In the early 1900s, an innovative group of farmers, bankers, and newspapermen saw the need to form an agricultural organization. These resourceful pioneers became known as the organization’s founders of Farm Bureau. This was the beginning of more than 100 years of successful leadership.
The DeKalb County Farm Bureau was the first county Farm Bureau to organize in the state. It began as the Soil Improvement Association in 1912.
Dedicated and steadfast leadership has developed Farm Bureau into the premier agricultural organization it is today.
In its history, the DeKalb County Farm Bureau has had 15 presidents.
Farm Bureau founders gather to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau in 1937. They are John Blair, C.D. Schoonmaker, George Hyde, William Eckhardt, George Gurler, Aaron Plapp, Frederick B. Townsend, Henry H. Parke, Edgar E. Hipple, George A. Fox, William F. Leifheit and Orton Bell.