News & Publications
Suburban farm grows more than crops
Historic Wagner Farms, located less than 20 miles from the heart of Chicago, is a working farm offering hands-on agricultural experiences in suburban Glenview.
“For most people, this is the only farm they’re going to see,” said Blake Lanphier, Wagner Farms’ manager since he moved to the area from Iowa in 2016.
Lanphier, who was a finalist for the 2025 Illinois Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award, estimated the Cook County farm sees close to 10,000 students each year through school programs and more than 140,000 general visitors. Owned by the Glenview Park District, the 18.6-acre site features livestock, crops, flowers, antique equipment and interactive exhibits that highlight Illinois’ farming history.
Planting Seeds
There's a Place for Everyone in Agriculture
In August and September, AITC Summer Intern Elizabeth “Libby” Heenan will be taking over my Planting Seeds column to tell you a little more about herself and all of her activities this summer with the Cook County Farm Bureau. I hope you learn a little more about Libby and enjoy getting to know our summer intern!
NASCAR Cup Race
Member Appreciation Event
Member Appreciation Event - NASCAR Cup Race on September 7th in Madison, IL
CCFB to Support Urban Agriculture District in Chicago
In light of Farm Bureau policy #49 Urban Agriculture, which was developed and proposed by Cook County Farm Bureau in 2021, Farm Bureau asked City of Chicago Aldermen to support ordinance 2025-0018235, the sale of city property in the Pullman neighborhood for the purpose of creating an urban agriculture district.
The Answer: Yes, Yes, You Can!
The Question: Can I retain my membership even though Country Financial says I do not need a membership to access insurance.
Manifolds, Manolos, and Manure
The Final Say, or Just Another Negotiation Tool
The 1970 Illinois Constitution, Article 4, Section 9 establishes the Governor’s veto powers, which are among the most extensive in the nation.
From Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Growing with IAA Credit Union’s Youth Program
At IAA Credit Union (IAACU), financial education begins at an early age. Our Youth Program is designed to grow with your children from their first savings to their first paycheck.
Cook County Farm Bureau Photo Contest - Summer
Get your camera and capture moments by showcasing your best photos depicting theme of Agriculture in the Summer. Send in your photos – selfies, pictures of others, landscape, etc.
Cook County Farm Bureau Photo Contest - Summer
Get your camera and capture moments by showcasing your best photos depicting theme of Agriculture in the Summer. Send in your photos – selfies, pictures of others, landscape, etc.
At the Farm Gate
FFA blue jacket delivers lifetime impact
I have an FFA sticker on my phone, an “FFA Bed” in our loft and the beat of blue and gold in my heart. My son quickly points out my FFA Mom t-shirt as an example of my FFA fascination, but I also own a navy blazer with gold blouse and FFA lapel pin.
I love FFA, and I’m proud to show it.
Farm Crawl BINGO
Discover Cook County Farm Bureau member Ag businesses, support local agriculture, and experience fresh by playing Farm Crawl B-I-N-G-O
Recipe of the Month
Variety Bean & Veggie Salad
Variety Bean & Veggie Salad
Alexia Koliatsis, Arlington Heights
Downwind
“Pass It Forward”
Have you ever seen a couple people on the side of the road looking a bit helpless. Frustrated. A bit peeved? That could have been me and my wife a few weeks ago while in Wyoming.