CCFB News» May 2025

As I entered my final semester of undergrad, a professor of mine made a few calls and landed me an internship. After class several times a week, I assisted with constituent services for Illinois State Senator John Maitland. I vividly remember working on arrangements for an eighth-grade field trip to Springfield.

Maitland, a native of Normal, served in the Illinois Senate from 1979 until 2002. Immediately prior to his tenure in the Senate, Maitland served as then-president of the McLean County Farm Bureau. Maitland is among a select class of legislators, those who are also farmers.

A seatmate of his, Senator Todd Sieben of Geneseo served in the Senate from 1993 until 2008. Like Maitland, Sieben was also a farmer. In addition to serving as Senator, he was co-owner and vice-president of Sieben Hybrids, a family seed business.

Today, Senator Patrick Joyce of Kankakee is a fourth-generation farmer and a 19-year member of the Kankakee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Joining him in the select class of legislators who are also farmers are Representatives Jason Bunting, Brad Fritts, Brad Halbrook, Norine Hammond, Charles Meier, Chris Miller, Wayne Rosenthal, Dan Swanson, and Blaine Wilhour.

Illinois defines agricultural production as the commercial production of crops, livestock, and aquatic products (505 ILCS 5/3.01). The statute further defines crops, livestock, and aquatic products to include hay, grain, fruit, vegetables, floriculture, horticulture, orchards, greenhouses, and the raising and care of poultry, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, beef cattle, pony and horse production, etc. (505 ILCS 5.3.02).

The Census of Agriculture is a count of U.S. farms, ranches, and the people who farm them. Even small plots of land, regardless of whether they're in rural or urban areas, are counted as long as $1,000 or more of agricultural products were raised or sold. The census is conducted every five years. The 2022 Census of Agriculture, which surveyed changes in land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, and income and expenditures from 2017 until 2022, was released on February 13, 2024.

When I was in grade school, one year on April 30, my class made May Day baskets for the community. May Day baskets are traditionally small baskets or bags of flowers or treats that are left anonymously for friends or family on May 1.

The Cook County Farm Bureau is an amazing value. At just $20 annually for Associate Members and only $45 for Voting Members, is it really a difficult decision?

Farm Bureau Continues Legislative Efforts on Behalf of Members

As the state legislative session remains in full swing, Farm Bureau continues working on behalf of farmers and landowners throughout Cook County and Illinois. Farm Bureau’s efforts focus on preserving agriculture and the economic well-being of farmers throughout Illinois.

In April, 2024, the Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors approved a leadership development and growth plan called Future Forward. The plan outlined an intentional strategy to recruit, train, engage, and develop a new crop of young agriculturalists and members with a focus on leadership and involvement through education, program participation, and training.

In celebration of National Small Business Month, IAA Credit Union (IAACU) proudly highlights its ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses. As a trusted partner in the community, IAACU offers a suite of tailored financial solutions—from flexible business
checking accounts to a variety of loan options—designed to foster growth, sustainability, and long-term success for all the entrepreneurs working with us.

Get your camera and capture moments by showcasing your best photos depicting theme of Agriculture in the Spring. Send in your photos – selfies, pictures of others, landscape, etc.

Always take your lunch box along.

Accept the statement as words of wisdom or a standing joke among the farm crew. On a good planting or harvest day, farmers intend to camp out in a single piece of equipment – just a guy or gal and their lunch box in the tractor, combine, semi or sprayer.

Join Cook County Farm Bureau® in supporting agricultural and member Ag businesses.

Italian Crescent Zucchini Pie
Wanda Bruinsma, Lynwood

Extreme sports. Ruled by adrenaline junkie athletes, mostly age 15 years old or so. They live life on the edge by competing in events like:

• Free style snowmobile jumping (flipping a snowmobile with hopes that it lands right side up…who decided that was a good idea?)
• High wire balance crossing from mountain peak to mountain peak (they do make solid ground trails and roads from point A to point B)
• Tsunami surfing (I’m guessing you do it once, dude)
• Underwater cave exploring (talk about claustrophobic nightmare)
• Free solo climbing (no safety harness, no rope, no future)