Farmers Lynn Byington and Grant Bend recently were appointed to the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Lynn Byington
Lynn was raised on a grain farm in southern DeKalb County just a few miles from where she and her family lives today in rural Waterman. “Growing up, my dad reinforced that one person may run the combine, but it takes a team to raise a crop,” said Lynn. “It’s in this spirit that I’m pleased to serve on the Farm Bureau Board.”
“I may not add much to the conversations on hybrids or hydraulics, but the issues that impact Farm Bureau members extend beyond the combine cab. Bringing together different perspectives can benefit farm families, corporate agriculture and consumers,” she said.
On their farm Lynn says she and her husband, Beau, are raising cattle and children, Blair, 8, and Travis, 6. Her husband farms with his family in Kane and Kendall counties. Lynn’s daily work is in crop insurance for Crop Risk Services as senior director of sales operations.
Lynn, a 4th generation farmer, has been connected with Farm Bureau for several years having served as Illinois FFA State President, being a member of Farm Bureau’s Ag Literacy Committee, hosting a Summer Ag Institute Tour, and as a spokesperson at various Farm Bureau sponsored events.
She is a graduate of Indian Creek High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications from the University of Illinois.
Grant Bend
Grant has always been passionate about agriculture as a farmer and agribusinessman. He farms with his father, Ron, growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay, and raises beef cattle in rural Shabbona. Grant also is a partner in WG Ag Services, providing Pioneer brand seed and services to area farmers.
As the youngest member of the Farm Bureau Board, Grant, 32, says he will bring fresh perspectives and insights representing both production agriculture and the agribusiness industry. “It’s my time to step up and be involved in Farm Bureau,” said Grant. “Agriculture is my livelihood and I hope to keep rural communities informed on what we do and why we do it.”
Grant is the third generation of family members to serve on the county Farm Bureau Board following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. Like his dad, Grant is also is a member of the Farm Bureau Young Leaders.
Regarding Farm Bureau’s mission, Grant says, “I think it’s important for Farm Bureau to continue to be an advocate for farming and educate the community about agriculture.”
He is a graduate of Sycamore High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Soil & Crop Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.