CCFB News» March 2023

In the United States, 30 to 40 percent of the food supply is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce it and creating environmental impacts. Food waste is the single most common material landfilled and incinerated in the U.S.

In Illinois 20% of the 19 million tons of general waste that reaches landfills is comprised of food. Nationally, it’s estimated that food loss contributes $161 billion.

During the March board meeting, Cook County Commissioners approved #23-1426, a resolution celebrating the importance of agriculture in Cook County.

Sponsors include Commissioners Scott Britton, Josina Morita, Sean Morrison, Dennis Deer, Bridget Degnen, Bridget Gainer, Brandon Johnson, Donna Miller, Kevin Morrison, Maggie Trevor, and Alma Anaya.

The Will – South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District is currently taking orders for the spring tree and fish sale. Plants, shrubs, and trees are available this spring in various starter sizes. Tree orders must be placed by April 12 (prepaid only). Tree order pickup is on April 20-21 during office hours and Saturday, April 22 from 11am-3pm.

The Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors welcomes the following Cook County Farm Bureau members who joined the organization or reclassified their membership recently to Regular* or Professional Status**:

During the February 8, 2023, Young Leaders Team meeting, the group elected leadership for the Team for the upcoming year.

Teachers of fourth through eighth grade students can bring soil science and agriculture into their classroom with AITC’s newest specialty program, “What’s the Dirt on Illinois’ Soil?” During the free, in-person presentation, students will learn about the soils of Illinois and how nutrient-rich soil makes our state an agricultural powerhouse.

Ag in the Classroom Presenter Barbara Bhojraj presented to 22 fourth grade students at Peck Elementary School in Chicago.

Growing up rurally, I loved playing outside. Living in the country, I loved riding my bike up and down the long gravel roads, taking photos of crops growing in the fields, butterflies, and wildflowers (a.k.a. weeds) along the ditches. I spent the days of summer vacation monkeying around on my backyard playground set, swimming in our pool, and playing kickball, baseball, and basketball with my cousins. I looked forward to summer vacation not only for a hiatus from homework, but also because I was able to spend time adventuring outdoors.

Former Cook County Farm Bureau® President Jim Gutzmer (pictured left) discusses Farm Bureau’s effort in local government advocacy with State Representative Hurley during this year’s Statewide Legislative Reception in Springfield. 

Cook County Farm Bureau® staff member, Bona Heinsohn, successfully renewed her Certified Association Executive® (CAE) credential from the CAE Commission of the American Society of Association Executives®, joining more than 4,700 industry leaders worldwide.

As Chicago voters faced ballots longer than my favorite corgi is tall, Alderman Matt Martin (47th ward) dared to suggest that Chicago transition to an increasingly popular idea: ranked choice voting.

With ranked choice voting, voters rank candidates by preference. First choice. Second choice. Third pick. All the way down the race.

April 17- April 21, Watch the April edition of the Co-Operator for more details.

A group representing the Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors checked out the value-added farming practices that have been implemented at Whiskey Acres in DeKalb recently.

Advocated for Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau policies to Cook County elected officials and their staffs.

There is always a lot of action and activities going on at the Cook County Farm Bureau. Here are some updates to recent activities and programs.

Roselyn A. King (age 88) was drawn as the winner of the special group of members (25 members were eligible) who entered the Ag Adventures for Families word search every month in 2022.

Cook County Farm Bureau is dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and our urban neighbors, our volunteers enable us to share the importance of agriculture with consumers, youth, members, legislators, and the general public. Our volunteers enable us to achieve our mission.

Before the first puddles of spring arrived, I would rummage through the supply of hand-me-down rubber boots, searching for the size that our young kids had grown into for the season. The appropriate footwear lined the back hall, ready for water to pond in the driveway.

Mar.14 at 6 p.m. | Historic Wagner Farm

The SIU Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development Farm Family Resource Initiative presents Women in Agriculture Series

Recipe printed with permission from Illinois Farm Families/IFB

The Illinois Farm Families coalition has named 2023 “The Year of the Farmer”. To help promote it, the coalition kicked off a campaign called “We are the 96” during the Super Bowl on February 12.