January 2014 Cooperator

Vol. 88 No. 1 Countryside, IL 60525 www.cookcfb.org January 2014

Co-OperatorA “staple” in the Farm Bureau member’s home since 1938

Mission: To serve all members of the Cook County Farm Bureau® with meaningful and beneficial programs that reflect our Agricultural Heritage.

Cook County Farm BureauWinner of the Power of ‘A’

2012 Summit Award

Question of the MonthWhat state raised the most

soybeans this past growing season?Call the Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276, email your answer to [email protected] (please include Name, FB # and phone number) or fax to (708)579-6056 with the answer for a chance to enter a drawing for a $25.00 gas card.

December’s winner is Mark Kasper.

Last Months Question: How many FREE Classified ads are members allowed per year?

Answer: 4

official publication of the Cook County Farm Bureau® Scan for more farm bureau info.

& events

Supporting Entrepreneurship in Urban Agriculture

The Cook County Farm Bureau topped off a great programming year in 2012-2013 by being awarded several awards at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in December. The President’s Award for the largest size County Farm Bureaus was presented for the best overall programming and activities in the areas of Ag Literacy, Commodities/Marketing, Health/Safety, Legislative/Political Process, Local Affairs, Communications/Promotion, Member Relations, Policy Development and Membership Quota.

In addition, a “most outstanding project” for the Local Affairs area, the County Staff Exchange, was recognized by the Illinois Farm Bureau.

The Passport to the Farm Day Camp Program, held 4 days this past summer, was selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation in the County Activities of Excellence Competition. The Board of Directors thanks our great volunteers for their many hours of effort and the wonderful support by our members as the Organization celebrates these recognitions.

FB Receives Recognition

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson awarded CookCFB President Jim Gutzmer the organization’s highest recognition…The President’s Award.

(L) Diane Merrion (seated) and (R) Jim Bloomstrand talked to IFB members about the Passport to the Farm Day Camp as a part of the excellent recognition provided by AFBF.

“Beekeeping Basics”

A Beginning Beekeeping - 5 Week Course Begins Tuesday February 18, 2014 7-9 PM Course Dates: Tuesdays -Feb. 18, 25th, Mar. 4, 11, 18th Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Registration: Call Debbie at 708-354-3276 or email: [email protected] Cost: $60 for CCFB & CDBA Members $90 for non-members Location: Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525 708-354-3276

The Cook County Farm Bureau and the Cook Du Page Beekeepers Association have joined together to help get you started down the right

path in keeping bees. Over the course of 5 weeks, experienced beekeepers will provide direction and instruction on the history of beekeeping, beekeeping basics, setting up your hive, installing your bees, and maintaining your hive throughout the beekeeping season.

Course outline: go to www.cookcfb.org/buy-local/programs

or Events Calendar at cookcfb.org

“I will be making and selling peach cobbler made from the honey produced by the bees at our school”. “ I will be raising broiler chicks and monitoring the different weight gains based on differing types of feed.” “Our business will be called “Sweet Tooth” and we will be selling candy”. “Button mushrooms will be a good business for us as this will teach us about horticulture techniques and enable us to use our earnings to learn to grow other types of mushrooms as well”. “We are making candles to sell using bees wax and used candles we will melt from churches in the area.” “I will be developing a new line of Botanical decorative lamps during my second year in this grant program. I sold all of my lamps last year.” These are actual projects that will be conducted through our Supporting Entrepreneurship in Urban Agriculture Grant Program,

administered by Cook County Farm Bureau® and funded by 1st Farm Credit Services® The Grant was developed to provide urban agriculture students with start-up funds to initiate or build upon their growing agriculture knowledge about business and agriculture. The grant is available to high school students who are enrolled in agriculture courses at a Chicago Urban Public High School that offers agriculture education. Three high schools will be participating in the program this year: Chicago High School for Agriculture Sciences, Chicago Vocational Career Academy, and John Marshall. The program was created through a donor directed fund from 1st Farm Credit nearly 3 years ago and the CCFB Foundation has partnered with Luke Allen, Agriculture Program Advisor for the Facilitating Coordination in Agriculture Education to administer the

program. “We continue to be impressed with the students and the excitement when they realize they can actually start a business and through hard work and dedication be successful… The support from Cook County Farm Bureau, Agriculture Program Advisor, the teachers, and school administrators has been incredibly positive, everyone is working to help the students learn to create and run their own business” , stated by Terry L. Hinds, Chief Lending Officer at 1st Farm Credit Services. Students will be working on their entrepreneurial projects from January through April and will showcase the results at an Open House here at the Cook County Farm Bureau on April 9th from 4:30-5:30 p.m. We wish the students much success in their business planning and implementation.

Co-Operator January 2014 2 Cook County Farm Bureau

An Examination of So Called “Mad Cow” Disease

While the occurrence of “Mad Cow” Disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is rare in the US with the last reported case on April 24, 2012 it remains an important topic in agriculture. According to the Center for Disease Control, BSE is a neurological disorder of cattle caused by a prion. Research further indicates that the first probable infection occurred in the 1970s with the first two cases of BSE being identified in 1986 in the United Kingdom. The first cases of BSE are thought to be linked to bone-and-blood meal, which was originally fed to cattle, especially young calves in the United Kingdom. If the bone-and-blood meal contained BSE or scrapie, a similar disease of sheep, prions then the animals that consume the meal are likely to become infected as well. In the United Kingdom, the BSE outbreak peaked in 1993 with almost 1,000 new cases per week. Since that time, the occurrence of the disease has declined sharply. However, through April 2012, there were 23 cases of BSE in North America, four of which were in the United States and

19 in Canada, one of which was from an animal imported from the United Kingdom.

Of the four cases identified in the United States:• In 2003, an adult Holstein

cow in Washington State was identified as carrying BSE. Using animal traceability, the animal was traced back to a herd in Canada. The particular animal was a “downer” animal meaning that she was non-ambulatory at the time of harvest and underwent additional screening by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

• In 2005, the USDA received a conflicting results from a Texan cow believed to have BSE in 2004.

• In 2006, the USDA announced that a cow from Alabama was infected with BSE. The animal was again a non-ambulatory animal and underwent additional testing.

• In 2012, the USDA confirmed BSE in a dairy cow in California.

Non-Ambulatory AnimalsUpon the identification of BSE, bone-and-blood meal has been banned from certain animals’ feed. In addition, non-ambulatory animals are banned from the nation’s feed supply to further reduce the likelihood of BSE. Non-ambulatory animals also pose a higher risk of infection.

Animal TraceabilityIn 2012, the USDA announced final rules establishing general regulations for improving traceability of US livestock. Under the final rule, certain livestock moved from state-to-state must be identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection. Animal traceability enables authorities to trace an animal back to the farm where s/he originates at every point of the growing process and food chain. The near elimination of BSE from North American cattle herds is due largely to the efforts of the USDA, meat inspectors, and cattle farmers. Research continues to learn more about the BSE prion, prevention, and additional ways to protect the food system.

Editor’s NoteDear Reader, You receive the “Cooperator” because you or a family member is a Farm Bureau member. Our farm owners and operators, as members, benefit from a local, state and national organization committed to a strong and productive agricultural way of life. Members without direct ties to farming, help to promote a strong local and regional farming lifestyle, encourage wise use of our limited natu-ral resources, and help preserve our farming heritage. In addition, members are provided the opportunity to enjoy our affiliated company, Country Financial and access to the many other benefits provided by Cook County Farm Bureau. Thank you for your membership and continued support. We wel-come member input on content, including suggestions of farm, home, food, natural resource, renewable energy, agricultural heritage and farm history for future issues.

Bob Rohrer, CAE, FBCM, Editor

Co-Operatorpublished monthly

Cook County Farm Bureau6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525(ph) 708-354-3276 (fax) 708-579-6056

(e-mail) [email protected] (website) www.cookcfb.org

USPS No 132180Periodical Postage Paid at LaGrange, IL 60525 & additional mailing office

EditorBob Rohrer

Officers & DirectorsJames Gutzmer, PresidentMichael Rauch, Vice PresidentPatrick Horcher, Secretary-TreasurerDan Biernacki James Bloomstrand Cliff Harms Michael Horcher Gerald Kopping Janet McCabe Harold Stuenkel Mark Yunker Ruth Zeldenrust

Farm Bureau ManagerBob Rohrer Office StaffMelanie Paffumi Bona Heinsohn Katie Smith Linda Tobias Bob Heine Debbie Voltz Diane Merrion Kelly StanleyKelli McSherry Jeanne Sommerfeld

Affiliated CompaniesGerald Anderson ........................ Insurance Agency Manager, Rolling MeadowsJeff Orman ...................................... Insurance Agency Manager, South HollandMike Cerf ............................................. Insurance Agency Manager, North Shore Victoria Nygren ............................... Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago NorthMarc Rogala ......................................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago SouthMike Flynn ........................................... Insurance Agency Manager, CountrysideJack Smith ........................................... Insurance Agency Manager, SchaumburgCary Tate ...............................................Insurance Agency Manager, Orland ParkDave Mottet .............................................................General Manager, Conserv FS

Postmaster - Mail Form 3579 to 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525

“Co-Operator” (USPS No 132180) is published monthly as a membership publication for $2.50 per year to members as a part of their annual membership dues by Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525. Periodical postage paid at LaGrange, IL and additional mailing office. Postmaster: send address changes to the Co-Operator, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525.

Thank You Our family has been in awe over the outpouring of support from our friends, family, fellow farmers, neighbors, community members, and even complete strangers. It is with great gratitude that we thank all those who contributed in our time of need. The storm that blew through our county on Sunday, November 17th was just a reminder of how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. The winds took apart 200 foot long machine sheds and a horse barn and scattered the metal and wood debris over the next mile of corn fields. We want to thank everyone who came out to

clean up the massive amount of debris on (cold) Tuesday, November 26th. Without their help it would have taken months to tackle this job. Friends, family, church members from St. John’s of Mokena, Cook County Farm Bureau members, Will County Farm Bureau members, neighbors and strangers that just wanted to help gave us such a great gift, which we will forever be grateful. Reflecting on the event, we are so proud to be a part of a farming community that takes care of each other. God bless and have a joyous holiday season! Love Mark, Heidi, Kristen and Doug Yunker

Illinois is King For the first time in 10 years, Illinois once again possesses the title of soybean production king. According to USDA estimates, Illinois farmers raised 460.6 million bushels of soybeans this year on 9.4 million acres. Iowa ranked second with 415.3 million bushels raised on 9.23 million acres.

“We’re proud this is happening in the same year we celebrate 100 years of Illinois soybean production and the 50th anniversary of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA),” said Bill Raben, ISA chairman from Ridgway. “ISA has set a goal to utilize 600 million bushels of Illinois soybeans annually by 2020, so now that we have reached this important milestone, it’s time to keep the momentum.”

This article was originally published in FarmWeek.

Mark Your Calendars for:FREE 2014 Small Farms Winter Webinar Series

• Jan. 9 Managing Layers on Pastures

• Jan. 16 An Overview of the Philosophy & History of Organic Agriculture

• Jan. 23 Pumpkins and Gourdes

• Jan. 30 Approaches to Small Scale Farm Composting

• Feb. 6 Organic Pest Management: Insects

• Feb. 13 Organic Pest Management: Disease

• Feb. 20 Organic Pest Management: Weeds

• Feb. 27 Asparagus Production

The University of Illinois Extension presents a weekly educational series for the small farm community, providing practical knowledge on emerging topics which advance local food production in Illinois. Webinars will be held from 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Thursdays and are free. To register or for additional information visit cookcfb.org/events, or contact Debbie at 708-354-3276

Cookfresh® Cook County Grant Program for

Community Urban Gardens

The CCFB Commodities/Marketing Team is sponsoring this year’s grant program, Cookfresh® Cook County 2014. Cookfresh® Cook County is designed to “help” these gardens access needed supplies including plants, seeds, raised bed construction materials, soil, compost, fencing and more. Cookfresh® Cook County offers up to five $300.00 grants to urban/community gardens in Cook County that are seeking to enhance the garden’s success. A grant application sub-committee of the Commodities/Marketing team will evaluate grant applications based on need, project goals, fund usage, number of people served, etc. Gardens awarded a grant will be asked to display a CCFB “support” banner. Cookfresh® funds will be distributed and redeemable for supplies by participating Greenhouse/Farm Stand members. To complete an application, go to http://www.cookcfb.org/buy-local/programs or contact Debbie at CCFB at 708-354-3276 or [email protected]. Application deadline is February 28th, 2014.


In recent days, I’ve been trying to figure out what the word “temporary” means to people. I did a quick survey in the office and here’s what I learned: Diane… Temporary means “part-time, not forever, just for a short period of time”. Katie… Temporary means “not for long”. Debbie… Temporary means “not permanent”. Linda… Temporary means “part-time”. Sarah… Temporary means “intermittent”. Melanie… Temporary means “short term”. Kelly… Temporary means “not permanent”.

I did a quick survey in my home and here’s what I was told: What does Temporary mean?... Jayne…“not permanent” Kenzie…“Lasting for a short period of time” Mason…“nonpermanent – anti-forever” Ben…”It won’t always be in place and that it is non-permanent” Brant…“like my allowance?” (Actually, he said “Not concrete, just a quick fix”) Ellen…”not there for a long time, no future”

I did not survey the dogs but if I had, I bet they could answer the question…

No one said “temporary means forever”. No one said “temporary is for an extended period of time”.

No one said “temporary means permanent”.

Each of these “average” Illinoisans answered the question clearly and decisively… So why do Illinois politicians have NO knowledge or understanding of the meaning of the word “Temporary”? I was at a meeting recently with a group of farmers from the northeastern portion of Illinois. The group of farmers was talking about Farm Bureau organizational policy, government pensions, governmental dysfunction and taxes. The farmers began talking about the Temporary Income Tax that was put in place by the General Assembly by Speaker Madigan/Senate President Cullerton and signed by Governor Quinn in 2011. There was a general assumption and agreement in the room by these farmers that the Temporary Income Tax would become permanent. Further, the majority felt that the General Assembly and the Governor’s intention all along was that the Temporary Income Tax would be permanent…the word “temporary” was simply a “wink, wink” by these elected leaders. A cynical consensus that it is a foregone conclusion even before it has been decided…that public belief has no relevance in the decisions of the State. Does this seem wrong to anyone? When did “lying” to the general public become the acceptable norm? When did the public become so jaded about the process? Why do we accept this as politics as usual in Illinois? When will the public demand better?

I remember (bitterly, I might add) in 1989 when Mike Madigan (yes, our same speaker) put in place a Temporary income tax increase and then in 1993 when this Temporary income tax became permanent (Gov. Edgar) to solve the school funding crisis… How did that work out? I remember feeling very betrayed by my government…a big lesson in political trust for a young Bob. This current Temporary Income tax was sold to the voters as vital to shore up the Illinois State budget, to catch up on the massive stack of bills owed by the

State, and to focus on the pension monster… How is that working out so far? They keep taking our money, they spend it all, they don’t fix a thing, and then they want more of our money. There is never enough to feed the beast. The Temporary part does not have to become permanent. Several states including California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oregon have recently chosen NOT to extend to permanent the temporary income tax increases which the state adopted. A novel concept that temporary did not mean permanent.

And now, on top of the “temporary” shenanigans, there is an effort being made to permit the Illinois General Assembly to impose a graduated income tax…a stealthy way to grab even more tax dollars from the people employed in this state. Will we simply watch from the sidelines and then complain after the Legislators do it to us again? It will all depend on citizen apathy …Time will only tell. Next month, perhaps we should have a discussion about the “Temporary” nature of the area toll way system.

Downwindby Bob Rohrer, Manager

Define Temporary?

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Contact Information:Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525

708-354-3276 708-579-6056 Fax E-Mail: [email protected] www.cookcfb.org

State of IllinoisA brief Income Tax History

1969 First Illinois Income Tax signed into law at 2.5% of wages1983 Income Tax increased to 3% of wages1984 Income Tax rollback to 2.5% of wages1989 Temporary Income Tax added to increase to 2.75% of

wages1990 Temporary Income Tax increased percentage to 3% of

wages1993 Temporary Income Tax made permanent 3% of wages2011 Temporary Income Tax Increased to bring rate to 5% of

wages Temporary Income Tax increased to bring Corporate rate

to 9.5%2015 Scheduled Sunset for Temporary Income Tax to bring rate

down to 3.75% of wages Scheduled Sunset for Temporary Income Tax to bring

Corporate rate down to 7.75%2025 Scheduled Sunset for Temporary Income Tax to bring rate

down to 3.5% of wages Scheduled Sunset for Temporary Income Tax to bring

Corporate rate down to 7.3%


A Slice of History

A Taste of Chocolate The history of chocolate, the fermented, roasted, and ground beans of the Theobroma cacco dates back to Mesoamerica when Mokaya and other pre-Olmec people consumed it as a beverage. Soon after, Mayan and Aztec royals consumed cocoa beans during religious ceremonies. By the 19th century, Briton John Cadbury developed a process to make solid chocolate thus leading to the modern chocolate bar and soon giving way to modern chocolate.

Chocolate Sheet Cake (Recipe provided by Rae Drummond via

Foodnetwork.com)

Cake ingredients:2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 2 sticks butter 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder

Icing: 1 3/4 sticks butter 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder 6 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 pound powdered sugar 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, optional Directions: For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Stir together and set aside. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla and eggs. Mix with a fork and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, whisk in the cocoa. Meanwhile, bring 1 cup water to a boil. When the butter is melted, pour the boiling water in the pan. Allow to bubble for a moment, then turn off the heat. Pour the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture. Stir together for a moment to cool the chocolate, then pour in the egg mixture. Stir together until smooth, then pour into an ungreased jelly roll pan (or rimmed baking sheet) and bake for 20 minutes. While the cake is baking, make the icing: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla and powdered sugar. Stir together. Dump in the pecans and stir until well combined. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the warm icing over the top. You’ll want to avoid doing much spreading, so try to distribute it evenly as you pour.

Through their eyes:Field moms share

views on experience

Editor’s note: Field moms with Illinois Farm Families (IFF) visited an Ultra Foods Store and the Northern Illinois Food Bank on Nov. 9. IFF is a coalition of commodity groups for beef, corn, pork and soybeans and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Below are excerpts from the Chicago-area mom’s blogs that may be read online at {watchusgrow.org}.

Susan Herold, Rolling Meadows I need to caution my friends who are diligent label readers. Some of the labels are really just marketing ploys to get you to buy a product instead of the one next to it. I have learned to be aware of the ones which claim antibiotic and hormone-free in your meats. No meat is able to be in your grocer’s case without any trace of antibiotics or hormones.

Tanja Saarinen, Oak Park Preservatives and added ingredients in products like grated cheese gave all of us something to think about, but the big surprise was the information on Use by Dates and Best by Dates. I think there will be a lot less food thrown out in the Field Mom households after hearing about the reasons for these dates and how to better judge when food has actually spoiled.

Maggie Bartoszewski, Oak Lawn Simply choosing the cereal that is labeled as “natural’ really carries little to no weight when it comes to choosing the “healthier” cereal for my family. There are millions of marketing dollars spent on enticing the consumer to buy the product. And I’m tired of being a sucker! During this afternoon, I took the time to educate myself more about food labels, and I also learned where to go to keep educating myself. I want to be a lifelong learner, and I want my family to benefit from what I know and the changes that I can make to keep them healthy.

Renee Keats, Highland Park As Mr. (Kevin) Daugherty (Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Education Director) showed us how to make pumpkin pie in a bag while simultaneously teaching the “moms” how a simple cooking “experiment” introduces the importance of fractions, I began to wonder why my daughter’s school district though it was more important for her to know about the life cycle of the penguin instead of learning that her home state grows the greatest number of pumpkins in the country.

Amy Bizzarri, Chicago After spending time in the food bank and seeing the utter quantity of food that would have ended up in the garbage had a food bank not been in place, I renewed my promise to keep food waste to an absolute minimum in our home. I am thankful for the food on my family’s table, and I’m thankful that I had the chance to volunteer on Saturday. I will be returning to volunteer once again before the holidays, this time with my 12 year-old son in tow.

Cook CFB volunteers, Jeff Heinsohn along with Bona Heinsohn (not pictured) discussed farm to grocer sanitation with Culinary Arts students at Schaumburg High School. The presentation concentrated on farmers’ efforts to grow and maintain a safe food product. Heinsohn is a member of the Farm Bureau’s Speakers Bureau. Groups interested in scheduling a free Speakers Bureau presentation should contact Bona Heinsohn at (708)354-3276.

2014 Cook County Farmland Questionnaire/Affidavit Forms are due by January 31st. Go to www.cookcountyassessor.com/forms Go to Farm Forms – 2014 Affidavit. We recommend that you maintain a copy of the

document for future use. The Cook County Farm Bureau does provide a notary service for members. Please call the office at 708-‐354-‐3276 in advance to verify that Melanie is available.

The Orland Civic Center provides a venue that will allow more buyers to be able to participate and more farmers to attend. “This event will include organizations that are looking for local fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, artisan cheeses, dairy, poultry, and value-added products,” reported Bob Rohrer, Manager, Cook County Farm Bureau.

Plans are underway and buyers such as chefs, retail grocery stores and chains, foodservice distribu-tors and schools are invited to participate based on available space.

The event is free to farmers and may Register online at cookcfb.org/events, cookcfb.org/buy-local/programs or contact Debbie at the Cook County Farm Bureau at 708-354-3276, [email protected]. Lunch is provided; registration required.

Event Inquiries: Cook County Farm Bureau●708-354-3276●[email protected] Event Location: Orland Park Civic Center ●14750 South Ravinia Ave●Orland Park, IL 60462

T U E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 1 8 , 2 01 4 9 A M - 4 : 3 0 P M Farmers throughout Illinois wanting to meet local and regional buyers are invited to attend a Meet the Buyers event scheduled for February 18, 2014 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm near Chicago at the Orland Civic Center in Orland, IL.

MEET THE BUYER EVENT COOK COUNTY


Basil and cilantro are among the easiest herbs to grow from seed. They provide great bursts of f lavor for food preparation at your fingertips. Growing herbs in a kitchen garden or a patio container opens up fresh possibilities! What do you do with basil? Make Caprese salad with its layered tomatoes, basil leaves and mozzarella cheese. Or fresh plum tomato slices crown basil leaves with on a homemade pizza. Considering pesto with pasta, or as a spread? Lots of fresh basil is needed to make traditional olive oil-basil pesto. Or to reduce the oil, maybe you prefer an avocado, walnut, or white bean based basil pesto. The flavor depends on basil! Basil comes in over 40 different varieties! Sweet, Large Leaf, and Genovese are popular starting points for cooking. Basil is frost sensitive, but can be sown indoors about six weeks before your last frost date. Basil is very easy to direct seed in average garden soil or a pot with potting soil. It needs a sunny location. Cover the seed with one-quarter inch of soil. Do not fertilize. Basil leaf tips will turn black if the soil is too soggy. For example as when standing water is left in a container’s saucer. So be sure there is good drainage. But water thoroughly. Pruning basil every two to three weeks will result in bushier plants with more leaves. Use what you prune in the kitchen! To harvest dry basil leaves, cut the plant back to about one-quarter inch above the point where the leaves attach to the stem. This will cause

side branching and more leaves. Flowers are edible and do make a good garnish. Fresh leaves provide the best f lavor. But frozen or dried leaves are worth the effort too. Cilantro is a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes. Fresh Cilantro gives guacamole and Mexican soups, or stews a distinctive flavor. “They are not the same without it!” exclaimed my Mexican born colleague. Pared with lime juice, cilantro adds a wonderful zest to rice. Sow seeds in a sunny, moist well drained site. You can begin harvesting three to four weeks after planting. If you want cilantro for more than three or four weeks, sow a foot or two row of cilantro seed every two weeks, so new cilantro leaves are always coming up. The fresh new leaves at the top are the tastiest. Ignore the fern like ones at the bottom. Cilantro will f lower and go to seed in about forty-five days, and no longer produce leaves. That is why you make successive planting. The leaves are called cilantro, the seed coriander. Yes, same plant. Pick the Coriander seeds when they begin to turn brown, or they will shatter into the garden. Cut the stems into a paper bag, and let them ripen for a few weeks in the bag. Coriander can be ground with a mortar and pestle and used with cumin to season roasted summer or winter vegetables. With mouthwatering thoughts of why you want to grow these herbs, it is time to purchase some seeds. The largest selections are available from online or print seed catalogs and stores early, so don’t delay.

Greenovations: Grow Great Tastes with Annual Basil & Cilantro

By Nancy Pollard, University of Illinois

Extension Horticulture Educator

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Cook CFB leader Karen Biernacki (pictured) along with Cook CFB Board Member Dan Biernacki generously donated their time and talent to decorate the Farm Bureau’s tree on the RMH near Lurie’s rooftop garden.

1st Place: Pleasant Dreams, trimmed by Dorothy & Larry Biernacki; Tree from Big John’s Farm Stand & Greenhouse in Chicago Heights; Donation made to St. Matthais Church Food Pantry

Runner Up: Family, trimmed by Scott Miller; Tree from Puckerville Farms in Lemont; Donation to Chicago Food Depository

Bought It, Trimmed It, Photographed and Emailed It ~

2013 Trim the Tree Contest Winners receiving the most votes are...

Gerry Kopping (left), Commodities/Marketing Team Chairman, presented checks to Kevin of Big John’s Farm Stand and winners, Larry & Dorothy Biernacki.


AITC

Agricultural Literacy& Public Relations

Careers in Ag in Demand

Ag Lit Bit By Diane Merrion

SCHOOL GARDEN GRANT 2014(Now accepting applications!)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Diane Merrion, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator

6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL [email protected]

Phone: 708-354-3276 fax: 708-579-6056

As the New Year begins, we all hope for

a stronger economy, including more jobs in 2014. In just a few short months, a whole new crop of college graduates will enter the workforce and a new group of high school graduates will find out what colleges or trade schools have accepted them. A bright spot in the career forecast is the field of agriculture, where jobs are being created and sometimes not filled due to a shortage of candidates. When agriculture is mentioned as a career, often people think that means being a farmer. While that is an admirable occupation, it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the multitude of options in the agriculture industry. Think Plant Scientist/Agronomist, Horticulturist, Ag Finance Loan Officer, Ag Insurance Specialist, Certified Appraiser, Commodity Merchandiser, Logistics and Supply Chain Manager, Warehouse Facility Manager, Soil Scientist, Hydraulics Technician, Welder, Electrical Engineer or Ag Education Teacher to name a few. It’s often difficult to understand what to study to be in these fields or what it takes to enter a particular career. In order to help that process, there is now

an ag careers website to help you understand more about our industry. To see actual career profiles, you can visit the website, www.mycaert.com. The site tells you about specific job titles, highlights an individual in that career, features high school courses to take, experience needed, degrees (if required), potential employers, salaries and even the employment outlook and professional organizations. This information will not only be helpful to high school and college students, but also to younger children to think about what they want to be when they grow up. As schools transition to Common Core, a new emphasis is being placed on college and career readiness and this can serve as a tool to look into the possibilities that exist within the agricultural sector. Each month this year, I will be featuring a different Ag Career on this page. We will learn what the job entails and how someone might enter this field of agriculture. Please share the information with those seeking jobs, looking for college majors or teaching young children about important jobs in our world. Agriculture is Illinois’ largest industry, so don’t be left behind.

Agronomist/Plant ScientistAgronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel and fiber. Agronomists or Plant Scientists are heavily involved with research and agriculture, often conducting their research out in farm fields. One area an agronomist may work on is consulting with farmers on how to more effectively use their land and increase their yields. Usually individuals in this area have an interest in biology and chemistry. They may work for the USDA, a seed company or even a lawn service or a bank. A bachelor’s degree is usually necessary and a master’s degree helpful.

ArboristAn Arborist plants, grows, maintains and removes trees. Arborists work for private tree companies, municipalities, or even universities. It is helpful to have a bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, forestry, plant science, biology or a related field. In lieu of a four year degree, some arborists may obtain training and get certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/ ). In researching this field, it’s important to consider your willingness to be at heights of 80 feet or more and be employed in a dangerous occupation.

Author Peggy Thomas, shown here signing copies of her book, was featured in a workshop hosted by Illinois Ag in the Classroom during the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in December. Ms. Thomas spoke about the process of taking

her book, Farmer George Plans a Nation, from outline to publication. She provided a glimpse into her inspiration behind the topic, the years of editing and re-writing and finally the finished and illustrated product. Ms. Thomas explained that during a trip with her

husband and daughter, they stopped for a tour of Mt. Vernon. After touring Washington’s farm, she became fascinated by his efforts to create self-sufficiency through agriculture and this became the seed that grew into her new book. Ms. Thomas said she never set out to write a book about George Washington, as there were thousands of books on the topic. What she didn’t see, however, was a children’s book about his connection to farming and agriculture so her research continued and became this outstanding ‘Accurate’ Ag book. Illinois Ag in the Classroom Director, Kevin Daugherty, explained how challenging it is to find authors who portray agriculture accurately, both in the illustrations and the text. Ms. Thomas’s book accomplishes both of these and also provides a wonderful, engaging non-fiction text to be read by all.

Hear what teachers are saying about the FREE 4th Grade “In-School” field trip……

“Love the presentation and the hands on activities provided to the students. I also like the new additions to the presentation.”“The lesson was very engaging and linked with Common Core.” “This program covers content from our curriculum in an engaging and meaningful way!”“The presentation really opened my students’ eyes to the importance of agriculture in our world.”“My students were engaged and excited to go home to share what they learned with their parents. I am very excited to use what we learned in further activities in the classroom.” “The presentation helped make the students more aware about the agriculture industry. This presentation also helps with the Illinois unit that we teach in Social Studies.”

Call us today to book your one hour presentation.

The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation is offering a paid internship within the Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Program in Countryside, IL. The internship will begin in May 2014 and will extend to August 2014. Applicant should have completed 60 undergraduate hours (at an accredited college or university) and be majoring in Ag Education or Ag Communications. The

position requires speaking with small and large groups and sharing agriculture knowledge with teachers and students throughout our county. Excellent computer skills including Excel and Publisher are necessary. This position will work on a wide variety of administrative projects, children’s programming, social media updating, teacher training (includes some travel),

newsletter writing and inventory preparation for fall programming. Interested candidates should visit our website: www.cookcfb.org and follow link to Cook CFB Foundation where internship application can be found. Inquiries can also be emailed to Diane Merrion, Ag Literacy Coordinator, [email protected]

Open the door to a career in ag!

Purpose: To provide a funding supplement for a Cook County elementary, middle or high school for the continuation of or implementation of a school garden. (This excludes community, college and pre-school gardens.)

Goal: To develop student awareness of agriculture through school gardening and promote curriculum development of concepts that transfer from the garden to the classroom to the home.

Grant: The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation® will award 5 grants of up to $300 each to schools in Cook County. Due 2/1/14.

Apply: Go to www.cookcfb.org and click on Ag Literacy/Grants.

Summer Internship

Author Inspires Teachers


Farming Machinery Word Search

You could win a products basket & movie tickets!

Complete the Word Search puzzle and your name will be entered into a drawing for 4 movie tickets! Deadline is the 15th of this month.

Mail to: Cook Co. Farm Bureau

Ag Adventures Word Search 6438 Joliet Rd

Countryside, IL 60525 Fax to: (708)579-6056

Email to: [email protected]

Complete and send the puzzle all 12 months and your name is automatically entered into an “End of Year” drawing for an Agricultural Illinois Products Basket.

Name:__________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________

_______________________________________ Phone #:______________________________________ Membership #:_______________________________

(on front of paper above name/address)

AGRICULTURE ADVENTURES FOR FAMILIES

BALER COMBINE CROPS FARMING GPS GRAINS HARVEST MACHINERY

F B Y R T C G L J R B V M N R

A I I J O R H X W S E H Y V E

R U E Q U W A C V E F L P D H

M Z L X R V P C N V R W A Q S

I A D W M N K L T P Q A F B E

N S M A Z F C X A O H N R S R

G P A Q L K V L Z N R J N U H

Y P P R F E U U M V T O F E T

C O S R G B O C G T C E N B E

D Y T A P A C V S G F I R X V

G P R D K O U R L J B R L F D

J M D E R N E Z N M L Q T J R

S I H M N A L E O N D H A S V

U A I P P I Y C H A R V E S T

M C B E O F H W O S N I A R G

K U R S R A Y C G L J E D J B

A B M P K W A M A D X K Z T X

A M I O B G P S I M K I E D D

Y W I R U O O A V I Z W C F P

R E D C L L I R D D E E S V B

MCCORMICK REAPER ROW PLANTER SEED DRILL SOIL THRESHER TRACTOR YIELD MAPS

Last month’s winner of four movie tickets was : Dona Forte

Could you be next?!

Ag Machinery has many Chicago connections such as the reaper, invented by Cyrus McCormick. Cyrus McCormick of Virginia was responsible for liberating farm workers from hours of back-breaking labor by introducing the farmers to his newly invented me-chanical reaper in July, 1831. By 1847, Cyrus McCormick began the mass manufac-ture of his reaper in a Chicago factory. Farmers used to harvest crops by hand. They cut the stalks and stacked them in large piles, then the farmer had to separate the grain from the stalk by hand. It took many people to do these tasks until Cyrus invented the reaper. The reaper had a turning wheel that moved a blade back and forth to cut the stalks. The thresher came shortly after the reaper was invented. The thresher separated the grain from the stalks. Farmers then used a reaper to cut the stalks and a thresher to remove the grain. The reaper was eventually replaced by the self-propelled combine, operated by one man, which cuts, gathers, threshes, and sacks the grain mechanically (also called harvesting). The reaper was the first step in a transition from hand labor to the mechanized farming of today. It brought about an industrial revolution, as well as a vast change in agriculture. If you would like to see how a combine is made from scratch, visit John Deere Har-vester Works in Moline, IL. You will be amazed during this tour at the process in-volved in creating this modern machine. For reservations or more information, call (309) 765-8000 or toll free (800)765-9588. *Information provided by about.com and Illinois Ag Mag

Fanstastic Farm Machines, By Cris Peterson

The day-to-day business of growing and harvesting crops for food is brought to dramatic life in this Nebraska Chil-dren's Agriculture Book of the Year as children see farm-ers and their machinery hard at work. Farmers lifted and hauled, cut and chopped, plowed and planted, watered and mowed by hand or with horses and simple equipment--until the first tractor appeared. Now there are tractors with eight wheels and tires big enough to stand in, skid steers with buckets for lifting, and sprayers that look like

huge prehistoric birds, as well as many other modern computerized farming machines. Here's a look at farm machinery in the modern age.

Farmers use lots of different equipment to get the job done. Here are a few of the most important ones:

This is pulled by the tractor and used to make bales out of crops like hay. It makes a round bale that is 4'x4' tall. Each bale will feed about 25 cows a day. Baler

Combine

This is used to harvest all kinds of crops. It does more than one thing--like pick and clean the crop. Modern combines can cost several hundred thousand dollars, which is why many farmers share them.

Row Planter

Seed Drill

Tractor

This is pulled by a tractor. It is used to plant grains and vegetable seeds. This can make different kinds of ditches that the seeds go in depending on what kind of soil there is.

This is one of the most important pieces of equipment that a farmer has. He uses it to pull equipment and crop wagons. The equipment company makes the cabs of these very comfortable, too. The farmer picks the tractor size based on what he wants to pull with it.

The containers at the top hold the seeds to be planted. This is pulled across the field that the farmer wants to plant. Today’s planters can plan up to 48 rows at once.


To-do list scrambled? Check.

The trip should have been quick. It was supper-time and my husband was tilling into the darkness of a late December evening. I planned one of those drop-off-and-go meals. Rather, I arrived to take over a flat-head screw driver to dig mud and corn stalk residue from a plugged tillage reel. An estimated 90 minutes of kitchen work sat a bit longer in the minivan. I should know by now to expect the unexpected. It seems something often interrupts the task-at-hand on the farm. We groan on occasion. We can just laugh at some of it, too, because when put in perspective some challenges are easy. Particularly, the ones that allow you to regain control. Yet it seems uncontrollable factors challenge the farm viability more often than ever. Like our ancestors, we face the age-old challenges of weather. For good reason the eldest in my family maintain a mental history of droughts, f loods, wet springs, mild summers and sub-zero winters like sports buffs know baseball records. Fast forward. Toss in some modern-day market volatility, tightening margins and over-reaching government regulations and the New Year generates a weary smirk. This winter, I’ve had relatives

mention the discomfort of putting their heads into farm magazines ahead of bedtime, when the new reality can keep us from sound slumber.With the change of the calendar, I wonder what the New Year will bring in all facets: weather, markets, politics, and profitability. The farm bill debate spanned three years and two congresses. The EPA changes mandates for crop-derived biofuels. Market swings in crop values that a generation ago took days now happen in minutes on the trading floor. And after a few strong, profitable years, we now look at ways to keep the line graph from plummeting too far with crop values on a downward trend. On the flip side, we start the ride off good times. We begin the New Year with the same hope for a great crop and growing season. Despite tightening margins, we still want to improve. And we face a new season with family. I’m still young in this business, but I know enough to attempt to control the controllable and put strategies in place to deal with the uncontrollable. Risk management would be the modern term for it. Still, I prefer situations you can prevent or change with hard work or a screw driver.

Your South Holland Agency

AUTO I HOME I LIFE I DISABILITY INCOME LONG TERM CARE I FINANCIAL SERVICES

AndrewCarrell

South Holland708-596-3999

JeffOrman

Agency Manager708-560-7777

SharonStemke

Associate Manager708-478-0423

RandallCox

Matteson708-679-1870

ElliotDay

Matteson708-679-1870

BobDeenikLansing

708-474-5600

BenGarrett

Oak Forrest708-560-7799

PatHickeyWorth

708-361-4081

MikeMcKennyOak Forrest

708-560-7777

GaryMolenhouse

Manhattan815-478-0190

KirkNickersonSouth Holland

708-331-3323

TedParks


JimParthemore

Orland Park708-226-1896

TimPerchinski

Steger708-754-7300

YolandaRossAlsip

708-239-0111

BobSmith

Homewood708-798-4844

John Tameling

Lansing708-474-5600

Paul TurayMokena

708-478-0423

JoshVan Namen

Worth708-361-3925

Tim Van Zuidam

Lansing708-474-0006

John VanGennep

Mokena708-478-5500

Jim Verduin

South Holland708-596-0008

0513-540HO

KristynMcCormick


TravisSiebert

Worth708-361-4330

Think about the Future You for a moment – a person just retired. Do

you imagine yourself on a beach somewhere? Are you finishing that novel you wanted to write? Maybe you’re spending more time with your grandkids. Whatever the Future You is doing, developing a tangible plan to get there is crucial. The first step in proper planning is separating fact from fiction: Fiction: You need to be wealthy to get help with retirement Almost half of surveyed Americans believe it’s not possible for middle-income families to save for a secure retirement, according to a recent COUNTRY Financial survey. More than half say they don’t have enough money to save or they need the money they have to pay off debts. It’s no surprise they feel this way. With all the news about the future of Social Security and negative savings rates, many people aren’t confident about their future

retirement lifestyle. The fact is you don’t need a lot of money to talk with a financial advisor about achieving financial security no matter where you’re starting from. Retirement doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but the security people feel from having a tangible plan is priceless.

Fiction: I’m too young to think about retirement You’re never too young. Start saving today. The earlier you start, the more you can earn off your investment. If a person starts putting away $3,000 per year at age 35, it’s likely that person will have almost $367,038 by the time he or she retires. If that person begins saving the same amount just a decade earlier, the total would be $839,3431. With retirement planning, you need to think long-term. You 1 Assumes hypothetical average annual rate of return of 8% and does not reflect any taxes that may be assessed on distributions. These hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the performance of any security.

shouldn’t think about the timing of the market. Instead, think about time in the market.

Fiction: I have more important financial obligations Retirement might not seem urgent to you because there’s no monthly bill. It’s easy to pay back a car loan or send a check to the power company when you see a statement every few weeks. Sadly, many Americans don’t feel the same urgency about retirement, even though the planning (or lack thereof) they do now can affect their future quality of life. Think of retirement saving as making a payment to yourself every month. A COUNTRY Financial representative can provide a tangible plan for your future financial security. The plan should be understandable, not complicated. If you have questions about retirement, feel free to call me, (agent name), at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Don’t let myths keep you from planning a successful retirement. The Future You will thank you.

“From the Country”The Truth about Retirement

Mike FlynnAgency ManagerCountryside/East DuPage Agency


PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE

Manifolds, Manolos, and Manure Yippee 2013 is lost and gone forever but I like many others probably aren’t soon to forget everything that’s happen in the past year. Last year, we

bid adieu to the Jesse Jackson Jr. and Sandi Jackson saga. But few of us can forget the actions of voters (yes, voters) in the Second Congressional District who first passed on the opportunity to elect a fresh face to represent them and their interests in Washington D.C. and instead elected Jackson despite his absentee ways. In the spring of 2013, Second Congressional District voters chose former State Representative Robin Kelly over convicted criminal Paul McKinley. As a brief reminder, in 1978 McKinley was sentenced to concurrent three- and four-year sentences for burglary and armed robbery; in 1981 he was sentenced to four

years for burglary; in 1985 he was sentenced to five years for two counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm; and 30 years for armed robbery. McKinley was paroled in 1997 according to the state Department of Corrections. In addition to over twenty years behind bars, McKinley has notched over a dozen additional arrests for protests gone bad. Also in 2013, we bid adieu to (now former) Cook County Commissioner Bill Beavers who now faces six months in prison. While the verdict surprised few, the swiftness in which it was delivered surprised not only trial observers but Beavers, himself. Prosecutors argue that Beavers used campaign funds for personal use from 2006 through 2008 without claiming those dollars as income. How he used the funds was not in question, though he did use $68,000 to pad his Chicago pension fund. The funds also brought to light Beavers’ gambling habit and his losses to the tune of $477,000 over three years.

With his characteristic swagger Beavers claimed that he hadn’t been near a riverboat in over a year and never lost a dime gambling. As the 2013 fall foliage began to appear, candidates throughout the state and in Cook County began the petition dance. By December, 58 candidates had filed petitions to fill a number of local seats including the open seat left by incumbent Commissioner Earlean Collin’s refusal to run again. Among those lined up to assume the reins of the First District is former 29th Ward alderman Isaac Carothers. Carothers left the City Council in 2010 after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges a.k.a. accepting bribes. Carothers is joined by Chicago’s former Streets and Sanitation boss Al Sanchez, who is seeking the reins of the Fourth District. Recently released from prison, Sanchez is aiming to upset incumbent Commissioner Stanley Moore who was appointed to the seat after Beavers and his characteristic

swagger were convicted of inappropriate use of campaign funds. Sanchez spent two-and-a-half years in prison camp in Marion for illegal hiring and promotions for members of the now-disbanded Hispanic Democratic Organization. Adding fodder for political pundits, from October 1 through the 16 the federal government shutdown operations after Congress failed to enact legislation appropriating funds for Fiscal Year 2014 or a continuing resolution. It would be nice to say that this is a rarity in the U.S.’ history but the government shut down routine operations in 2011 and 1995 as well. The past year is memorable for more reasons than just the Jesse Jackson Jr. and Sandi Jackson saga, Bill Beavers conviction, McKinley’s bid for the Second Congressional District, two convicted criminals seeking County Board seats, and the government shutdown but it sure makes for good conversation and an even more interesting 2014.

By Bona Heinsohn

Policy Question of the MonthName one candidate or elected official who met with leaders from

Cook CFB during the Illinois Farm Bureau® Annual Meeting.Email your answer to [email protected] or [email protected] or call (708)354-3276 to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

DECEMBER’S WINNER for the Public Policy Question of the Month was George DeBoer. Congratulations!

December’s question: Name one County Commissioner who met with Public Policy Team members during Lobby Day.Possible Answers: During Lobby Day, Farm Bureau members met with Commissioners Jerry Butler, Stanley Moore, Joan Patricia Murphy, Jesus Garcia, Edwin Reyes, Peter Silvestri, John Daley, John Fritchey, Larry Suffredin, Gregg Goslin, Timothy Schneider, Jeffrey Toboloski, and Elizabeth Gorman. Members also met with Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Bona Heinsohn, Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations

6438 Joliet Rd., Countryside, Il [email protected] phone: 708.354.3276 fax: 708.579.6056

Please visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/Cook.County.Farm.Bureau.IL to be updated on agricultural issues and Cook County Government.

The Yes! For Independent Maps’ Constitutional amendment seeks to eliminate the Illinois General Assembly from the legislative redistricting process. Their proposal would replace the General Assembly with an appointed commission in an attempt to create unbiased legislative maps. Yes! For Independent Maps’ proposal provides that an 11 member commission would create new legislative maps for the Illinois General Assembly by June 30 after the decennial census. Commissioners would be vetted by an Applicant Review Panel. The panel would recommend 100 individuals for further consideration. Of the 100, the four legislative leaders may remove up to five each. Seven commissioners are then selected randomly from the remaining pool. Of the seven, three must reside in Cook County and the remaining four commissioners must reside in each of the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial districts. Of the seven commissioners, two must be affiliated with the party of the last elected governor; two must be affiliated with the party of the last gubernatorial candidate that received the second most votes; and three must not be affiliated with any political party. Four commissioners shall be appointed

by each of the four General Assembly leaders (one selection per leader) from the remaining pool of applicants. The proposal also provides that if the commission fails to approve new maps by June 30, a Special Commissioner shall be appointed to create the maps. The Special Commissioner must meet all requirements for applicants for commissioners. The proposal also provides that the new legislative districts: • Must be contiguous and

substantially equal in population

• May not dilute or diminish racial or language minority communities

• Shall respect geographic integrity of units of local government and

• Shall respect the geographic integrity of communities sharing common social and economic interests.

The Yes! For Independent Maps’ proposal is a ballot initiative. A major test of any amendment to the Illinois Constitution proposed through the ballot initiative process is whether it will meet the strict interpretation of Section 3 of the Constitutional Review Article. Within this Article, it states that “amendments shall be limited to structural and procedural

subjects,” which the Illinois Courts have narrowly interpreted this provision. Arguably, the Yes! For Independent Maps’ amendment meets the “procedural” portion of the Constitution but there’s significant concern that the proposal does not meet the “structural” portion of the Constitution. Illinois Farm Bureau® feels that the constitutionality of the proposal most likely does not meet the standards set for amending the Illinois Constitution. Therefore, they are not support the effort at this time. At this time, there exists two options to amend the Illinois Constitution. The first is by seeking and securing the passage of a Joint Resolution of the General Assembly, followed by voter approval. The second option, which only allows the Legislative Article to be amended in a very strict and narrow way, is by voter petition. The Committee for Legislative Reform and Term Limit’s proposal would be by voter petition. Since the adoption of the 1970 Illinois Constitution there have been 18 proposed amendments of which 10 have been approved and seven failed voter approval. All but one amendment was placed on the ballot by action of the General Assembly.

Farm Bureau Leadership Reviews Proposed Constitutional Amendment

Forest Preserve District Budget Receives Unanimous Approval

In December, Cook County Commissioners unanimously approved President Toni Preckwinkle’s Fiscal Year 2014 Forest Preserve $179 million budget proposal. The budget includes: • $57M General Operating Fund• $3M Self-Insurance Fund• $3M for Construction and Development • $4M for Capital Improvements (carryover)• $12.6M for Bond and Interest Fund• $3.2M Annuity and Benefit Fund• $15.2M for Brookfield Zoo (the Zoo brings in $49M) • $9.4M for the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG brings in $22.2M)

President Preckwinkle’s budget proposal highlights the following priorities for the Forest Preserve District in 2014:• The restoration of forests, savannahs, wetlands and prairies • An increased focus on community outreach and engagement• A foundation for long-term fiscal security with responsible and

sustainable spending, and• Efforts to refine and modernize District hiring and procurement

practices.• In regards to fees, picnic, pool and other licenses and permits charges remain unchanged. In September, Farm Bureau contacted the District and recommended the creation of a three-day horse tag/rider fee. The District is investigating such a tag/rider fee. New this year is a one day horse permit fee for $5.

State Legislature Approves Pension Reform After several months of negotiations, the Illinois General Assembly returned to the State House to consider a pension reform proposal negotiated largely by members of the Conference Committee, four legislative leaders, and Governor. After months of negotiation, the proposal was approved by a vote of 62-53-1 in the House of Representatives and 30-24-1 in the Senate. The Governor has indicated that he will sign the bill. Opposition to the legislation was led by the Illinois Education Association and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) unions in addition to several gubernatorial candidates. Farm Bureau worked with a coalition lead by the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club to support the legislation.

Overall, the legislation is estimated to save the state $160 billion over 30 years. In the first year, the legislation it will save close to $1.3 billion; however, the state’s current pension obligation payment, including debt service is $7.7 billion. Savings will be generated from making changes in pension benefits (approximately $86 billion in savings) and changes in funding mechanisms (approximately $74 billion in savings). The legislation will also bring the funded level of the four pension systems to 100% in that same time period. The main change in employee and retiree benefits is in the area of the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs). The current three percent compounded benefit adjustments will be changed, generating most of the savings. There are a number of additional changes. Governor Quinn now has 60 days to act on the pension reform legislation.


MEMBER RELATIONSCook County Financial

Representatives of the Month

The Financial Representative of the Month program is designed by Country Financial Agency Managers of Cook County to recog-nize overall Insurance Leaders in Life, Disability, Auto, Home, and Health production during the month. The agent earns the award through efforts to provide quality service to existing and new clients. Listed below are the various agents honored by their agency man-ager with the Financial Representative of the Month designation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Katie Smith, Director of Membership, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, Il 60525

[email protected] phone: 708.354.3276 fax:708.579.6056

Cook County Farm Bureau’s Member Service Center is now on Facebook. We will keep you up-to-date on all upcoming events, new membership benefits and programs. Look us up by searching “Cook County Farm Bureau Membership/Benefits”

Ilir Numani Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency ManagerIlir Numani has been named Chicago North Career Financial Representative of the month for November 2013. His office is located at 4708 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773) 427-4364.

Ilir has been a Financial Representative since April 2005.

Alex McElroy Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency ManagerAlex McElroy has been named Chicago North Employee Financial Representative of the month for November 2013. His office is located at 1426 W. Fullerton Avenue in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773)472-

1820. Alex has been a Financial Representative since January 2008.

Kirk Gregory Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency ManagerKirk Gregory has been named Chicago South Career Financial Representative of the month for November 2013. His office is located at 10414 S. Western Ave in Chicago, IL. His phone number is 773-239-7880.

Kirk has been a Career Representative since February 2012.

Ciria Serrano Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency ManagerCiria Serrano has been named Chicago South Employee Financial Representative of the month for November 2013. Her office is located at 3458 S. Halsted St. in Chicago, IL. Her phone number is (773) 254-5810.

Ciria has been a Financial Representative since Sepetember 2012.

Tony Munno Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency ManagerTony Munno has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for October 2013. Tony’s office is located at 6438 Joliet Rd. in Countryside, IL. His phone number is (708) 352-5555. Tony has been a

Financial Representative since September 2012. His email address is [email protected].

Bill Asimakopoulos Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency ManagerBill Asimakopoulos has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. His office is located at 737 Plainfield Rd. in Darien, IL. His phone number is (630) 887-7788. Bill has been a

Financial Representative since March 1999. His email address is [email protected].

Lena Stovall Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency ManagerLena Stovall has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. Her office is located at 25 S. Prospect Ave in Park Ridge, IL. Her phone number is (847) 696-9484. Lena has been a Financial

Representative since January 2008.

Kurt Mass Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency Manager Kurt Mass has been named Employee Representative of the Month for November 2013. His office is located at 25 S. Prospect Ave in Park Ridge, IL. His phone number is (847) 696-9484. Kurt has been a Financial

Representative since April 2013.

Tom Geraghty Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency ManagerTom Geraghty has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. His office is located at 5003 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. His phone number is (708)425-9700. Tom Geraghty has been

a Financial Rep since December 1982.

Troy Vidovic Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency ManagerTroy Vidovic has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. His office is located at 12130 S. Harlem Ave, Unit A in Palos Heights, IL. His phone number is (708)361-3665. Troy

Vidovic has been a Financial Rep since February 2010.

Bill Schutz Rolling Meadows Agency, Jerry Anderson, Agency ManagerBill Schutz has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. Bill’s office is located at 51 W. Seegers Road, Ste. 1 in Arlington Heights, IL. His phone number is 847-690-1980. Bill has been

an agent since November 1985.

John Doherty Schaumburg Agency, Jack Smith, Agency ManagerJohn Doherty has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. John’s office is located at 10A W. Schaumburg Rd., in Schaumburg, IL. His phone number is (847) 519-9922. John has

been a Financial Representative since May 1992.

Zachary Youngblood Schaumburg Agency, Jack Smith, Agency ManagerZachary Youngblood has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. Zach’s office is located at 2435 W. Schaumburg Rd. in Schaumburg, IL. His phone number is (847) 891-6870.

Zach has been a Financial Representative since February 2002.

Jim Verduin South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency ManagerJim Verduin has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. Jim’s office is located at 17080 S. Park Ave in South Holland, IL. His phone number is (708) 596-0008. Jim has been a

Financial Representative since March 1982.

Gary Molenhouse South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency ManagerGary Molenhouse has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for November 2013. Gary’s office is located at 108 State St, PO Box 93 in Manhattan, IL. His phone number is (815) 478-0190. Gary has

been a Financial Representative since September 2009.

Cook County Farm Bureau Nights

SATURDAY, DEC. 7, AT 7 P.M. VS. Oklahoma City Barons

Sunday, DEC. 22, AT 4 P.M. VS. Milwaukee Admirals

Sunday, DEC. 29, 2013 AT 4 P.M.VS. Charlotte Checkers

FREE HAT FOR THE GROUP LEADER OF GROUPS 15PEOPLE OR LARGER!

# oftickets = _______ at $32.00 = $ _______ GOLD SEATING(rows 2-7 off of the glass)

ENJOY GREAT SEATS AT SPECIAL

GROUP PRICES

*$38.00 TICKETS FOR $32.00

*$28.50 TICKETS FOR $22.50

*$21.50 TICKETS FOR $15.50

*$18.50 TICKETS FOR $12.50

*Indicates day-of-game price

SEE CHICAGOWOLVES.COM/TICKETS FOR

FURTHER INFORMATION

# oftickets = _______ at $22.50 = $ _______ ORANGE SEATING(lower level center ice) HOW TO ORDER

# oftickets = _______ at $15.50 = $ _______GREEN SEATING(lower level corner/end OR 2ndlevel sides – based on availability) BY PHONE:Stefanie Starck(847)832-1939

BY MAIL:# of tickets = _______ at $12.50 = $ _______ BLUE SEATING (2nd level corner/end) Chicago Wolves

Attn: CCFB, c/o Stefanie Starck2301 Ravine WayGlenview, IL 60025

Game(s) of choice: ____________________

BY FAX:(847) 724-1652, Attn: Stefanie StarckTOTAL ENCLOSED: $

This flyer cannot beused in conjunction with any other ticket offer.All payments must be received by NOON

on the day prior to your chosen game.

ACCT. NO: 47-11006 G#4(APON)

Name: ___ _____________________________________________________

Address: __ ___________________________________________________ _

City/State/Z p: __________________________________________________i

Please make all checks payable to:CHICAGO WOLVES

Email:_________________________________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION,CONTACT Stefanie Starckat

(847) 832-1939 [email protected]

Phone (C):_______________________(W):___________________________

/ AMX / MC/ VS No.: ______________________________________

Card Exp.: ____________________Sec. Code: ________________________

Billing Address: __________________________________________________

Only Cook County Farm Bureau Members can take advantage of the following benefit with Beggar’s Pizza: Purchase a family size 1 topping pizza and get a small thin cheese pizza ($11 value) for FREE, or get a FREE deep dish chocolate chip cookie ($5 value) with purchase of a family size pizza. Visit the ‘Members Only’ section of our website www.cookcfb.org to print your coupon and to view a listing of participating locations. Refer to the back of your membership card for log in information or contact us at (708)354-3276 to obtain your username and password.

Visit www.beggarspizza.com to view a menu online.


ClassifiedsAll items listed are for the accommodation of the membership and without guarantee of the publisher.

MiscellaneousSolid Oak Computer desk, hutch, corner top, printer/fax table. Photos available $250 OBO. Little Tikes toy box full of stuffed bears $50 OBO. Solid oak high chair $40 OBO. Ladies upscale clothing size 10-12-14. Coach bags, mens suits sz 38-40. Call 708-837-0248.

Dining room table/chairs. China cabinet. Please call 708-418-5869.

Ten piece living room furniture, couch, loveseat, rust color, 2 chairs beige dark wood, 4 tables, 2 lamps, kitchen table w/4 chairs whiteish wood. Best offer. Call 708-373-6405.

5-Stainless Steel Storage Racks-$100 each. 5-custom Pizza Racks-$175 each. 3-30”x30” Stainless Steel Table-$125 each. 2-24”x120” Stainless Steel Tables-$225 each. 1-True Pizza Prep Table & Cooler-$2,500. 1-14”x14” Norlake Walk in Freezer with Exterior Ramp for Freezer-$9,500. 1-8”x10” Norlake Walk in Freezer $6,500. Mini Pack Shrink Wrap Machine-$2,000. 1-Univex Drive Unit-Shredder-Slicer with Shredder Discs-$1,500. 1-Three Compartment Sink with Hydro Sinkmaster Soap Dispenser and Facet with Grease Trap-$700. 1-Zebra ZM600 Labels Printer with Software and Labels-$1,500. Located in Griffith Indiana for pick-up. More small items too, will consider offers and can send photos upon request. Call 708-308-1151 if interested.

1 Origo non-pressurized alcohol stove, brand new, never used. Model #1500, $125. Please call Chet at 708-636-8965.

Overhead garage door, insulated 9 ft wide, 10 ft high. Complete w/all hardware, $250. Call cell at 708-259-3025.

Large rocking chair, hard-rock maple wood with stencil. Beautiful piece of furniture $95. Ask for Mary at 847-297-6807.

Craftsman 10” sliding compound miter box with lazer trac. Model #21237. Brand new still in box $150 cash, sells for $248 in store. Also have Carhart brown dock 1 piece coveralls, brand new size 48 regular $80. Call Bob at 708-426-9065.

12’ Werner fiberglass step ladder Series 7300, Model 7312, wt. 55 lbs., type 1A, rated up to 375 lbs. $245 new, asking $175. 16’ Werner aluminum step ladder Series 400, Model 416, wt. 77 lbs., type 1AA, rated up to 375 lbs. $529 new, asking $375. Please call Phil at 630-887-5663.

Motorized Vehicles and Accessories

Cadillac 1977 Coupe – Triple Burgundy, extra nice $7,500. Call 708-895-2713.

Camper for sale, 5th wheel must , 1 slide out, very good condition. Like new. $6,000 OBO. Call 708-534-0659.

Tractors/ Farm Equipment

Snowblower’s, tractors, chainsaws, generators “all power equipment. Repair, parts, service – pickup/delivery service. Lockport, IL. Please call with questions 815-588-1200 or 630-202-4940.

Vacation Rentals/Sales

For rent: Hilton Grand Vacations Condo Suites

Resorts in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami Beach,

Hawaii, New York, Colorado. 5-7 nights in

a one bedroom suite, sleeps 4. Anywhere

Hilton Grand Vacation Clubs are located. Check

out www.stayhgv.com. This is my timeshare

I’m renting. ABSOLUTELY NO PRESENTATION

REQUIRED. $750 for 5-7 nights depending on

dates & peak season. Call John at 708-280-7975

to check availability on dates & details.

Coconut Bay Condo for rent/sale. Unit #29

(red week) in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. 3

bedroom, 2 bath, full kitchen, washer/dryer,

pool, boat slip. On the beach front. Call 708-

287-5519.

Real Estate For Sale/Rent

For sale 40 acre farm no buildings 1,000 feet south of proposed 3rd Peotone airport. If interested, make an offer. Oh Crawford, just north of Beecher Peotone blacktop. Call 708-441-9493.

Home for sale, 1829 Brower Place, Sycamore, IL. Beautiful, Newer 3 BR/2.5 BA with Large Open Loft; 2,665 sq ft; Backs to Pond with Fountain; Move-in Ready; Reduced to $249,900; Details & Photos on Zillow.com; (815) 508-0406.

After 45 years, old man needs to dispose 7-rm, 3rd floor Madison Park (Chicago) vintage apartment in a 3-unit Condominium, furnished. $252,500 net. Details at www.sdogv.com/forsale.html. Hearing impaired, so contact by e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

Cottage apartment – Calumet City Senior

Complex, all utilities included $775 per mo.

Call 708-895-2713.

WantedVintage outboard motors, also small toy electric

outboard motors: Johnson, Mercury, Evinrude,

etc. Call 708-361-8230.

Need to pay Holiday bills? Collector buying

war relics and antique military items. Also,

old guns and ammunition. Swords, bayonets,

helmets, knives, personal gear and old west

jitems. Paying $18 for pre-1926 silver dollars.

Please call Frank at 847-253-4685 or email a list

of pictures to [email protected].

Oliver 1655 or white 2-70 tractor, gas engine

only. Good running shape, late model

preferred. Call Paul at 708-349-0617.

FREE Classified Adsfor Cook County Farm Bureau members

All Cook County Farm Bureau members may run four non-commercial classified ads annually free in the Cooperator. Ads must be in our office by the 15th of each month. Ads received after the 15th will be in the following month’s paper.

Category: o For Sale Misc. o For Sale Other o For Rent o Wanted

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

Farm Bureau # __________________________________ Phone ______________________________

Please be sure to include a contact phone number where interested buyers can contact you. Attach your ad to this form (typed or written) and please PRINT CLEARLY.

Mail this form and attached ad to: Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Rd, Countryside, IL 60525.

You can also fax your ad to (708)579-6056 or email to [email protected] ad rate: $.75 per word; $15.00 minimum.

“502,000” is the number of

Cooperators sent to households in the last year!

It’s no wonder the classified ad section is so popular

with our members!

The Cooperator, official publication of the Cook County Farm Bureau, does accept paid advertising. A copy of the rate card may be accessed at www.cookcfb.org in News and Views

or call the CCFB office at 708.354.3276 for a copy. The publication goes to more than 40,000 households each month.

IAACU Money Clip: ALL ABOUT CREDIT SCORE SERIES - PART 3 Don’t make it worse! Now that we know how our score is determined… what can we do to make it better…..or worse? One of the worst things that you can do is not pay your credit card, loan, or mortgage payments on time. A single missed payment can drop your score 60-70 points, and take 24 months of on-time payments to erase one missed payment. Unpaid credit card or loan payments can be turned over to a collections agency, and can stay on your credit report up to seven years. Maxing out your credit cards can lower your score as much as 100 points. Remember available credit capacity is the second largest part of your credit score. Closing a credit line, such as a credit card can hurt you as this reduces the amount of credit you have available. Closing an old card with available credit, especially your oldest one, can make your credit history seem shorter than what it really is. Missing a mortgage payment is more harmful than missing credit card or loan payments, and it can lead to foreclosure. In terms of your credit score, filing bankruptcy is the single most harmful thing that you can do. The number of points lost for bankruptcy will depend on your score before filing. As an example if you previously had a score of 780, then your score will drop 220-240 points.

IAACU Money Clip: ALL ABOUT CREDIT SCORE SERIES - PART 4 Some things can improve your credit. Co-signing on a loan is tricky, as it can be good or bad for you. If the payments on the loan are made on time, it will help your credit score. However, if the primary bor-rower misses a payment, defaults, or even files bankruptcy, this will have a negative impact on your score. In these cases you may be the one now responsible for making the payments. Student loans that are not in repayment yet are not counted in your score. Once the loan comes due then they will be factored in. These are just as important as any other installment loan as lenders do review them as well.

Rate shopping will not hurt you if you do it correctly. Hard inquiries are an indication that a creditor has reviewed your score, and too many of these can hurt you. However, when shopping for rates, such as for a car loan, only one hard inquiry will count on your score within a certain time frame, normally 30-45 days. So make sure you do shop around for the best interest rate.

IAACU Money Clip: All About Credit Scores - PART 5 No quick fixes…Unfortunately there are no quick fixes to repair credit. You don’t actually rebuild your credit score, you rebuild your credit history. The length of time to rebuild your credit after a negative item on your history depends on the reason. Missed payments will count for less, and will fade as time passes, so poor credit will not haunt you forever. Collections and most public records will stay on your credit report for 7 years. Bankruptcies will also stay on your report for a minimum of 7 years, some will remain for 10; unpaid tax liens will remain for 15 years. As a last reminder make sure to MONITOR YOUR CREDIT! Request a free copy of your credit report and review it for errors, 50% of reports contain errors. Check to make sure there are no late payments listed incorrectly, the amount owed on each account is correct, along with the credit limits. You are entitled to one free credit report per year. There are three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can stagger these and request one every 4 months and rotate them. You can do so at: annualcreditreport.com. Hopefully these tips will help you to bring that magic number up. Remember: it will take time and persistence. To find more information visit https://inside.iaacu.org/. The Credit Union also has certified financial counselors who can assist you! The IAA Credit Union is the Credit Union for Cook County Farm Bureau members, staff, and affiliated company personnel. For more information, contact our Farm Bureau Member Service Center at 708-354-3276 or visit www.iaacu.org

IAACU Money Clip: ALL ABOUT CREDIT SCORE SERIES - PARTS 3-5

For additional game information and registration information, go to cookcfb.org/buy-local/programs or call Debbie at 708-354-3276.

COMMODITY CHALLENGE ‘14

What Is It?Illinois Farm Bureau has partnered with CME and invites members like you to join our free online marketing simulation. You’ll trade commodities on the cash, futures, and options markets...without losing a dime! You’ll gain marketing know-how, improve your skills...and ultimately, boost your bottom line.

When Is It?The 2014 challenge will start in January and end in November. We’ll notify you when the game opens. Just email Doug at [email protected] or contact your county Farm Bureau. Tell them you want to play in 2014.

What Are the Prizes?Oh no! We almost forgot to mention the prizes. We’re giving away $7,000 in prizes to Illinois’ top marketers.

Overall1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

Women1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

Young Leaders1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

Collegiate1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

www.ilfb.org/marketing/commoditychallenge

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to existing Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) members age 18 or older who are legal U.S. residents (except RI, FL, NY, and AZ). Void where prohibited by law. Participation in this promotion is no guarantee of future performance in commodity marketing or trading. IFB and CME Group employees and their immediate families are inelligible. One entry per person. Sponsor: Illinois Agricultural Associaton®, 1701 Towanda Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61701. See Official Rules for details.

Top Prize$1,000

COMMODITY CHALLENGE ‘14

What Is It?Illinois Farm Bureau has partnered with CME and invites members like you to join our free online marketing simulation. You’ll trade commodities on the cash, futures, and options markets...without losing a dime! You’ll gain marketing know-how, improve your skills...and ultimately, boost your bottom line.

When Is It?The 2014 challenge will start in January and end in November. We’ll notify you when the game opens. Just email Doug at [email protected] or contact your county Farm Bureau. Tell them you want to play in 2014.

What Are the Prizes?Oh no! We almost forgot to mention the prizes. We’re giving away $7,000 in prizes to Illinois’ top marketers.

Overall1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

Women1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

Young Leaders1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

Collegiate1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $250

www.ilfb.org/marketing/commoditychallenge

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to existing Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) members age 18 or older who are legal U.S. residents (except RI, FL, NY, and AZ). Void where prohibited by law. Participation in this promotion is no guarantee of future performance in commodity marketing or trading. IFB and CME Group employees and their immediate families are inelligible. One entry per person. Sponsor: Illinois Agricultural Associaton®, 1701 Towanda Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61701. See Official Rules for details.

Top Prize$1,000


2014 Foundation Scholarship Applications

Now Being Accepted The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation’s Scholarship Program continues to grow each year as the number of applicants increase. “Our members are realizing that an agricultural career provides broad and exciting possibilities” explains Jim Gutzmer, Foundation President. And what is an agricultural career? It is a chosen pursuit or profession related to the broad area of producing, marketing, manufacturing, transporting, studying, teaching, and developing food, fiber, fuel and pharmacy products originating from the farm. Examples of agricultural careers include horticulturist, food scientist, animal nutritionist, genetic engineering, farmer, veterinarian, commodity broker, dietitian, turf producer, agricultural engineer and the list goes on and on. Perhaps you may wish to check out the broad and rewarding possibilities with one out of every four jobs in the United States related to agriculture. The Foundation is proud to announce the 16th Annual Agricultural Scholarship Program. The Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation is offering college students the opportunity to start or continue his/her higher education with a scholarship. Last year, the Foundation provided ten scholarships ranging from $1,000.00 - $2,500 a piece. The Board will name the top applicant as the Howard Paarlberg Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship recipient. The Foundation will award a scholarship (s) to college students pursuing agriculturally related fields of study. The Conserv FS FFA Scholarship for $1,000 will also be offered to a High School Senior in an approved FFA Program. The Foundation Board has set the following criteria for the scholarship program…• Applications are available at the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation office located at 6438 Joliet Road in Countryside, Illinois. We will also send applications upon request by calling 708-354-3276 or they can be printed out on the Foundation page of www.cookcfb.org.• Applications must be completed and submitted to the CCFB Foundation by February 20th, 2014. Late applications will not be considered.• All applicants must be members or dependents of members in good standing with the Cook County Farm Bureau for at least one year. (Except for the Conserv FS FFA Award)• All applicants must be high school graduates accepted for enrollment by, or currently enrolled at, an accredited college, university, or community college.• All applicants must be pursuing a field of study in agriculture, agri-business, or an agriculturally related major with a focus on an ag-related career.• Scholarships will be awarded following application evaluation for exceptional academic ability, financial need, demonstrated interest in agriculture, evidence of self-help, and character.There is no clear answer to the question we sometimes are asked, “Is …..an agricultural career? The Foundation board evaluates each application on its own merit and uses additional criteria of goals, past experience, and the agricultural connections to the career to determine eligibility,” indicated Bob Rohrer, Foundation Executive Director.

For more information or an application, please contact the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation at (708)354-3276 or print an application out from our website at www.cookcfb.org/cook-cfb-foundation/scholarships

FREE PARKING IN ALL OFFICIAL UNITED CENTER PARKING LOTS

*(All Group Offers exclude Front Row and VIP seats)

Full price, not discounted shows are: Feb 1, Feb 8, and Feb 9 at 3:30 PM

For seating availability, please contact Group Sales at 312-455-7469

REGULAR TICKET PRICES: $30.00 (100 & 200 Level) $25.00 (200 Level) $20 (300 Level)

Opening Night Tickets $14.00!* JANUARY 29 AT 7:00 pm (any size group)

SAVE $5.00 PER TICKET (any size group) Thursday January 30 at 10:30 AM Thursday January 30 at 7:00 PM Friday January 31 at 10:30 AM Wednesday February 5 at 7:00 PM Thursday February 6 at 10:30 AM Thursday February 6 at 7:00 PM

SAVE $3.00 PER TICKET!* (any size group) Friday January 31 at 7:00 PM Kids Save $5.00* Saturday February 1 at 11:30 AM Saturday February 1 at 7:00 PM Sunday February 2 at 11:30 AM Sunday February 2 at 3:30 PM (Spanish Performance) Friday February 7 at 7:00 PM Kids Save $5.00* Saturday February 8 at 11:30 AM Saturday February 8 at 7:00 PM Sunday February 9 at 11:30 AM Sunday February 9 at 7:00 PM

*Kid Prices on 2 Dates Only!

For the past 14 years, Cook County Farm Bureau has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House Charities®. Through this partnership, Farm Bureau members and volunteers have been able to donate much needed food, pop tabs and funds to assist families during the most difficult time of their lives, when a child is sick. The 2014 Food Checkout Day program will be held on Thursday, March 20 at the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House located near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and at the Ronald McDonald House located near Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. Please consider joining us in this great effort! With your support, we hope to raise enough food to feed 3,000 people! Food and pop tab donation can be dropped off at your local Country Financial Agency or the Cook County Farm Bureau office prior to March 14. Cash donations can be sent to: Cook CFB, 6438 Joliet Road in Countryside, IL 60525. Checks should be made out to Ronald McDonald House Charities®. In addition to food, pop tab and cash donations we are also seeking sponsors for the program (see related article). Thank you for your continued support of this tremendous partnership!

SPONSOR LEVELS Sponsors are invited to participate in the “Countdown” to Food Checkout Day on the Farm Bureau’s Facebook page.

Books Sponsor For the past four years, Cook County Farm Bureau has asked area grade schools to donate food, cleaning supplies and pop tabs to help fill Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana pantries. The schools that help fill the Houses� pantries receive books to fill their libraries. Join us in providing students with positive, life changing

books. Books Sponsors will receive signage at the event and be listed in all publications and mailings associated with Food Checkout Day.$500

Cart SponsorIncludes cart signs at Chicago and Oak Lawn grocery store events.Help us race to fill Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana�s pantries by sponsoring a cart during the Chicago food plate scavenger hunt and Oak Lawn shopping spree. Shopping carts will be used to transport food and cleaning supplies from the store to the Chicago House after the scavenger hunt and from the Oak Lawn store to the trailer after the shopping spree. Cart sponsors will be listed in all publications and mailings associated with Food Checkout Day.$250

Weeks’ Worth of Meals for a House FamilyRonald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana cares for families during their most difficult time, when someone they love is ill. Help the House to provide a home cooked meal to families whose child is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital by donating a week�s worth of meals for a House family.$150

CountdownFor the weeks prior to Food Checkout Day, Farm Bureau invites any sponsors, organization or group of individuals to submit a picture for use on social media to help us countdown the days to Food Checkout Day.

For more information contact Bona Heinsohn at the Cook County Farm Bureau® at (708) 354-3276 or [email protected] proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO, “COOK COUNTY FARM BUREAU®”

___ $500 “Books Sponsor” ___ $250 “Cart Sponsor” ___ $150 “Weeks Worth of Meals for a House Family”

___ Other amount (Indicate which level you are purchasing)

Company/Individual Name ________________________________________________ (Written as you wish it to appear in publications or on signage)

Contact Person ________________________________________________________

Phone Number _____________________ Email _______________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________ State ____ Zip Code ____________

If affiliated with a Country Financial Agency, please indicate ________________________

If interested in participating in the 2014 social media “Countdown” to Food Checkout Day, please

indicate ____________________________________________________________________

Help us Celebrate Food Checkout Day 2014

Don Zeldenrust Recognized By Board A group of Cook County Farm Bureau board leaders including President Jim Gutzmer, Vice Pres. Mike Rauch, past President Harold Stuenkel, Ruth Zeldenrust, Mark Yunker, and Manager Bob Rohrer dropped in to see recently retired board member, Don Zeldenrust, and recognize him for his years of service on the Cook County Farm Bureau Board. Zeldenrust became a board member in 1979 and served as chair during his tenure of the Marketing Committee, Audit Committee, and Annual Meeting Committee, and many other functions. Don helped provide the inspiration for the Giant Pumpkin Contest, now in its 14th year. As a board member, he attended a whopping 350 board meetings! Pres. Gutzmer said “Don has been a dedicated and enthusiastic Cook County Farm

Bureau supporter and leader. He has always been willing to give his time and his energies to create a stronger Agriculture and Farm Bureau. He will also be missed for his great sense of humor and love of communicating agricultural stories. Thank you Don for your fantastic 34 years of service and volunteerism in serving your Cook County Farm Bureau! “

January 2014 Cooperator

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Transcript of January 2014 Cooperator