status. This policy falls under what is called Membership in Good Standing (MIGS).

Under the previous system:

• Membership became delinquent after 90 days past the paid-through date.
• Membership was canceled after 120 days past the paid-through date.

Beginning May 1, 2026, the new timeline will be:

• Membership becomes delinquent after 1 month past the paid-through date.
• Membership is canceled after 2 months past the paid-through date.

This update applies to new memberships and renewals that occur on or after May 1, 2026. Members whose renewal dates occur prior to that time will continue under the current timeline until their next renewal cycle.

In many ways, this change simply returns the policy to timelines that existed before the implementation of combined billing. It also helps ensure membership records remain accurate and up to date across the organization.

Communicating the Changes to Members

Illinois Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus will be working together to make sure members are aware of these updates.

Several communication steps are planned:

• Renewal notices will include a printed insert explaining the updated membership timelines.
• The MyIFB online system will display reminders about the new delinquency and cancellation rules.

Members renewing after May 1, 2026 will begin seeing these reminders as part of their renewal materials.

What This Means for You

Key Takeaways for Farm Bureau Members

• Your membership benefits and voting rights remain unchanged.
• Two voting member categories will be combined into a single Voting Membership class beginning September 1, 2026.
• The MS membership classification will be phased out, but those members remain valued contributors to the organization.
• Beginning May 1, 2026, membership dues must be paid sooner to avoid delinquency or cancellation.
• Paying dues on time will ensure no interruption in your membership status or benefits.

Illinois Farm Bureau and Will County Farm Bureau continue to evolve to better serve our members and represent agriculture across Illinois. These bylaw updates are designed to simplify the membership system, keep records accurate, and ensure the organization remains strong and responsive to its members.

As always, if you have questions about your membership or these changes, our office is ready to help. Please reach out to (815) 727-4811 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Jackson Hogan is manager of the Will County Farm Bureau.