State Representative Brad Halbrook has addressed the ongoing conflict between the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB). While he refrained from commenting on specific details, he likened the situation to "a family feud that few rank-and-file members understand or care about."
Halbrook, along with State Representative Chris Miller, recently attended an AFBF meeting where they met with President Zippy Duvall. During this meeting, Halbrook emphasized the significance of AFBF's advocacy concerning agriculture's long-term impact in Illinois and its surrounding areas.
Farmers in Illinois are expressing concerns over state policies perceived as threats to their livelihoods. These include converting farmland into solar fields and eminent domain actions for new transmission lines. Additionally, high taxes and particularly Illinois' estate tax are seen as pressures that might force farmers' heirs to sell family farms to meet financial obligations.
Halbrook noted that many state issues could be addressed by federal government action, specifically through eliminating certain incentives—a role AFBF could potentially play. He also stressed the need for IFB to collaborate in these efforts.
"America has a huge opportunity in the next four years to restore common sense policies," Halbrook stated, adding an expectation for representatives to actively pursue these changes.
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