Nearly 200 people attended Thursday’s annual Ag Appreciation Dinner during the noon hour at the Christian County Ag Fair.  The event is arranged by the Christian County Ag Group, and sponsored by many local ag businesses in Christian County.

Several scholarships and grants were awarded at the event.  The Christian County Ag Group presented its annual scholarship to Connor Grant (right).  Mellisa McMillan representing the Ag Group made the presentation.

The Christian County Farm Bureau Federation presented 5 scholarships to students entering agriculture majors in college.  Receiving scholarships were, from the left:  Eric Schafer, Tanner Mickey, Connor Grant, Bekka Fesser, and Isabelle Norris.

The Christian County Farmer’s Supply Company also presented scholarships and grants to several students and organizations.

Guest speaker for the event was Mark Gebhards, Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities for the Illinois Farm Bureau.  He shared remarks on current legislation being proposed in both Washington and Springfield.

Gebhards told the gathering that in a recent trip to D-C, it was nothing like what he encountered a year and a half before.

Gebhards told the Christian County Ag Group Ag Appreciation Dinner Thursday that federal issues on his radar include proposed legislation on infrastructure, Waters of the U-S rulings, an a recent Executive Order on the Right to Repair allowing farmers to repair their own equipment, livestock markets, the 2013 Farm Bill, the renewable fuels industry, and trade.

State issues on Gebhard’s plate include keeping the sales tax exemption on farm equipment, and the Renewable Energy Bill which he says would allow private utility companies eminent domain to take property to build.

Country Girl Catering served a pork chop dinner following Gebhard’s remarks and recognition of Christian County Ag Fair Royalty and invited guests.