CCFB News» June 2025

Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery works to bring back the ancient elixir to the matches, testing out new and unique flavors all while paying ode to the bees that make this buzzworthy beverage possible.

Once known as the “nectar of the gods,” mead was a celebrated part of ancient cultures around the world, prized by Greek philosophers, Viking warriors, Egyptian priests and Chinese nobility alike. The fermented honey drink reigned supreme for thousands of years. But, with wine and beer emerging as simpler, less-expensive options, mead became a luxury lost to time. Aside from the occasional Renaissance fair, mead has not been part of modern life.

Growing up, the start of summer was a celebration. I couldn’t wait to run out of school on the last day of class to a summer full of possibilities and fun.

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?

The Question: Can I retain my membership even though Country Financial says I do not need a membership to access insurance.

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.

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the journey of owning a home—one of the most significant financial decisions you can make. With so much at stake, having a dedicated team to guide you every step of the way is essential.

After years of dedicated service to Cook County Farm Bureau, we bid a fond farewell to Melanie Senne who will be moving on to an exciting new opportunity. While we are sad to see Melanie leave, we are also proud to see her take the next step in her career.

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.

My day starts with Greek yogurt, fresh berries and a dash of Cheerios on top. It sometimes ends with the same or the richness of milk-based oatmeal. Cottage cheese mixed with firm, sweet red grapes made my tractor lunch box almost daily this spring. And my fridge always holds fresh-shredded cheese, sour cream, and a variety of milks from skim to whole (plus the occasional chocolate) to satisfy the household extremes and my husband in between.

Farm Bureau Celebrates Members During Member Appreciation Week

Parsley Red Potatoes & Creamed Fresh Peas
Joyce Holste, Midlothian

I admit it. Google has become a part of my daily life. How did this happen? I don’t even marvel about it anymore. I’ve come to realize there is no longer a reason not to know the answer to a question. Just Google it. It is not a stretch to say I now know “less” because I no longer have to remember facts and details … just look it up.