Downwind“Strategery”
“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” Benjamin Franklin
"If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else," Yogi Berra
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe,” Abraham Lincoln
“I love it when a plan comes together,” Haninibal and “I pity the fool” Mr. T from The “A” Team
Yes indeedy, planning seems like a great idea and then life happens.
“Man plans. God laughs” originating from a Yiddish Proverb
In 2020, Cook County Farm Bureau was poised to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. It was going to be a very special observation! And then some mysterious virus called COVID-19 made an appearance. So much for those plans!
As we prepared for this impressive occasion, I penned a column for our anniversary book entitled “20/20 Vision”.
I wrote, “Farmers are visionary pragmatists with 2020 foresight. Farmers plant the seed with a vision, but the farmer does not simply leave the seed’s growth to chance. When you see change clearly, you can build the future you want. Much like farmers, the Cook County Farm Bureau organization and leadership will use visionary pragmatism to serve members for the next 100 years.”
But wait. What if you can’t see that change coming?
Man plans. God laughs.
Time traveling back to 2020, I would write that column about a farmer’s (and Cook County Farm Bureau’s) resiliency. Farmers plant a seed and then adjust the plan “on the fly” due to unforeseen drought, flood, energy crisis, legislative impacts, labor issues, war, low commodity prices, economic downturns, consumer choices, and devastating pests.
Since COVID, planning strategies for Cook County Farm Bureau have been shaped by technology. Member expectations. New work landscape. Still, unforeseen events and actions continue to try to derail us.
Last year, the Cook County Farm Bureau membership model and plan was disrupted when COUNTRY Financial changed its 100-year-old membership guideline for access to preferred insurance products. This did not lead to our demise (despite knee-jerk speculation).
Like our farmers, Cook County Farm Bureau was resilient. We made a new plan. Rolled up our sleeves. Worked hard. Now, a year later, check out our 2025 year-in-review (found on page 4).
It is stunning to see, in just this small sample, how many programs, activities, and great experiences your organization provided for members. And check out the “youth movement”! (The Board’s “Future Forward” initiative is a plan that is working, Ben Franklin.)
As we move into 2026, there are and will be a heaping serving of opportunities presented to members throughout 2026 and we expect to see you frequently this new year as we provide meaningful leadership opportunities, trusted information, and engaging experiences.
Oh… Let’s have some fun also!
I have a note on my wall that I look at nearly every day.
This simple note is targeted directly at me. A reminder to serve members through decisions, actions, communications, and plans. I need to be introspective, honest, and truthful in answering the question.
Cook County Farm Bureau will continue to plan the best ways to serve members. We will adapt. Just like a farmer. Just like our members. We will be resilient.