(Le Mars) — 100 years ago, back in 1918, there were several significant agricultural events…the construction of the famous Tonsfeldt round barn in Plymouth County, John Deere acquiring the Waterloo Boy Tractor Company and starting manufacturing tractors, and Iowa State University began its extension program for Plymouth County. Another occurrence also happened in
1918, a group of farmers got together to form the Plymouth County Farm Bureau organization. Mark Bohner serves as the regional director for Plymouth County Farm Bureau. He says the organization will celebrate its century anniversary during its annual meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 4th at
the Century Hall at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds. Bohner explains the origins of the farm organization.
Bohner says the membership dues were set at $5, but for 1918, that was thought to be a considerable amount.
Bohner says the important agricultural issues of the day in 1918 are many of the same issues facing today’s farmers. He says at that time, Farm Bureau was responsible for implementing the extension services.
Farm Bureau ranks as being the largest farm organization in Iowa, and Bohner says much of that is because of the insurance provided by Farm Bureau.
The Farm Bureau representative says the organization continues to evolve and grow, and identifying needed services for rural Iowa.
Bohner says during the annual meeting and banquet scheduled for Tuesday evening, the program will provide many opportunities to look back through the years and reflect on Farm Bureau’s growth, including a display of antique restored tractors.
The evening will also provide musical entertainment with Allyn Anderson and Dave Grosenheider.
