CCFB News» May 2019

According to Midwest Ag Services, Inc. in 2018 Illinois had over 8.5 million acres planted at this time compared to just 440,000 acres in 2019. This statistic illustrates why so many farmers are talking about “prevent plant” provisions in crop insurance policies. In order to assist farmers with questions about crop insurance and prevent plant, we are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, May 29 at 9:00 a.m.

Cook County Farm Bureau sent the following comments to the Federal Registrar regarding the proposed Clean Water rules: The proposed Clean Water rules offer common-sense regulations that protect and improve water quality on our nation’s farms and ranches.

Cook County elected officials and their staff members are invited to join the Farm Bureau for an exploration of agricultural businesses in northern Cook County! On Thursday, June 13, 2019 the Cook County Staff Exchange Program will travel to the western suburbs for an exploration of agricultural businesses and local farmers. 

Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) created Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT), an agricultural leadership development program designed to give participants a head-start on tackling tomorrow's responsibilities.

Join Cook County Farm Bureau® at this year’s Dairy Breakfast and Stock Show at Wagner Farm in Glenview.  The delicious, farm-style breakfast begins at 8 a.m. on June 8, 2019.  After enjoying homemade pancakes and freshly grilled sausage, enjoy live music, dairy demonstrations, and hands-on activities at the Farm Bureau booth.

If you like to eat, then you need farmers. Farmers grow healthy, nutritious food including fruits, vegetables, and grains like corn, soybeans, and wheat. They also raise animals. Cook County farmers are committed to caring for their land and animals in order to grow and raise safe and healthy food for heir families and for yours.

Some facts on Corn, From the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom 2018-19 Calendar for Teachers

Recipe reprinted with permission from member, Joyce Holste, Midlothian, from our 2019 Cookfresh Recipe Collection Brochure, available online at www.cookcfb.org/discover-local/recipes.

Come Celebrate our 100th Anniversary at the Cook County Farm Bureau Saturday March 28, 2020. We will have a historical farm and organizational artifact display, there'll be giveaways, Agricultural activities for families and children. Plus More!

Following a nationwide trend, the average age of Illinois farmers continues to increase, according to 2017 Census of Agriculture data released in April.The data also showed a decrease in the total number of farms in Illinois between 2012 and 2017.  However, there was a nearly 40% increase in farm size 1 to 9 acres.

Visit Cook County Farm Bureau® member Farm, Greenhouse & Garden Centers for all your planting needs this Spring!  Their plantings, flowers, trees and shrubs are gorgeous and of the highest quality. For all your landscaping needs, skip the big box stores and patronize your fellow Farm Bureau member businesses this spring.

Beescape helps assess hive locations-FarmWeek. Identifying ideal locations for beehives can be difficult since scientists are still learning about factors that affect populations and because bees travel so far from a colony or a nesting site to collect food.

Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker’s plan, which his administration has titled the “Fair Tax,” is to have six different levels of income tax rates between 4.75% and 7.95%. It is being estimated by the Governor that this plan would generate $3.4 billion.

Each month we are highlighting a Cook County Farm Bureau Board Member: This month's "Face of CCFB" is... Amy Toth

For years, my mom refused to tell her friends that I was a “lobbyist” for the Farm Bureau.  When asked, she’d say that I was helping farmers or that I simply worked for the Farm Bureau.

My children travel a great deal and I often live vicariously through them as the thought of a 15+ hour flight doesn’t seem enjoyable to me any longer.  I feel a sense of pride that something we did along the way inspired their love of travel and curiosity to learn about other cultures in the world.

In March, my lovely and loving mother sent my wife a birthday box. My mom’s birthday box is a cherished tradition. We love mom’s birthday boxes because they always come packed with unique gifts, trinkets and random odds and ends that bring smiles to our faces. While the items are typically not fancy or expensive, many items are associated with childhood favorites.