CCFB News» Bob Rohrer, CAE,FBCM,Manager

The 1980’s left a big imprint on me. I graduated from high school, gained a bachelor-of-science college degree and landed my big career opportunity during this decade. The 80’s was when I came to love rock ‘n’ roll, rejected pop music, and learned that my bowl hair cut was not a cool fashion statement.

There are people that have accomplished something extraordinary that the other 99% of the population does not, cannot or will not accomplish. I like to call these overachievers “The 1%”.

I recently received a question from a Cook County young farmer inquiring about the history and relationship between the Extension Service and Cook County Farm Bureau. It is complicated, but I will try to simplify 150 years in 1,000 words or less!

At the time of the creation of the Cook County Farm Bureau (1920), many farms were diverse, being made up of different types of livestock including cows, sheep, pigs and horses, as well as a variety of crops including corn, soybeans, hay, wheat, oats and vegetables. To keep the livestock in the pasture or out of the crop fields, there were a variety of fencing options used by farmers including woven wire and barbed wire.

I have read some disturbing information about dihydrogen monoxide, also known as "hydroxylic acid". It is accelerating corrosion and causing suffocation on a global scale. The product, used frequently in industrial and chemical processes, has been found in many local city water pipes.  It can cause severe burns and is purported to contribute to the greenhouse effect.  Yikes!  Ban it, regulate it, label it!

Soil, as the plant’s growing medium, is one of the main factors in growing crops. Start with quality soil and throw in a bit of sun and timely moisture you have the makings of a pretty darn good farm.

Scott Vander Griend, a Cook County Farm Bureau member from the Southside, and his friend & business partner Justin Verburg began making batches of homebrew about 10 years ago, giving much of it to their friends.  Those same friends encouraged the two to start their own brewery and after much thought and research, they decided to give it a try.

I love nature, especially when it is not out to get me. Growing up on the farm, I was privileged to see a lot of forest and wildlife up close and personal. I learned that nature is not always friendly and is usually out to reclaim its territory from humans. We are only in control in our minds.