CCFB News» March 2026

Cook County Farm Bureau leaders and members were saddened to learn of the passing of agricultural broadcasting legend, Orion Samuelson, on Monday, March 16, 2026 at the age of 91.

Illinois Farm Bureau invited declared candidates for Illinois governor and U.S. Senate to share their opinions on key agricultural topics on the RFD Radio Network. These interviews, conducted by Jim Taylor, aired starting Jan. 26 for Senate candidates and Feb. 6 for gubernatorial candidates.

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.

Member Appreciation Week 2026
Monday, April 20 – Friday, April 24

Managing your money in 2026 is as crucial as ever, and the 50/30/20 rule remains a reliable budgeting strategy. By dividing your income into clear categories, you can meet your financial goals with less stress. Let’s explore how this rule works today, and how IAA Credit Union products can help you stay on track.

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

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?

At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, visitors can shop for sweatshirts, pillows, jewelry and chocolates using coins bearing the face of perhaps the most-famous Illinoisian, Abraham Lincoln.

But even here, pennies are growing scarce at the cash register.

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.

It’s National Ag Month!

Farmers own and wear many hats, a culture traced back to at least his great-grandpa’s era in farming. Farmers love to wear hats. Ag retailers love to give them away as walking advertisements. And nowadays, many schools allow hats during the academic day, making them both a style statement and a part of today’s youth identity.

Cook County Farm Bureau offers both members and non-members an opportunity to test their garden or lawn soil by purchasing a soil testing kit.

Baked Zucchini
Joyce Holste, Midlothian

The Farm Bureau has given me so much throughout the years. One of those gifts has been the opportunity to go to places I likely never would have traveled to see. A recent example is Anaheim, California.