February Board Spotlight:
Brendan Surprenant
For the past three years, Brendan Surprenant has proudly served on the Kankakee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. A dedicated farmer, husband, and father, Brendan brings energy, sincerity, and a deep love for agriculture to the board and to his community.
Brendan’s favorite part of being involved with both the Kankakee County Farm Bureau and the Illinois Farm Bureau is the opportunity to meet new people—locally and statewide—who share a common goal: supporting and strengthening agriculture. Whether connecting with fellow farmers or networking with leaders across Illinois, he values the sense of unity and shared purpose that Farm Bureau fosters.
One thing Brendan believes everyone should know about the Farm Bureau is its grassroots foundation. Beyond advocating for agriculture, the organization also invests heavily in the local community through grants, scholarships, and educational opportunities, helping support the next generation and ensure agriculture remains strong in Kankakee County.
Brendan’s own journey with the Farm Bureau began years ago at the Kankakee County Fair. When he was just 17 or 18, the former Farm Bureau manager encouraged him to join for scholarship opportunities and to get involved in Young Leaders. Brendan jokingly agreed—on the condition that the manager come help milk cows. When that didn’t happen, Young Leaders wasn’t in the cards, but his connection to Farm Bureau remained—and ultimately led to his board service today.
When he’s not on the farm or serving the community, Brendan enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, and running the smoker. His favorite meal? A perfectly cooked blackened ribeye topped with sautéed onions, served with a twice-baked potato.
Brendan’s favorite season is summer, though his favorite time on the farm is unquestionably harvest season.
He and his wife, Sarah Surprenant, who works in sales, ag retail, and real estate, are raising three wonderful children Margaret, Caroline, and Raymond.
Brendan brings both heart and humor to the Kankakee County Farm Bureau Board, helping represent local agriculture with passion and authenticity. We are proud to have him as part of our leadership team.
January Board Spotlight:
Paula Karlock
For two decades, Paula Karlock has been a dedicated member of the Kankakee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, bringing passion, experience, and a deep commitment to agriculture and her community. A lifelong farmer, Paula has built her service around advocacy, education, and supporting her fellow producers across Kankakee County.
Paula values the Farm Bureau for its strong network of farmers who share both the challenges and joys of agriculture. Staying informed on farm news, policy developments, and statewide issues is important to her, and she appreciates how the organization helps keep its members up to date. One of her most memorable experiences was participating in the Ag in the Classroom Bike Ride, where she enjoyed exploring different parts of Illinois and building lasting friendships along the way. Paula wants others to know that the Kankakee County Farm Bureau is a trusted resource for guidance on agricultural issues. Whether navigating policy or addressing local concerns, the organization "goes to bat for farmers,'' leveraging the expertise of the Illinois Farm Bureau's talented staff to provide research, insight, and direction.
Her involvement with the Farm Bureau began during a major local issue-an effort by the Fish and Wildlife Agency to acquire productive farmland along the Kankakee River for a proposed refuge.
Paula helped lead the opposition effort, ultimately hand-delivering petitions collected from local farmers, landowners, and residents to Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Her commitment to agriculture has continued ever since. She also serves on the Kankakee County Farm Bureau Foundation Board and the Ag in the Classroom Committee, reflecting her passion for agricultural education. Outside of farming and community involvement, Paula enjoys traveling with her husband, Joe Karlock, a Highway Township employee. Together, they are self-described National Park enthusiasts and have visited many parks across the country, often exploring remote trails and scenic landscapes. Paula also loves scrapbooking, spending time with family-especially her grandchildren James, Anna, Ava, and Jace Provost, and cherishing moments with her children, Allison Provost and Trenton Karlock.
Spring is Paula's favorite season, and while she enjoys the renewal it brings, harvest season remains her favorite time on the farm.
Paula also serves as the Treasurer of the Momence School District, having held the role even longer than her tenure on the Farm Bureau Board. She is actively involved in children's programs at First Baptist Church Momence as well.
The Kankakee County Farm Bureau is proud to highlight leaders like Paula- individuals whose dedication and advocacy help strengthen agriculture, uplift our communities, and prepare the next generation for the future of farming.