Our History (Continued)
 

Illinois Grain and Feed Association 1965 – 1971

In 1965, the Illinois Grain Dealers Association and the Illinois Feed Association voted to merge in a venture designed to strengthen both associations.  Of 225 members voting at a special consolidation meeting of the Illinois Feed Association, 224 voted in favor of the merger.  The resolution before the Illinois Grain Dealers Association passed unanimously, with 32 members present and 334 members present by proxy.

Grain and Feed Association of Illinois 1971

The late 1960’s was a period of change for agriculture as prices went from rock bottom to new highs in the early 1970’s.  The grain and feed industry was also changing.  New laws were being proposed both at the state and federal level that would soon be imposed on the industry.  The need for unity and greater strength was pressing on the minds of many within the industry.  This need weighed especially heavy among the leadership of the Illinois Grain and Feed Association and the Farmers Grain Dealers Association.  Many had come to realize that the needs of the business were the same regardless of membership in either association.  Some businesses were members of both associations.  It was a time to forget the “co-op” and “private” labels, and get down to business.

 Both associations had strong leadership on their executive boards, and strong association executives who were willing and eager to lead the Illinois Grain Dealers Association and the Farmers Grain Dealers to become the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois.

 On July 1, 1971, the two associations merged.  The executive of the Farmers Grain Dealers retired, and the executive for the Illinois Grain and Feed Association was named executive vice president of the new association.  A president was elected and the directors of the merging associations served a year as the first board of directors.

 Presently, directors serve two-year terms and are allowed to serve as many as three terms.  Association officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve a one-year term. 

 Headquarters for the early associations have been located in Bloomington, Pontiac, Decatur, Champaign, Peoria, and Springfield, and perhaps, in earlier unknown locations.  In 1968, the office was moved from Peoria to Springfield, and in March 1987, the Association moved to its permanent home office, a new building built by the Association.

Information taken from A Century of Value:  A Look at the Growth and Development of the Country Elevators and Commercial Retail Feed Business in Illinois from 1893-1993 by William R. Lemon.