CCFB News» February 2024

New in 2024, Young Leaders Host a Hygiene Product Drive as part of Food Checkout Day!

Each January, I try not to set a new year’s resolution because of the high likelihood of failing. According to Time Magazine, 80% of people fail to keep up their new year's resolutions by February. Rather than set a goal that will probably fail, I decided a new approach: do something new each month.

Join the Friends of the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation in support of the 2024 Gala to fund ag career related scholarships, Ag in the Classroom programming, an internship, and ag experiences for area youth in urban areas of Chicagoland.

Provided Farm Bureau members with virtual gatherings, highlighting member programs, member benefits, and the website during Membership Monday.

Last year I tried to set some goals. I wrote them down. I tracked one or two of them. And to my surprise I reached my goal of reading 24 books.
In a moment of frivolity, I shared my achievement with my younger cousins. They were less than impressed. And their year-end reading totals schooled my barely finished before the New Year’s ball drop total of 24.
Now just a handful of days into 2024, I think it may be time to increase my reading goal. My non-overwhelming total includes professional, self-development, prospective book club reads, and personal reading. Here are some of the titles I have on my to be read list just waiting for their time to shine.

The sheriff is the primary law enforcement officer in the county. As the conservator of the peace, the sheriff strives to prevent crime and maintain safety and order of citizens in the county. Although the sheriff may enforce laws within the entire county, by professional courtesy, they do not do so within municipalities, which have their own law enforcement agency. As an "arm" of the judiciary, the sheriff is responsible for the service of civil documents by order of the court, such as subpoenas, summonses and judgments.

Cook County Farm Bureau® works hard to be a leader on legislative and regulatory issues that impact Farm Bureau members. As we prepare to represent farmers’ interests, we’re reaching out to you to determine what our highest priority advocacy activities should be in 2024.

The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation has several opportunities for those who are pursuing careers in the following fields: plant science, animal science, agricultural business, agricultural mechanics, food science, diesel mechanics, ag-related education, technology, mental health, and more!

Sheriff Primary Duties:

The sheriff is the primary law enforcement officer in the county. As the conservator of the peace, the sheriff strives to prevent crime and maintain safety and order of citizens in the county. Although the sheriff may enforce laws within the entire county, by professional courtesy, they do not do so within municipalities, which have their own law enforcement agency. As an "arm" of the judiciary, the sheriff is responsible for the service of civil documents by order of the court, such as subpoenas, summonses, and judgments.

Our 2024 Community Urban Garden Grant Program is looking to award six gardens a $350 grant! All community-based urban gardens in Cook County are encouraged to apply. Grant details and applications are available through February 29, 2024. Application is available now, so why wait?

CDL? 10-4.

That three-letter acronym for Commercial Driver’s License also stands for one of my biggest life achievements. Until two years ago, I had no idea how to drive a stick shift. Not even in a car. But our family farm needed more truck drivers, and I wanted to contribute. I stood determined to drive a 10-speed-transmission semi and learn to double clutch while mindful of a 42-foot-long trailer behind me.

Members of Congress have introduced the TRUTH in Labeling Act- short for Transparency, Readability, Understandability, Truth and Helpfulness- that would direct the Food and Drug Administration to develop new front-of-package labels for foods and beverages sold in the U.S.

The Farm Bureau Board of Directors established the 2024 State Legislative Priorities at the December Board Meeting.

In celebration of the healthy and nutritious food grown and raised by local farmers, Cook County Farm Bureau® members and partners are supporting local families and food pantries.

Members of Congress have introduced the TRUTH in Labeling Act – short for Transparency, Readability, Understandability, Truth, and Helpfulness - that would direct the Food and Drug Administration to develop new front-of-package labels for foods and beverages sold in the U.S.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said the bill ensures foods have clear front-of-package labels that highlight high levels of nutrients of high concern such as salt, sugar, and saturated fat.

Sugar Association CEO Courtney Gaine called the legislation’s requirement for monitoring of artificial sweeteners encouraging, since there are currently no such disclosure requirements.

Spiced Honey Toddy
Cook DuPage Beekeepers Association, 2023

Each and every January, my least favorite responsibility of the job is employee evaluation and reviews. It’s certainly not because we have any major staff issues. In fact, I would put Cook County Farm Bureau staff up against any staff. They are outstanding!

The process requires “judgment”. Most people don’t want to be judged. I get it. I don’t like judging nor being judged (I know “Good looks and athletic body” were already taken).

And yet, evaluations and reviews are part of the job.