Leaders Show Up...in Springfield, IL! – The Maschhoffs, LLC State Government Seminar

Written by Jason Bollivar, Class of 2027

Leaders show up!

Growing up, I always had a special interest in Illinois state government. I knew who my local legislators were well before I ever really needed to know. I believe this interest most likely stemmed from 4-H and FFA trips to the Illinois State Capitol and was probably also influenced by a couple of exceptional government class teachers, Mr. Joe Vittone and Mr. Ben Rees. 

Somewhere along the way, I lost some of that interest. Yes, I have still paid attention, but not with the enthusiasm I once had. Recently, becoming involved with my local Farm Bureau has helped me recapture some of that former excitement. So, seeing this seminar on the schedule was exciting to me, a chance to dive back into the topic once again. 

Leaders show up… before us!

Wednesday morning, I showed up in Springfield ready and eager to see what this seminar had to offer. Walking through the doors of the Department of Agriculture building, named for former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture John R. Block, had special meaning for me. Being from Knox County, like Secretary Block, it prompted me to reflect on the community of leaders I grew up around and have observed my whole life. Although Mr. Block is one of the more recognizable names, there are so many community leaders who keep our rural communities thriving and who have shaped and inspired me and my fellow classmates to join IALP and walk through that door Wednesday morning. 

Leaders show up… prepared!

One common theme we heard from many of our speakers was the importance of showing up prepared. Our first panel of the day included Maria Turner, Harry Wilmoth, Brad Lowery, and Chuck Cawley, all of the Illinois Department of Agriculture regulatory agencies. It was interesting to hear their perspectives from the bureaus and divisions they lead. A common thread among them was how their backgrounds in agriculture help them diffuse and better understand tough situations in their daily work. 

Preparation was also emphasized when it comes to visiting legislators. Nearly every speaker stressed the importance of being prepared for meetings, having a clear and concise message with your two or three strongest points ready for the limited time you may get with any legislator. 

Leaders show up… in person!

Another common sentiment among our speakers was the importance of showing up in person, both in our local communities and at legislators’ offices and events. While it is important for us to lead in our communities and invite legislators to attend local events, it is just as important that we show up at their offices to tell our personal stories and ask for support on the issues that matter to us. 

Brent Boydston, founder of Ag Center Solutions, said during his presentation, “If you aren’t at the table, you are on the menu.” That quote definitely drove home how important it is for agriculture to get in front of people and tell our story. 

Sean Flynn of Neil Flynn & Associates left us with this advice: “Know your stuff, talk to everyone you can, and don’t lie.” 

Leaders show up… for each other!

It was an honor during our two days in Springfield for the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation fellows and staff to be recognized on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives. A big thank you goes to Rep. Dan Swanson of the 71st District for not only recognizing us on the House floor, but also for sharing his leadership insights with us during our January session. 

Additionally, we had the pleasure of hearing insights from Rep. Sonya Harper, Sen. Sally Turner, Sen. Doris Turner, Rep. Norine Hammond, and Rep. Jason Bunting. 

Rep. Bunting shared a quote that made me think, and probably something we should all consider: “Neighbors should be making decisions for neighbors. The decisions should not be made by folks in D.C.” This led to a thoughtful discussion about how local control needs to be restored in many areas of our government and state. 

Leaders also showed up Wednesday night in the form of IALP alumni who attended the Alumni Mixer at BRANDT Global Headquarters. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with alumni of the program.

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Leaders show up… to showcase their industry!

During The Maschhoffs, LLC State Government Seminar, the Class of 2027 had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Jay Miller, CEO of The Maschhoffs. We heard his perspective on the industry and the factors that drive their organization. 

On Thursday, we also heard from Jennifer Tirey, the newly elected executive director of Illinois Pork Producers Association. Much of the discussion centered around the new Illinois Swine Apprentice Program and pork’s updated marketing focus, highlighting the whole hog and positioning pork as an ingredient rather than always the center of the plate. 

Leaders show up… together!

There were many key takeaways in this area.  All of the speakers agreed that agriculture is a nonpartisan issue, even if it does not always feel that way. 

Our panel on understanding partisan politics, made up of KJ Johnson (’16) of the Illinois Soybean Association, Chris Davis of the Illinois Farm Bureau, and Brad Stotler of Illinois Corn, agreed that lobbying has become more challenging over the years, but that their roles remain enjoyable and meaningful. 

Harry Wilmoth of the Bureau of Warehouses made the comment that “Ag comes public in its positions with a unified front after already figuring out its issues among themselves, other industries do not do that.” 

Chuck Spencer of GROWMARK shared a thought that resonated with me about agriculture and the ag retail sector: “We can be competitors in sales and collaborators in policy.” 

The fact that most legislators still view agriculture as nonpartisan, and that the industry recognizes the need to work together, gives me hope. Perhaps we can still accomplish meaningful progress in the ag policy arena, and maybe agriculture can serve as an example of how other policy areas might function with a little work and compromise. 

Leaders show up… in Vietnam and Singapore!

During this session, the Class of 2027 learned the location of our international study seminar for February/March 2027. We are going to Vietnam and Singapore!! There was much excitement in the room before, during, and after the reveal. I personally love the selection and I am looking forward to taking it all in. It was the perfect way to end such an impactful seminar. 

Leaders show up... to better others!

I will close with this quote from John R. Block: 

“I don’t know of a better way to tackle our farm problems and challenges… than to get together with commodity leaders… who will throw ideas on the table, build on each other’s suggestions, and raise questions in a constructive and thoughtful atmosphere.” 

This quote refers to commodity leaders, but it also sums up what I believe we need more of in today’s world at all levels of government and community, as this same philosophy can be used for any problem. The leaders he refers to are all of us community members. I believe he is calling on us to understand one another and work through our differences in pursuit of solutions that best benefit agriculture and society as a whole. 

If you made it this far, I will ask: How are you supporting your local community? If not, why not? What do you plan to do about it?