CCFB News» January 2025

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.

The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Food Checkout Day and Cook County Farm Bureau’s latest effort to support local families in need.

Farm Bureau members who wish to provide a cash donation to a local food pantry are asked to complete the form below. Members are welcome to designate which of the partner food pantries their donation is for.

I recently saw a TikTok video where a woman was explaining why she doesn’t eat hamburgers: “because hamburgers come from pork.” I also saw an Instagram Reel that had a young man explain that chocolate milk comes from brown cows and strawberry milk comes from cows that eat strawberries.

Connected members to local member ag businesses for the purchase Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias, and more to Deck their Halls through promotions and ShopLocal.

The 2025 Farmland Questionnaire/Affidavit for Cook County filing deadline date is January 31, 2025. The Questionnaire/Affidavit must be completed online, paper copies will not be accepted. Click more for link.

Located within the confines of Cook County, Chicago boasts a population of just over 2.6 million residents. Cook County on the other hand is home to slightly more than 5 million residents. Both Chicago and Cook County are in the midst of a population decline.

Careers in agriculture include farming and much more! The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation has many support 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, education, and/or rural mental health plus more!

Mr. Luke Allen was presented the Volunteer of the Year by President Janet McCabe as a result of his volunteer participation and leadership provided through the Ag Literacy Team, Gala emcee and Ag Education.

The year 2024 featured plenty of “moments and headlines” for members and the organization. The Cook County Farm Bureau is proud to have provided another year full of service in 2024 to members. Here’s a brief recap of some the best highlights…

Mom made even the best of days better when she set a pot of homemade beef stew with dumplings in the middle of the table. This repurposed meal of my childhood rated more delicious than the roast beef supper she prepared the night before. The aroma hugged you upon walking in the door. And to this day, this main course dishes out as much happiness to my soul as beefy vegetable goodness to my taste buds.

Karen Biernacki, Gerry Kopping, Ruth Zeldenrust and Janet McCabe were re-inducted into the Cook County Farm Bureau Master Member Club for 2024.

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.

Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs
Kathy Lesser, Chicago

On the farm, hog calling was a “thing” for us. We used “the call” when feeding and checking on the pasture hogs. I would yell out “Suey, Suey… Here pig, here pig, here pig”. Those pigs would come running across the fields. I’m pretty sure it was not my melodic voice that drew them in because there was pig food involved.