The American Farm Bureau Federation, with affiliates in Illinois, 49 other states and Puerto Rico, plans to recognize its 100th anniversary at the group's annual convention which runs through Wednesday in New Orleans. Stewart Truelsen authored the latest book on the organization's history;

Illinois and farmers from across the U-S founded the national Farm Bureau organization in Chicago. Truelsen also notes up until 15 years ago, it had its national headquarters in Illinois;

Of the 11 farmers elected president of the American Farm Bureau throughout its history, three farmed in Illinois. The national group invites every sitting U-S president to address its convention, and for the second year in the row, President Trump plans to address the group late Monday morning.