In a significant development, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has informed the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) that it will not terminate the state’s membership on December 20th, as previously threatened. This decision comes after AFBF’s Board of Directors approved an amended resolution, which instead stipulates that IFB’s membership will end 30 days after the conclusion of the ongoing litigation between the two organizations.
IFB President Brian Duncan expressed relief at the decision, stating, “On the eve of depositions, with our team in Chicago preparing to defend our farmer-members, organization, and county Farm Bureaus, we are pleased AFBF’s decision gives us the same outcome as the injunctive relief we were seeking.” He emphasized confidence in their legal standing, which is supported by a settlement agreement, and viewed the decision as a positive step toward maintaining their membership in AFBF while continuing their collaborative efforts for the benefit of their farmer-members.
The move by AFBF to expel IFB stems from a decision by Country Financial, an affiliate of IFB, to no longer mandate that its Illinois-based insurance clients purchasing non-farm policies hold IFB memberships starting January 1st. In response, IFB filed a motion for a preliminary injunction on November 21st, aiming to preserve the use of the Farm Bureau name in Illinois as the lawsuit progresses.
While a hearing had been scheduled for next week, it now appears unlikely due to AFBF’s recent decision, marking a noteworthy turn in the ongoing legal battle between the two organizations.
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