Neff and her husband own and operate a grain and livestock operation in St. Clair County. As a member of the FCI Board of Directors for more than 10 years, Neff has demonstrated a deep passion for cooperation in agriculture. She served as the vice-chair for two years before becoming FCI’s first female board chair in 2013 and served in that role for four years.

“Karen believes in FCI’s cooperative mission and core purpose of Helping Farm Families Succeed and advocates from the boardroom for innovative ways for the Association to deliver value to members,” says Beth Bolger, FCI Marketplace Initiatives Manager and 2017 Illinois Cooperative Council Chair. “The Council commends and congratulates Karen for her leadership and service to FCI member-owners.”

 About Illinois Cooperative Council

The Illinois Cooperative Council is dedicated to promoting a positive business climate for cooperatives, increasing the public’s understanding and awareness of the value of cooperatives, and recognizing excellence exhibited by Illinois cooperative businesses. Annual activities of the council include developing cooperative educational activities for youth, improving communications among cooperatives, encouraging leaders to publicize the purpose and accomplishments of local cooperative organizations, and developing and disseminating information about Illinois cooperatives.

 About Farm Credit Illinois

Farm Credit Illinois is a farmer owned and directed agricultural lending cooperative serving 11,000 farm families, agribusinesses, and rural landowners in the southern 60 counties of Illinois with competitive and flexible financing and crop insurance expertise. The Association manages a $4.34 billion loan portfolio, sells 1.2 million acres of crop insurance coverage, and employs 220 staff based in the Mahomet central office and 14 regional office locations. The U.S. Farm Credit System supports rural communities, farm families, and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow.