News & Publications
Planting Seeds
"Celebrating Earth Day"
When I think of Earth Day, I think of celebrating sunny days, warm weather, leafy trees, green grass, squirrels, and whales. I typically don’t think of all that is needed to make the Earth better: rainy days to make trees leafy and grass green, soil science to not only know how to grow better, but also make what we grow better, and combatting the negative impacts of litter and pollution.
Meet the 2026 Urban Garden Grant Recipients
The 2026 Cook County Farm Bureau Community Garden Grant Committee (four experienced volunteers), reviewed applications from twenty community gardens and selected six outstanding recipients. Please meet this year’s recipients:
Member Appreciation Week
Member Appreciation Week 2026
Monday, April 20 – Friday, April 24
Empowering Youth: The Importance of Financial Literacy for Families
April is National Credit Union Youth Month! At IAA Credit Union, we believe in helping our families raise money-smart kids. Financial education starts early, and the lessons children learn today will shape their financial habits for a lifetime. Yet many parents find it challenging to introduce these concepts at home.
Cook County Farm Bureau® Celebrates its 26th Annual Food Checkout Day
Cook County Farm Bureau®, COUNTRY Financial, and Partners Raise Cash, Food, and Hygiene Product Donations for Local Food Pantries
Cook County Farm Bureau is Now on TikTok
Cook County Farm Bureau is Now on TikTok: This Week in Agriculture!
At the Farm Gate
Soybean: Small Bean with a Big Resume
If I were a crop, I might be a soybean. I’m short, low drama and work best behind the scenes. My mood can shift from tolerant and forgiving (planting season) to an annoying attention to detail (harvest). But chocolate holds it all together. (Soy is the key; I’ll explain).
Soil Testing Kits Available this Spring
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.
Recipe of the Month
Cynthia’s Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Cynthia’s Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Jackie P, Riverside
CCFB Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced
The Board of Directors of the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation have selected nine individuals as recipients of the 2026 Scholarship Program.
Soy Bean Fun Facts
Illinois is the number one soybean producing state and it is now even the official state bean! Not only that, but the United States grow more soybeans than any other country in the world. Check out some facts about these versatile beans and their uses.
Downwind
“Smut”
I first learned about smut from my dad, the Farmer. Yes, I used the title “Smut” to grab your attention! No, not that kind of smut! Where are your minds, members?