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IFB addresses AFBF dispute
Leaders with the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) opened their 110th annual meeting by addressing their ongoing dispute with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).
Brownfield’s Jared White has more…
IFB president Brian Duncan says AFBF moved to expel the organization following a business decision by affiliate company Country Financial.
“Country Mutual isn’t owned by Illinois Farm Bureau.” He says, “We are extremely disappointed that AFBF has terminated IFB’s membership effective December 20th.”
Duncan says IFB doesn’t think Country’s move will affect the number of quality members it attracts.
“AFBF is abandoning us because we aren’t following the old paradigm.” He says, “That simple numbers of members are what matters over truly quality engaged members.”
IFB Vice President Evan Hultine says AFBF’s action violate the 1990 agreement between the two groups.
“That specifically states that, except in circumstances not present here, AFBF is not allowed to terminate IFB’s membership based on business decisions made by our affiliates.”
Hultine says IFB has filed a lawsuit to remain in AFBF, as well as an injunction to avoid the December 20th expulsion.
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