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Illinois Farm Bureau members elect new president

There’s a new leader of the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB).

“The winner of the presidential election is Phillip Nelson.”

LaSalle County farmer Phillip Nelson is once again president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, defeating incumbent Ogle County farmer Brian Duncan, 55.6% to 42%.

“We’re thrilled that the delegates brought me back as president again.”  He says, “We’ve got a lot of challenging issues before us right now.”

Nelson, who previously served as the organization’s president from 2003 to 2013, tells Brownfield that repairing the relationship with the American Farm Bureau Federation, which expelled IFB this year, is a top priority.

“We’ve got to be at the table.”  He says, “I just as soon not comment anymore on the litigation side till I’ve been briefed. But I will say we’ve got a lot of damage to repair at the AFBF level with other states.”

Incumbent vice president Evan Hultine, of Bureau County, retains his role for another two-year term, defeating Mark Litteken, of Clinton County, 52% to 47.9%.

“Thank you very much for the opportunity.”  He says, “For putting your trust in me. I look forward to continue working on your behalf and moving things forward. We have a lot of work to do.”

Five new directors, four challengers and one elected to a vacated seat, were also elected to the IFB Board at the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago.