CCFB News» February 2026

Over 18 years ago, I joined the staff of the Cook County Farm Bureau as the first Director of Public Policy. The position was the result of a board strategic planning session. My direction upon being hired was “to make Cook County Farm Bureau a major player in Cook County government.” A small task, right?

Looking back, that first year was a mix of meeting county commissioners. Board members. Volunteers. And aldermen. Coming from the hallowed halls of the Capitol meant that I was familiar with state legislators, but wholly unprepared for the travel, traffic, and parking associated with ‘Friend of Agriculture’ award delivery and Adopt-a-Legislator visits. I believe it was that year that one of my volunteers assumed parallel parking duty for me outside of Smoque BBQ in Chicago. It was also the last time anyone believed I could back a car.

Shortly after the door closed on that first year, the Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors approved the creation of the Cook CFB Political Action Committee. Leading up to the approval, volunteers and leaders weighed the benefits and risks associated with creating a PAC that didn’t necessarily favor incumbents and was designed to operate the heaviest during Primary Elections.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced plans to distribute $3.6 million in fiscal year 2026 at the Everything Local Conference. The funds, which were appropriated in the fiscal year 2026 state budget, will be used to support local food processing, aggregation, and distribution. Grants will be available for collaborative projects from $1,000 to $250,000 and for individual projects from $1,000 to $75,000.

“Strong agriculture depends on strong infrastructure,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “The Local Food Infrastructure Grant program gives Illinois farmers the processing, aggregation, and distribution capacity they need to ensure Illinois-grown food can reach consumers.”

During the delegate meeting in January in Anaheim, California, 333 delegates, including 11 from Illinois, discussed the need for a reliable agricultural workforce.

Two H-2A proposals submitted by Cook Farm Bureau through Illinois Farm Bureau were approved, including streamlining the H-2A application process by using electronic application filing and lengthening the term of stay for H-2A workers.

New policy language also includes support for production agriculture employers to hire and retain H-2A guest workers on a contract with a three-year duration, utilizing staggered entry and exit dates to maintain compliance with an annual “touchback” (or “return to home”) requirement.

Cook County Farm Bureau® members and partners are once again celebrating the healthy, nutritious food grown and raised by local farmers- and sharing that abundance with neighbors in need.

Now in its 26th year, Food Checkout Day highlights agriculture’s essential role in feeding families and communities across Cook County. This year’s effort will continue the long-standing Farm Bureau tradition of giving back through food and cash donations to local food pantries.

Usually, the most exciting adventure I have in February is driving through snow to work. This February, I will visit mosques and synagogues, shop at spice markets, photograph artistic tiles and architecture, and maybe even ride a camel.

A new year means a new beginning and now’s the perfect time to put fresh eyes on your finances. Have you ever checked your account balance and thought, Where did all my money go? You’re not alone.

Cook County Farm Bureau is Now on TikTok: This Week in Agriculture!

As Cook County Farm Bureau leaders approved their County Legislative Priorities for 2026, the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors also approved state legislative priorities. These priorities establish targeted issues that Farm Bureau will dedicate staff time and resources to in the coming years.

If you’re looking to pursue one of the many careers available in the agriculture industry, Cook County Farm Bureau has scholarships opportunities to support your journey!

This year marks an exciting milestone—our 75th anniversary! We’re grateful for every member who has been part of this incredible journey since 1951. Your trust and support made this milestone possible.

The veterinarian suggested her patient avoid dairy. The owners read through food and treat labels, making plans to eliminate eggs from their dog’s diet.

Milk, cheese, butter ... eggs. The grocery store’s layout had taught these consumers that cold case means dairy. Re-categorizing eggs as dairy wasn’t a commonplace farm mix-up I had heard of or even considered before, but I personally have witnessed a dairy cow give milk and a hen lay an egg. The reality is fewer than 1% of us likely have according to the Census, so here’s a quick guide to avoid the “not-from-around-here” vibe – something I need when visiting Chicago.

Celebrate Valentine's Day Month by entering to win ribeye steaks and 2 AMC movie tickets!

Easy Lentil Soup
Jackie Payne, Riverside

I’ve been around long enough to see some of the USDA dietary guidelines evolve through the years. Admittedly, I missed the 1916 through 1956 recommendations, darn it. During those years, it looks like the advice was to “eat enough”.