November 2013 Cooperator by Linda Farm

Co-Operator official publication of the Cook County Farm Bureau®

A “staple” in the Farm Bureau member’s home since 1938

Mission:

Scan for more farm bureau info. & events

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

Vol. 87 No. 11

Countryside, IL 60525

Enter to win the 2013 Trim the Tree Contest Winning is as easy as 1, 2, 3… 1. Buy it! Purchase a fresh Christmas tree from a participating CCFB Member farm stand. Go to localfarmproducts.org or cookcfb.org/ Buy‐Local/Programs for tree vendors.

Winners of the popular vote will receive: First Prize: $250 Runner Up: $100

2. Trim it! Decorate it – pick a theme, favorite tradition, or unique design.

3. Photograph & Email it! Send an electronic photo along with the entry form to membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org for public voting starting November 25th through December 18th.

Go to www.cookcfb.org and go to Featured Events for an entry form. Visit the localfarmproducts.org or cookcfb.org/Buy Local tab to find a participating Christmas tree marketer near you. Call 708‐354‐3276 and ask for Debbie if you have questions. Good luck and happy trimming. 2013 TRIM THE TREE CONTEST- Entry Form Name: ___________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________

Address: ____________________________________________ City/Zip: _____________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Tree Theme/Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Tell us about your Tree Design: ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Participating Farm Stand: _________________________________________Date of Purchase______________ Name/Address of Your Food Pantry Beneficiary: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

Don’t forget to attach a photo of the tree you proudly trimmed for voting!

Email the entry form and electronic photo of your tree to membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org. Public voting is held th th from November 25 through December 18 2013 at ww.cookcfb.org/Buy-Local/Programs.

www.cookcfb.org

November 2013

Culver’s Restaurants’ ‘Thank You Farmer’ Program To Boost HS Ag Programs and CCFB Foundation Known for their freshlymade ButterBurger, delicious Wisconsin cheese curds and fresh frozen custard, the 64 Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Culver’s restaurants recently unveiled a campaign to show its support and appreciation for American farmers. Earlier this summer, a group of Culver’s managers, owners and employees formally launched the campaign by locating and restoring an iconic, weathered barn in Wisconsin Rapids. When complete, the group proudly painted “Thank You, Farmers” across its door. Beyond painting a thank you sign, however, the chain sought a more practical way to recognize the efforts of farmers.

In Chicagoland, for instance, Culver’s owners are partnering with their local county farm bureaus to fund programs and provide teaching tools for elementary and high school agriculture education. This past summer, these owners met with the Illinois Association of Vocational Agricultural Teachers at Chicago Agricultural High School to learn more about how the chain could help. Few ever thought that a Chicago high school could house livestock and

horses, harvest tilapia in a lab setting, or raise basil plants in a hydroponic lab. At the meeting, Culver’s owners invited teachers to host fundraising nights at their respective Culver’s restaurants to raise additional money for programs and activities. The chain has already demonstrated considerable success in hosting “school benefit nights.” On their assigned fundraiser night, the school invites everyone to have dinner at Culver’s. Teachers and students, meanwhile, don aprons and serve food to patrons in the restaurant. In exchange, their group gets a percentage of the evening’s store receipts. Continued on Page 8.

CCFB to Host Workshop on Wills and Trusts The Cook County Farm Bureau in cooperation with Country Financial and U of I Extension, will be hosting a Workshop on Preparing Wills and Trusts and Transferring Non-Titled Property. This workshop will take place on Wednesday December 4th from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the JC Restoration Building located at 3200 Squibb Avenue in Rolling Meadows. There is NO CHARGE for Cook County Farm Bureau Members, but there is a $10 per person charge for non-members. To Pre-register, please call Cook County Farm Bureau at 708-354-3276. The last day to register is Monday, November 25, 2013. Speakers and Program Descriptions: Estate Planning and Trust Administration Presented by Linda S. Fine & Robert A. Holland, Kelleher & Buckley, LLC Ms. Fine concentrates her practice in estate planning for high net worth clients, estate and trust administration, estate and gift taxation, guardianships, contested estates, and complex probate matters. Ms. Fine’s previous involvement in estate and tax planning for high net worth individuals and families, and the administration of complex estates compliments her degree from the distinguished Chicago-Kent College of Law. Mr. Holland concentrates his practice in

estate planning, estate and trust administration, taxation, corporate transactional work, business planning, asset protection, residential and commercial real estate transactions and antenuptial agreements. Mr. Holland’s business planning practice includes representation regarding the formation and operation of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, including ownership agreements, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, and not-for-profit planning. Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate? Transferring Non-Titled Property! Presented by Katherine Reuter, Consumer and Financial Education Consultant Distributing personal items such as wedding pictures, a vase, or even Grandma’s pie plate is an issue that impacts almost all families. Attorneys say that personal property, not the more valuable titled property, causes the most problems when settling an estate. This program will provide tips to help you distribute your own or others non-titled property such as understanding the sensitivity of the issue; deciding what you want to accomplish; deciding what fair means in your family; identifying the meaning of objects; recognizing distribution options and consequences; and learning how to manage conflicts, if they arise.

Question of the Month

Don Carlson with son Donnie won 1st Place in the adult division of contest with an 807 pound pumpkin! Turn to page 4 to view more photos from the 13th Annual Giant Pumpkin Contest.

What Culver’s location can you visit to meet with local farmers on November 10th?

Call the Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276, email your answer to membershiplinda@ cookcfb.org (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.

October’s winner is Dorothy

Hoekstra.

Last Months Question: What is the name of the website that local farmers can use to connect with consumers?

Answer: localfarmproducts.org

Cook County Farm Bureau Winner of the Power of ‘A’ 2012 Summit Award

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

Chicago’s Oldest Business Connection to Agriculture Established in 1848, out of a need to provide United States merchants a centralized location to meet, negotiate and formalize forward contracts, the Chicago Board of Trade is the world’s oldest future and options exchange. Over 3,600 CBOT members trade 50 different options and future contracts through open outcry and electronic trading at the CBOT. Open-outcry trading is conducted on-site in the “pit” and consists of buyers and sellers offering one another a price and quantity. Traders use hand signs to indicate the number of items and the price that they wish to buy or sell. Electronic trading is conducted off-site and virtually around the clock.

CBOT members are generally divided into five levels of membership. Membership levels are indicated by a different color badge and allow for access to trading on the CBOT floor. Full members wear a yellow badge and are able to trade all financial and agricultural futures and options; Associate members wear a maroon badge and trade all financial futures and options and agricultural options only; Government, Instruments Market members

wear a brown badge and trade financial instrument futures; Index, Debt and Energy Market members wear a black badge and trade Fed Funds and index futures; and Commodity Option Market members wear a green badge and trades options. In 2007, the CBOT merged with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to form the CME Group. Agricultural commodities traded at the CBOT as options or futures include: corn, soybeans, soybean oil, soybean meal, wheat, hard red wheat, rough rice, oats, live cattle, feeder cattle, class three and four milk, cheese, butter, dry whey, lumber, Malaysian palm oil, urea, sugar, cotton, coffee, cocoa, and distillers dried grain.

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Visit our website www.cookcfb.org

Dear 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 natural 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 welcome 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

Bob Resch (left) recently received the State Master Gardener Sustained Excellence Award from the University of Illinois Extension. Margaret Burns- Westmeyer (right), Extension Program Coordinator for the areas Master Gardener Volunteer Program, helped nominate Mr. Resch for the award. Criteria for the nomination included volunteer hours, quality of support, Master Gardener team leadership and mentoring, and community outreach. Resch observed, “I am flattered, very flattered. We never anticipate anything like this as we are not serving as Master Gardeners for an award. However, it is very nice to be recognized and appreciated”. Burns-Westmeyer said of Resch, Bob has been instrumental in making other Master gardeners feel comfortable and at ease. His efforts at area farmers markets, libraries, and other public areas in bringing information and knowledge to the general public have been outstanding”. Resch is one of 32 individuals from the 3,500 state Master Gardeners to receive the award. In 2007, he received the Outstanding Master Gardener Award. Resch is from LaGrange and works every Friday from 9am-1pm, April through November, in the Master Gardener Resource Center located at the Cook County Farm Bureau.

Farm Bureau Members “Challenged” to Support Food Depository The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in the Chicagoland community. The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 650 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 678,000 adults and children every year. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 69 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and

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Editor’s Note

‘Master Gardener Resource Center Will Soon Be Recessing for Winter-Call Now! Since May, Master gardeners have been housed in the Farm Bureau office for regular business hours to answer questions from members and the general public related to gardening and horticulture. Hot topic for November: prepping your yard/ property for winter and spring • lawns…weed/feed and winterizing • leaves… what to do about them • weeds and “diseased” things • young trees… surviving the winter • creating bird appeal on your property • prepping for your garden in the spring… starting seeds in the winter • and much more. This is your last chance to contact a master gardener to discuss soil tests, results, and to answer any questions you may have about winterizing your plants. Office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This service will continue through November 15. The master gardeners are accessible by contacting the Cook County Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276 or by email at mastergardener@ cookcfb.org . Master Gardeners are also available to speak with in person at the Cook County Farm Bureau suite located at 6438 Joliet Rd. in Countryside.

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meat, the equivalent of 145,000 meals every day. More than 52,000 individual donors, 300 corporations and more than 350 food companies feed Chicago’s 142,000 hungry men, women and children who rely on the Food Depository each week. Despite their efforts, there are still families who are unsure of when their next meal will be. Cook County Farm Bureau is looking for farmers interested in donating fresh produce or bushels of corn or soybeans to the Food Depository. For farmers interested in donating

fresh produce, Cook CFB will help to coordinate the harvest and pick-up and for farmers interested in donating bushels of corn or soybean, Cook CFB will coordinate with the grain elevator of your choice. Interested farmers and members are encouraged to contact Bona Heinsohn at (708) 354-3276 or via email at bona@cookcfb.org for more information. Through your efforts, Cook County families in need will enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal.

Co-Operator published monthly

Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525 (ph) 708-354-3276 (fax) 708-579-6056 (e-mail) ccfb@cookcfb.org (website) www.cookcfb.org USPS No 132180 Periodical Postage Paid at LaGrange, IL 60525 & additional mailing office

Editor Bob Rohrer

Officers & Directors James Gutzmer, President Michael Rauch, Vice President Patrick Horcher, Secretary-Treasurer Dan Biernacki James Brandau Michael Horcher Gerald Kopping Harold Stuenkel Mark Yunker

Cliff Harms Janet McCabe Donald Zeldenrust

Farm Bureau Manager Bob Rohrer Office Staff Melanie Paffumi Bona Heinsohn Katie Smith Bob Heine Debbie Voltz Diane Merrion Kelli McSherry Jeanne Sommerfeld

Linda Tobias Kelly Stanley

Affiliated Companies Gerald Anderson......................... Insurance Agency Manager, Rolling Meadows Jeff Orman....................................... Insurance Agency Manager, South Holland Mike Cerf.............................................. Insurance Agency Manager, North Shore Victoria Nygren................................ Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago North Marc Rogala.......................................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago South Mike Flynn............................................ Insurance Agency Manager, Countryside Jack Smith............................................ Insurance Agency Manager, Schaumburg Cary Tate................................................Insurance Agency Manager, Orland Park Dave 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.

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

Downwind by Bob Rohrer, Manager

B&G’s, Please

Definition: con·nois·seur /ˌkänəˈsər,-ˈso͝or/ noun: connoisseur; plural noun: connoisseurs an expert judge in matters of taste. “a connoisseur of music” synonyms: expert, authority, specialist, pundit, savant; arbiter of taste, aesthete; gourmet, epicure, gastronome; informal: buff, maven “a connoisseur of fine wines” Origin: early 18th cent.: from obsolete French, from conoistre ‘know.’ Source: Google Search Yep. A Connoisseur. That’s me except without the “French” part (my arm pits are not sunburned). A Connoisseur of fine food? Not really A Connoisseur of art? Never A Connoisseur of fine wine? Nope A Connoisseur of music? Just noise But a Connoisseur of something, I am. I am a Connoisseur of… Biscuits and Gravy. My pinkie finger sticks out at a right angle as I consume generous helpings of the flaky, creamy goodness consisting of sausage gravy ladled over golden brown biscuits. Mom always told me that Breakfast is the most important, substantial meal of the day. Biscuits and Gravy have to be

about the most substantial food ever created! I consider it “Comfort Food for my Soul”. And is there a finer food can be more closely associated with the farm and the roots of rural America? I have traveled much of this great Country. And I have made a point of tasting B’s and G’s nearly everywhere I go, in every corner of the nation… Bangor, Maine; Tampa, Florida; San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; Charleston, South Carolina; San Antonio, Texas and all points in between. I judge each “plate” placed in front of me. Last month, I tried a platter of biscuits and gravy at this little Bistro in St. Paul, Minnesota… my “review” was good but the chef could have left the parsley sprig off the plate…no need for culture on a plate of B’s and G’s. Food Chains, Cafes, fast food joints, restaurants and family members have served up their finest efforts in my quest for the best…B’s and G’s that are just like “Homemade”. I have gone online seeking the “secrets” of other’s gravy. What I have read is that the making of “biscuits and gravy” is so basic that one does not even need a recipe. If that is true, I have to ask “why is there such a variation” in the gravy quality depending on whose plate is in front of you? Obviously, everyone has different tastes and preferences but I still prefer the gravy that I make. Here are some key pointers to those youngsters who want to try it at home… Ingredients and “style” matter… • I prefer a 2 to 1 ratio of

•

mild and hot ground pork sausage. I prefer whole milk to 2% and don’t even mention skim milk in this conversation. Flour is fine but I prefer a “secret” ingredient in lieu of flour to enhance the flavor (thank you to my brother, John, for teaching me this trick which I cannot share). Throw in a dash of cayenne red pepper in the gravy for a bit of zest. The biscuits should be Momma Rohrer’s old family recipe although the store purchased “can” biscuits can suffice in a pinch. The biscuits must be crumbled, not split.

Crumbling allows for greater “surface to liquid” contact over a greater portion of the biscuits…Very Important! • Liberal distribution of table pepper always precedes consumption. • Upon consumption, limited talking is the rule for complete, focused enjoyment. With food shows and food networks being so popular today, I believe it is time to start my own Biscuits and Gravy Network. I see myself traveling around the country sampling various style offerings, interviewing the personalities behind the biscuits and the secrets behind the gravy. We can check out the stories

behind the ingredients and the “Characters” that provide for the meal. Farmers and greasy spoon restaurant owners will be the featured stars. On Bob’s B’s and G’s network, celebrity chefs will compete in a biscuits and gravy cook off. The “gravy reality show” will star various second rate actors, retired sports stars, and a bunch of people I never heard of from pop culture as they spend a month competing for the coveted Golden Spatula. Quality TV at its finest… Finally something to watch on cable! Dedicated to Noah who loved biscuits and gravy with family at the dinner table.

Contact Information:

Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525 708-354-3276 708-579-6056 Fax E-Mail: ccfb@cookcfb.org www.cookcfb.org

Your North Shore Agency

Michael E. Cerf Agency Manager Park Ridge

847-696-9484

Bob Sitkiewicz 25 S. Prospect Ave Park Ridge

847-696-9484

Fredy Porras

25 S. Prospect Ave Park Ridge

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Mike Salerno

333 E. Dundee Rd Wheeling

847-419-1281

Brad Olson

25 S. Prospect Ave. Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

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Paul Choi

333 E. Dundee Rd Wheeling

847-419-1281

847-498-1205

Lena Stovall

Yanni Zavakos

847-696-9484

847-419-1281

333 E. Dundee Rd Wheeling

25 S. Prospect Ave Park Ridge

Jerry Toigo

Mary Jane Alagheband

847-419-1281

1015 Davis St Evanston

847-733-7952

Jeff Stein

801 Skokie Blvd Northbrook

1015 Davis St Evanston

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333 E. Dundee Rd Wheeling

Akin Osisanya 1015 Davis St Evanston

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Cook County leader Janet McCabe presents to the Beverly Lions Club as part of the Cook County Farm Bureau Speakers Bureau. McCabe presented information on hay and straw farming as well as farm safety.

The Public Relations team of the Cook County Farm Bureau has launched a Speakers Bureau. The initiative is designed to connect groups, organizations, and clubs with local experts in the field of modern farming, roadside marketing, greenhouse production and farm related information/issues to give them the chance to hold personal and direct conversations with area consumers about important topics in today’s modern agriculture. If you have a group or organization interested in dialogue through the Speakers Bureau, please contact Bona Heinsohn via email at bona@cookcfb.org or call (708)354-3276.

Kurt Mass

25 S Prospect Ave Park Ridge

847-696-9484

0913-505HO

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

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

A Slice of History

A Meal as Old as Corn Itself Cornbread in the United States is as old as corn itself. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, Native Americans were drying and grinding corn meal, the most basic component of cornbread. European settlers, especially those near the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek tribes not only learned but shared recipes from the tribes with family members remaining in Europe. Modern cornbread is baked, fried, and steamed. Unlike traditional cornbread, steamed cornbread is more like cornbread pudding. Some parts of Southern United States crumble cornbread into a glass of milk or buttermilk. Southern versions of cornbread differ from Northern versions by type of corn meal

cornbread with pinto beans, butter, onions, scallions, or honey.

and varying amounts of sugar and eggs. Southern United States is also known for hushpuppies, which are made from a thicker buttermilk-based batter which is then deep-fried. Hushpuppies are often served with fried fish or seafood. Hushpuppies may include onion seasoning, chopped onions, beer, or jalapenos. Some areas consume

Sweet Cornbread Muffins (recipe from southernbite.com) 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 4 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 egg 1/4 cup milk Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium size bowl. Add oil, egg, and milk. Stir until lumps are gone. Pour into a greased muffin pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

13th Annual Giant Pumpkin Contest - a Success!

On Saturday October 12th, members were invited to attend our free shredding/electronic recycling event at the Country Financial office in Oak Forest. Over 50 members participated.

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For the latest in national agricultural news on issues, legislation, and regulatory activity, sign-up for the bimonthly FB news e-newsletter. This digital newsletter provides a full range of issues and topics including innovative state Farm Bureau efforts, profiles on all types of growers, and opinion pieces. To subscribe for this free newsletter, go to the American Farm Bureau Federation website www.FB.org and put your email address in the box provided under “subscribe to FB news, our official e-newsletter” in the right-hand column.

13th annual Giant Pumpkin, Pumpkin Dessert and Youth Pumpkin Decorating contest winners were: Pumpkin Contest

Adult Weigh In: 1st Place - Don Carlson, 807 pounds 2nd Place - Terry Davidson, 555 pounds 3rd Place - Ted Biernacki, 134 pounds 7-11 year olds sure know how to make a pumpkin look like it moos and oinks!

Youth Weigh In: 1st Place - Erin Grace, 72 lbs. 2nd place - Daisy Rivera, 39 lbs. 3rd place tie-Jessica Miller & Jonathon Piecuch at 28 lbs.

Dessert Contest

1st Place - Maricela Rivera 2nd Place - Karen Eldrenkamp 3rd place tie - Kelly Carlson & Erin Grace

Youth Decorating Contest Winners Ted Biernacki received the 3rd place award from son Dan. His pumpkin weighed in at 137pounds.

Haley Kent, Loren Wojciehowski, Donnie Carlson, Christine Eldrenkamp, Cassandra Rivera, Daisy Rivera, and Erin Grace Jonathon, Jennifer, Erin and Daisy with their farm animal pumpkins!

Loren Wojciehowski and Haley Kent model their winning farm animal theme pumpkins.

Board members Gerry Kopping and Mark Yunker assist Rick Homerding of Puckerville Farms, as they as they unload one of the giant pumpkins (5555lbs) using a fork lift!

Erin Grace won 1st place in the youth division with a 72 pound pumpkin.

Maricela Rivera’s Pumpkin Caramel Dessert received the 1st place award presented by Team Vice-Chairman Dan Biernacki and Team Chairman, Gerry Kopping.

Thank you to Puckerville Pumpkin Farm for hosting this event. Puckerville is located at 13332 Bell Rd. in Lemont, IL.

Terry Davidson placed 2nd in the adult division with a 555 pounder!

Co-Operator November 2013

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Announces Grants to Cook County

The Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) program is proud to announce that the Cook County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom has been funded $8,870.13 for the 2013-2014 School Year. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom based these grants to counties off of the 2012-2013 year end reports. In 2012-2013 the Illinois AITC Program reached 508,121 students with a message about agriculture. Additionally, 31,299 teachers and 1,308 pre-service teachers learned how to incorporate agriculture into their existing curriculum while meeting state learning standards. Kevin Daugherty, Education Director for the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program said, “The strength of our Ag in the Classroom program is at the county level. Your county coordinators and volunteers provide immediate access to teachers and students. They work to integrate agriculture into existing classroom curriculum.” “Our Ag Literacy program continues to bring the wonderful story of today’s farms and farm products into the classrooms of urban Cook County schools,” said Jim Gutzmer, President of CCFB. “This grant enhances our efforts to connect with students directly and personally about food, fiber and farms.” County Coalition Grants are made possible through funding from the IAA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau. The IAA Foundation raises funds for the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program each year, and in addition to county grants, provides funding for Ag Mags, teacher grants, Summer Ag Institutes and more. “The IAA Foundation is pleased to financially contribute to local ag literacy efforts in counties across Illinois. Our donors truly understand that the effectiveness of Ag in the Classroom comes from its grassroots approach,” said Susan Moore, Director of the IAA Foundation. “These grants would not be possible without a great group of loyal contributors.” Contributing partner organizations of Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program include Illinois Farm Bureau, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE), University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Growers, Illinois Pork Producers, Illinois Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Association, Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. In addition, annual donors include many agribusiness partners and others with an interest in supporting agriculture. Funds are raised through both events and direct program contributions. All contributors are featured on the IAA Foundation website: www.iaafoundation.org. This website also has more information on how individuals can get involved. For more information on Agriculture in the Classroom in Cook County, contact Diane Merrion, AITC Coordinator or log on to www.cookcfb.org.

Cook County Farm Bureau

“From the Country” Giving the Gift of Life Insurance Everyone likes to give gifts. It’s a pleasure to watch the warm, glowing smile of a loved one who treasures the gift they’ve received. A gift that will be treasured forever is a rarity. However, there is a gift Jack Smith Agency Manager which can go a long way to fulfilling your aspirations of a gift that will last Schaumburg Agency forever. Long after the candy is gone, the toys are broken, and the clothes are outgrown, this gift will continue giving and increase in value. It’s the gift of life insurance. Life insurance is an appropriate gift for two reasons. First, a child or grandchild can utilize the cash value in a whole life insurance policy to defray future education expenses or to supplement retirement benefits. Second, making a gift of cash for the purchase of life insurance removes the gifted cash from inclusion in the gross estate of the donor for federal estate tax purposes, and provides life insurance protection for the child or grandchild in later years. A gift of life insurance will also show the importance you place on insurance. This helps to educate the child in the area of insurance and learn to build a solid foundation for future financial programs. Life insurance purchased on the life of a young child or grandchild is relatively inexpensive because it’s based on the child’s/grandchild’s current health. Since the premiums are low it’s possible to build a solid

What’s your idea of financial security?®

Jerry Anderson

Barbara Bator

Matt Broom

Mark Coon

4190 W. Euclid Ave. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. E Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

23042 Main Street Prairie View, IL 60069

(847) 963-8823

(847) 963-8876

(847) 415-2666

(847) 963-8840 Agency Manager

Andy Czysz

Russ Delange

Tom Graceffa

Sarkis Hartoun

Tim Hranka

4190 W. Euclid Ave. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. C Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4190 W. Euclid Ave. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

(847) 963-8904

(847) 991-3129

(847) 963-8851

(847) 963-8835

(847) 963-1540

Tom Jean

George Lundin

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. E Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4190 W Euclid Ave Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. C Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4190 W. Euclid Ave. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. C Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

(847) 934-5112

(847) 963-8907

(847) 934-6800

(847) 963-8817

(847) 991-0765

Larry Jachec

Laura Harmon, Senior Counsel with the Illinois Farm Bureau, spoke to The Chicago Farmers on October 7 on the topic of Fracking and Mineral Rights: What You Need to Know. She reviewed the law that was signed by Illinois Gov. Quinn in June 2013 which regulates horizontal hydraulic fracturing, better known as “fracking” for oil and gas. As a part of her presentation, she covered the protection of farmland and water quality and steps farmland property owners should take as companies seek to commence drilling operations. Ms. Harmon provided copies of a PowerPoint presentation that we will share with Cook County Farm Bureau members upon request. Contact Cook County Farm Bureau at 70835432764 a copy of the handout on the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act.

Ray Massie

Robb Madej

Nader Mikhaeil

Joe Moran

Matt Powell

Fred Resner

Bill Schutz

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. E Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

103 N. Arlington Hts. Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. E Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

4200 W. Euclid Ave. Ste. C Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

51 W. Seegers Rd. Ste. 1 Arlington Heights, IL 60005

(847) 963-8874

(847) 818-6507

(847) 934-5117

(847) 991-2815

(847) 690-1980

Gregory Stickels

Alex Swistun

Michael Weinstein

637 E. Golf Rd. Ste. 202 Arlington Heights, IL 60005

4190 W. Euclid Ave. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

225 N. Arlington Hts. Rd. Ste. 207 Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

5 E. College Dr., Ste. 112 Arlington Heights, IL 60004

(847) 640-7745

(847) 963-8872

(847) 427-8280

(847) 749-1740

Joe Sepsey

Cook CFB continues to monitor the County’s appropriation process through departmental budget hearings on the Fiscal Year 2013-2104 budget.

foundation for your child or grandchild with only one premium. Purchasing a policy at a young age can guarantee the child insurance protection when he/she is older and starts a family. It also helps since a child’s future insurance needs may dwarf your own. You may consider setting up an irrevocable insurance trust for your child or grandchild. However, every precaution should be taken in establishing and funding an irrevocable insurance trust if the desired tax benefits are to be realized. If there is any connection between the insured and insurance policy, the IRS may try to establish that the trustee is merely an “agent” of the insured. This could cause the policy to be included in the estate of the donor. You should contact your attorney and/or accountant to learn more about establishing an insurance trust. There are several tax advantages in choosing life insurance as a gift for a child or grandchild. One of the tax advantages is that each year a $13,000 gift can be given gift tax-free. If your spouse participates, the maximum annual tax-free gift is $26,000. The gift is also removed from your estate. Each year you do not take advantage of the gift tax law, you are increasing the value of your estate and the estate taxes that will be paid. In addition, you may be unintentionally disinheriting your children and grandchildren since their inheritance would go toward paying estate taxes.

0913-557HO

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • FINANCIAL SERVICES

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

Agricultural Literacy & Public Relations

Ag Lit Bit By Diane Merrion

Thanks for Giving

Last month I attended the Golden Apple Teachers for Tomorrow Conference where I was fortunate to be in the company of inspirational teachers, along with students who aspire to be future teachers. The conference featured resources that are available to educators (such as our Ag in the Classroom), as well as break- out sessions led by Golden Apple Award Scholars and leading educators. The Keynote Speaker was Mr. Rives Collins, a Fellow in the Searle Center for Teaching Excellence at Northwestern University. He is also a professional storyteller, who spoke of the power of a story. One of the first questions he posed to the audience was to picture a person who had a major impact on our lives. He asked us to think about that person and hold it in our mind while he spoke. He then took us on a wonderful journey filled with storytelling and many references to a beloved author of his, Joseph Campbell. Some quotes from Campbell included, ““If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.”, “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” He was captivating, funny, touching and insightful; all you would want from a keynote speaker and more. At the end of his talk, he asked us to raise our hands if the person we pictured in our mind

was a teacher. Many in the room raised their hands and he indicated that more times than not, the person who has had the most profound impact on us are teachers. Certainly in that room you saw teachers who were having a profound impact on students. Teachers who took their entire Saturday on a beautiful fall weekend to learn how to be better and to learn how to inspire their students to do better. Some teachers even drove some of their high school students to the conference to show them what possibilities exist for them should they decide to be teachers. Mr. Collins said numerous times during his talk, “thank you for being teachers. It is a noble profession.” You might not want to wait until Teacher Appreciation Week at the end of the school year to send a quick thank you to any of your teachers during this time of Thanksgiving. I’ve got many things to be thankful for this month including the kindness of Mr. Carol Ropp who touched a student during our Leadership Academy by naming her newborn calf after a student while we toured her farm. This girl will never forget that moment and for that I am thankful. I am also thankful for the kindness of the agriculture community and our members who always goes out of their way to help our programming for the students and teachers of Cook County. Ag Literacy could not be what it is without your support. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Merrion, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60526 aitc@cookcfb.org Phone: 708-354-3276 fax: 708-579-6056

AITC

Leadership Students Hit the Road What leadership style do you possess? A group of 31 students and teachers completed a survey as part of the opening activities of our Ag Leadership Academy which took place on October 11th. As everyone settled onto the bus, students completed a pre-test to see what they knew about agriculture and the related careers within the industries they would be touring that day. A post-test at the completion of the day revealed just how much learning took place during our 12 hours together. The day included a tour of Kilgus Farmstead in Fairbury, IL where Jenna Kilgus explained their business operation and business plan. The students from Chicago High School for Ag Sciences and Marshall High School learned how this family branched out in many different directions to grow their business and also about the partnerships they formed along the way. One of the products sold at Kilgus, besides their

milk and goat meat, is Ropp Cheese made in Normal, IL. To solidify that connection, students headed down to Normal to tour the Ropp Jersey Cheese factory. There they not only learned how cheese is made, but also got to feed milk to new calves, feed sheep and learn the challenges of marketing their product to both the Chicago area and Central Illinois stores. One student was honored to have the baby calf born that morning, named after her. Brandy will never forget that moment as the nameplate went up right when we finished our tour. The leadership program concluded by visiting the Pontiac High School FFA

Chapter to participate in leadership experiences such as working as a group to create and bring to market a new product and completing personality profiles to determine what “color” represents personality styles. Sharing a meal together proved to be a wonderful way to end our day. The time allowed students to share casual conversations about how different, yet similar FFA is between a most rural school and our urban Chicago Chapters. Thank you to the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation for making this unforgettable experience possible.

<Linear & Exponential Functions *OR* The Time Value of Money> Part 2 If I were to ask each reader of this article if they are comfortable telling me the definition of a linear or exponential math function, I would expect very few people to know what I’m talking about, and even fewer to be able to define or explain them. However, if I were to ask readers to explain how the value of money can change over time (interest), I suspect many more people could articulate the ways money can grow in value. Students who take courses in Agriculture or other Career & Technical areas learn math and science through real world context. Only students in enrolled Agriculture courses are allowed to join the National FFA Organization, the largest student organization in the country. FFA provides students the opportunity to apply their math, science, leadership, decision-making, and public speaking skills to solve problems similar to what they will encounter as future employees or consumers. At

By Luke Allen

the end of October, over 55,000 FFA members will gather in Louisville, KY for the National FFA Convention. The largest College & Career fair in the US, keynote speaker Rick Pitino, National leadership seminars, industry tours, as well as the national Career Development Event competitions are all reasons why so many high school students from every corner of our country make the trek to convene for four days every year. Every Agriculture course teaches students to apply math and science to solve problems. However, every student also learns topics such as public speaking, record keeping, teamwork, and leadership. Research shows that students who learn a topic in the context of a topic that interests them will retain that knowledge at a higher rate than those who study a concept without applying it to solve problems. That’s what Agriculture and FFA are all about! Does your school offer Agriculture courses and FFA?

Are your students able to take advantage of the National FFA scholarships (one of the largest providers of scholarships in America). Do your students learn public speaking, work ethic, record keeping, and business leadership skills through their science and math courses? If you are interested in helping your school start an agriculture program, view the Illinois Agriculture Education website, www.ILAgEd.org. At the bottom left “reminders” box, choose “Starting an Ag Program.” Luke Allen is an Agriculture Program Advisor for Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE), a special project of the Illinois State Board of Education. Before serving FCAE, Luke was an FFA Advisor and Agriculture Teacher at Central High School in Clifton and grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Champaign County. Connect with Luke at www.ilaged.org, Facebook: ILAgEd or Twitter @ AgEdLuke

During our first workshop of the school year, “Agriculture in your CORE Curriculum”, teachers learned how to incorporate dairy topics into their curriculum. Not only did they get the opportunity to milk a cow, but they also studied milk properties and made butter. Other topics included broom corn, field corn, poultry and egg candling. The 2 hour workshop was held at Wagner Farm in Glenview and was attended by 20 educators. Our “Fall Harvest” workshop took place at the farm bureau on 10/16 and featured the topics of pumpkins, apples and history. One history activity used bolls of cotton and explored the historic methods of harvesting cotton. We learned the impact of modern technology on this industry and viewed an interesting YouTube video (The Story of Cotton). Teachers also made 3D pumpkins, corn stalks and pumpkin charms. A final workshop will take place on 11/19 from 4:30-6:30p.m. at the Cook County Farm Bureau. Visit our website, www.cookcfb.org (Ag Literacy) for more information or to register.

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

AGRICULTURE ADVENTURES FOR FAMILIES As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we are thankful to the farmers across the 50 states, for the

Are we there yet?

bounty of food that is provided for our Thanksgiving celebrations.

Where does Thanksgiving Dinner Grow?

Suggested Reading

Turkeys

Harvest Year by Cris Peterson

Turkey production in the U.S. is a nearly 5 billion dollar industry - 254 million turkeys were produced this year alone in preparation for the big day. But where are all of these gobblers grown? Historically Minnesota is the highest producer of turkeys in the U.S. - raising 46.2 million turkeys in 2012.

Harvest takes place all through the year in the United States. There are carrots and pineapples in January, strawberries, and salmon in April, green beans and watermelons in July, turkeys and peanuts in November.

Cranberries

Wisconsin as the largest producer of the berries with an estimated 3,900,000 barrels; Massachusetts is a not-so-close second with a projected 1,800,000 barrels. Cranberries are picky when it comes to growing conditions. Because they are traditionally grown in natural wetlands, they need a lot of water. During the long, cold winter months, they also require a period of dormancy which rules out any southern region of the U.S. as an option for cranberry farming.

Sweet Potatoes

In a wonderfully clear and concise text, Cris Peterson gives readers a monthby-month sampling of the wide diversity and volume of crops grown throughout the United States.

Traditionally, the sweet potato is a holiday root—a staple at the Thanksgiving dinner table in particular. But, like cranberries, sweet potatoes require specific conditions to yield the best crops. They need a long growing season, the heat of the summer and a lot of water—making the South the best home for sweet potato yields. These orange spuds grow just fine as far north as Wisconsin or Michigan, but statistically, sweet potatoes are most profitable and popular in the South (Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida).

•

The First Thanksgiving lasted for three days.

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A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. They can also burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.

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Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, campaigned to make Thanksgiving a National Holiday in 1827 and succeeded.

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91% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day.

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Male Turkeys are called "Toms", female turkeys are called "Hens" and baby turkeys are called "poults" .

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Sleepy after the big meal? Turkey contains an amino acid called "Tryptophan". Tryptophan sets off a chemical chain reaction that calms you down and makes you sleepy.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix eggs, sugar, pumpkin and margarine together. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices together. Add to batter and mix. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan (10 x 15 inch). Bake for 25 minutes. Cool in pan and then frost with cream cheese frosting.

•

More than 40 million green bean casseroles are served on Thanksgiving.

Cream cheese frosting 1 (3‐oz.) pkg. cream cheese 6 T. butter 1 T. milk

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Benjamin Franklin argued that the Turkey should be our National Bird. He stated that it was more respectable and a native of North America.

Green Beans

Though they are more commonly known as green beans, the USDA uses the lesser-known moniker of “snap beans,” the term which refers to the crackling sound made when fresh beans are broken in two. Snap beans are produced for three markets in the U.S.: Fresh, canned and frozen. Though there is still a market for fresh beans, the larger producers are located nearer to canneries and other processors. The South and the Midwest is where most of the production is driven by the location of the processing industries (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Florida).

*Information provided by Smithsonian.com

4 eggs 2 c. sugar 2 c. pumpkin 3/4 c. melted margarine (1 1/2 sticks) 2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ginger

3 c. confectioner’s sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

*Recipe by Esther Goebbert, Founder of Goebbert’s in South Barrington, IL.

Combine all ingredients and beat at low speed until smooth. Spread on bars. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of frosting. These bars have been a family favorite passed on by Jim’s family.

*Fun facts provided by holidayinsights.com & coolest-holiday-parties.com

Thanksgiving Word Search X

Celebration Corn Cornucopia Cranberries Dinner Family Farming Football Green Beans Harvest

Holiday Pie Pilgrims Potatoes Pumpkin Shopping Stuffing Thankful Thanksgiving Turkey

Name:__________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________

_______________________________________ Phone #:______________________________________ Membership #:_______________________________

(on front of paper above name/address)

Last month’s winner of four movie tickets was :

Kathleen Down

Could you be next?!

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: membershiplinda@cookcfb.org 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.

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

Culver’s Restaurants’ ‘Thank You Farmer’ Program Continued from Page 1.

Holidays bring comfort, reflection The last few months of the year wrap me in their coziness. The aroma of soups, turkey suppers and pumpkin desserts hug my soul. Days continue to shorten in attempts to slow our pace. Frost ends the season’s life for tired plants. And by now harvest is complete -- or nearly complete, depending on Mother Nature and the publish date of my words. Our household glows of the excitement and warmth of the coming holidays that celebrate family, farm and faith. And for a dose of pre-Thanksgiving gratitude, check out www. whyifarm.com, created by seed company Beck’s Hybrids. My tears trickled to match the slow tempo of the feel-good video narratives about farmers in several Midwestern states. The topic is focused: why they farm. My heart and soul related to the farmers as far as 435 miles from our farm. The striking videos evoke similar emotions as the Super Bowl television advertisement by Dodge Ram Trucks, “So God Made a Farmer.” The videos show nothing related to our recent harvesttime hang-ups, such as the briefly inoperable soybean platform or the exhaustion following a field’s finish at midnight. But hindsight minimizes those adversities. Plenty of good overshadows the bad. And we farm for the good. These videos summarize our family’s motivations. They portray our livelihood and life, our passion and what we feel is our God-given purpose. They reflect why we choose to farm.

And choice is the key word. We farm because we chose to when the opportunity was presented. The messages in the videos remind us of those opportunities. We work the land with the hope that we can pass the opportunity to farm to the next generation while providing a full life for ourselves. This would mean the opportunity to earn a livelihood like five generations before them. It includes the freedom to farm, enjoy open space, and see the sun rise and set on fields, hills and trees. The farm provides the chance to get our hands dirty to check seed depth or wash-up to analyze crop insurance options in the house. We intend to grant the next generation the same opportunity to become one with the land and tend to it like a member of the family. And may they realize, one day, that the farm is a wonderful place to raise a family. A place where they could eat three meals a day together with Mom and Dad during breaks from school. Where they can learn to provide for themselves and appreciate food. Where they gain understanding about the purpose of plants, animals and our relationship with nature. And where we work alongside one another, developing bonds and a work ethic all the same. That’s the life we’ve chosen to wrap around our family -- every month of the year. About the author: Joanie writes, mothers two kids, and farms with her husband in West-Central Illinois.

Culver's Kickback!

The money these schools earn from Culver’s can be used for virtually anything—from supplies, books and equipment, to covering student transportation costs to FFA state, regional and national conventions. “We wouldn’t be who we are today if it weren’t for America’s farmer,” says Kevin Weasler, owner/ operator of Culver’s restaurants in Buffalo Grove and Schaumburg. “It’s important that we not only recognize the hard work and dedication of our nation’s farmers, but also the millions of people who work in the business of agriculture each day.” The Culvers area owners have also expressed an interest in working with Cook County Farm Bureau. A “Meet Local Farmers” event has been scheduled for Sunday, November 10th in Culver’s of Tinley Park. A percent of sales from the store that day will go to benefit the CCFB Foundation For more information on Thank You Farmers, or to visit your local Culver’s restaurant, visit www. culvers.com.

Meet your local farmers and support the Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation on Sunday, November 10!! The Foundation supports local agricultural literacy programs and scholarships.

Culver's Tinley Park 18248 Sayre Ave. 1 block East of Harlem on 183rd!

Your South Holland Agency Jeff Orman

Agency Manager

708-560-7777

Sharon Stemke

Associate Manager

708-478-0423

Elliot Day

Bob Deenik

708-679-1870

Kirk Nickerson

Andrew Carrell

Randall Cox

708-596-3999

708-679-1870

South Holland

Matteson

Ben Garrett

Pat Hickey

Gary Molenhouse

708-474-5600

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Jim Parthemore

Tim Perchinski

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708-331-3323

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Bob Smith

John Tameling

Paul Turay

Josh Van Namen

Tim Van Zuidam

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John VanGennep

Jim Verduin

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Matteson

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Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE Policy Question of the Month With whom did Cook CFB traveled to Stephenson County with to tour a chicken farm, beef farm, and dairy farm? Email your answer to bona@cookcfb.org or membershiplinda@ cookcfb.org or call (708)354-3276 to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

OCTOBER’S WINNER for the Public Policy Question of the Month was Victor Maurello. Congratulations! September’s question: With whom did Cook County Farm Bureau® volunteers tour Andrews High School in Tinley Park with? Answer: Senator Michael Hastings

County Budget Proposal to Contain no Taxes, Fines or Fees

According to reports, the County’s Fiscal Year 2013- 2014 budget will not include any new taxes, fines, fees or increases. In June, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s office projected a $152 million financial shortfall. About two-thirds of the projected shortfall will be filled by enrolling uninsured individuals using the Cook County Health System into the Medicaid program. The County’s budget process will begin about six weeks before Preckwinkle and all 17 Commissioners begin filing nominating petitions for the 2014 elections. Last year, the County raised cigarette taxes by a dollar a pack as well as approved new fees on firearm sales, out-of-county purchases of big-ticket items, slot machines and video gambling terminals. The County also increased permit and morgue fees. To date the tax on out-of-county purchases has been suspended due to litigation and the fees on video gambling terminals and firearms are also being challenged. It is anticipated that the County’s budget process will wrap up before December 1, when Fiscal Year 2013 opens.

Farm Bureau not Considering Resolution Limiting EPA’s Authority

Despite 72% of Cook County Farm Bureau® opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s assumed ability to veto permits already issued without cause, Illinois Farm Bureau® delegates did not approve Cook CFB’s resolution limiting EPA’s authority. Cook CFB’s resolution sought to reaffirm US Code, which prohibits the US EPA from canceling permits without cause. In 2011, the US EPA cancelled a permit that had been in place

for four years for the Spruce Mine in West Virginia. Subsequently, in March 2012 a federal judge ruled that the US EPA lacks the authority to cancel a previously issued permit and relied on “magical thinking” in doing so. Cook CFB’s resolution stated that Farm Bureau opposes the US EPA cancelling previously issued permits without cause. Resolution Committee members argued that the permit for the Spruce Mine was a single example

as opposed to an indication of the Administration’s direction on environmental issues. Additionally, given that US code already prohibits such an instance from occurring, the Resolutions Committee chose not to proceed.

Farm Bureau members are encouraged to contact the Farm Bureau office at (708) 354-3276 for additional information or to register any thoughts.

Leaders from throughout Northern Illinois joined the Senate Subcommittee on Food Labeling to discuss genetically engineered food labeling. Legislators heard testimony from individuals on both sides of the argument and will continue the discussions upon return to Springfield. The Chicago hearing was the third and final Subcommittee hearing on this issue.

Cook CFB President Jim Gutzmer (pictured right) met with Representative Robyn Gabel during an Adopt-a-Legislative visit with Rock Island County. Rep. Gabel has been “adopted” since 2011.

Court says “no” to Preckwinkle Tax Cook CFB leader Janet McCabe (pictured center) joined State Representative Fran Hurley (pictured left) and her constituents for an exchange program to Stephenson County. Participants, including high school freshmen visited a chicken farm, beef farm and dairy farm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Bona Heinsohn, Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations 6438 Joliet Rd., Countryside, Il 60525 bona@cookcfb.org 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.

Just days before Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle was scheduled to deliver her Fiscal Year 2013- 2014 budget, Circuit Court Judge Robert Lopez Cepero issued a permanent preliminary injunction prohibiting the County from collecting an additional tax on out-of-county purchases. The injunction was initially issued in July. For less than a year, the

County was collecting a tax on out-of-county purchases in excess of $3,500. Purchases include office supplies or equipment purchased out-of-county but does not include vehicles or real estate. The Preckwinkle Administration intends to petition the court for a stay of injunction and is prepared to take the case to the appellate court once Judge Cepero issues

his written order. Since approval, the Administration has aggressively worked to bolster the County’s court case. In June, Commissioners reduced the tax rate from 1.25 percent, an amount over the County’s sales tax, to 0.75. That reduction alone was anticipated to cost the County five million this year alone.

Manifolds, Manolos, and Manure

By Bona Heinsohn

It’s amazing how quickly things change. As one of our employees moved our drill from our main farm to storage, too many families were

changed. An oncoming vehicle skimmed our tractor and ran head-on into our soybean drill. Despite the best efforts of first responders, only our seventeen-year-old employee walked away. In a matter of minutes too many families were changed. The family who lost their mother and grandmother. The family of our 17-year-old employee who’s dealing with the fact that another person lost their life. Our family who never

imagined that we’d be impacted by a motor vehicle-farm implement accident. We never imagined we’d be one of the six fatality accidents per year involving farm implements and motor vehicles or that we’d have to explain the concept of Heaven to a four-year-old blue-eyed girl. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation there were 263 motor vehicle accidents involving farm equipment in 2012. The point of this column isn’t to belabor the situation we found ourselves in earlier this fall or to place blame but to illustrate that even in an urban county, farmers are moving equipment from farm to field. And to illustrate that as motorists we have to share the road. As you’re heading out on Friday night for a high school football game or on

Saturday morning for soccer practice or just traveling to the local grocery store, keep the following safety tips in mind: If you spot a tractor or piece of farm equipment on the road, slow down. Farm equipment doesn’t travel as quickly as motor vehicles. Twenty-five miles per hour is definitely not 55. Be on the lookout for triangular, reflective, slowmoving vehicle (SMV) signs. SMV signs are used to mark farm equipment and to warn motorists. SMV sights should never be used to mark mailboxes or driveways. Keep your eyes open for turn signals. Don’t assume that because the tractor veers right that it’s turning right. Farm equipment makes very wide turns because of the size of the equipment. In addition to looking for turn signals, watch for flashing amber lights, which often

mark the far right and left sides of farm equipment. Most equipment will also have reflective tape marking the rear, sides, and edges of farm equipment. Be especially careful when passing farm equipment. Farm equipment operators may partially “ride” the shoulder to reduce how much of the lane they are taking up, but road shoulders are unstable and may present hazards to tires or farm implements. Equally, if farmers are riding the shoulder they will have to return fully to the road to avoid mailboxes and bridges. On the note of passing, be sure not to pull out in front of a tractor then stop suddenly. Most farm equipment is very large and does not stop easily. As motorists we share the road and together we can have a safe and productive harvest.

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

MEMBER RELATIONS

Benefit of the Month

Cook County Farm Bureau Nights SATURDAY, NOV.16, AT 7 P.M. VS. Grand Rapids Griffins

ENJOY GREAT SEATS AT SPECIAL GROUP PRICES

Saturday, NOV.23, AT 7P.M. VS. Grand Rapids Griffins

Spot Light

Each month, we highlight one of our Cook County Farm Bureau benefits to help members better take advantage of the many opportunities and advantages offered by the organization. Should you have any questions regarding this or any other benefit, please contact your Cook County Farm Bureau Member Service Center at 708-354-3276.

BOND CARDS

*$38.00 TICKETS FOR $32.00

Friday, NOV.29, 2013 AT 7:30 P.M. VS. Rockford IceHogs

*$28.50 TICKETS FOR $22.50

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

*$18.50 TICKETS FOR $12.50

*$21.50 TICKETS FOR $15.50 *Indicates day-of-game price

# oftickets = _______ at $32.00 = $ _______

SEE CHICAGOWOLVES.COM/TICKETS FOR

GOLD SEATING(rows 2-7 off of the glass)

FURTHER INFORMATION

# oftickets = _______ at $22.50 = $ _______

HOW TO ORDER

ORANGE SEATING(lower level center ice)

# oftickets = _______ at $15.50 = $ _______ nd

GREEN SEATING(lower level corner/end OR 2 level sides – based on availability)

# of tickets = _______ at $12.50 = $ _______

BY PHONE:Stefanie Starck(847)832-1939 BY MAIL: Chicago Wolves Attn: CCFB, c/o Stefanie Starck 2301 Ravine Way Glenview, IL 60025

BLUE SEATING (2 level corner/end)

Game(s) of choice: ____________________

BY FAX:(847) 724-1652, Attn: Stefanie Starck

TOTAL 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: 47-10875 G#4(APON) Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________

Please make all checks payable to: CHICAGO WOLVES

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________ Phone (C):_______________________(W):___________________________ / AMX / MC/ VS No.: ______________________________________ Card Exp.: ____________________Sec. Code: ________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT Stefanie Starckat (847) 832-1939 skstarck@chicagowolves.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Katie Smith, Director of Membership 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, Il 60525 membershipkatie@cookcfb.org 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”

Billing Address: __________________________________________________

Eligible Farm Bureau members can purchase bail bond cards through the Cook County Farm Bureau for only $5 per person. The Bail Bond application form is printed on the back of the dues notice. Bail bond cards are good for a year and expire November 6th of each year. Bail bond cards are available to members who are licensed drivers and whose 2013-14 Farm Bureau membership dues are paid. Cards may be requested for spouses and qualified dependents (children with a driver’s license between the ages of 16-21). Bail bond cardholders should complete the application form and return it to the Farm Bureau office along with $5 for each card requested. The bail bond card can be posted in lieu of your driver’s license in the state of Illinois for a minor traffic violation.

Cook County Financial

Representatives of the Month The Financial Representative of the Month program is designed by Country Financial Agency Managers of Cook County to recognize 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 manager with the Financial Representative of the Month designation. Malgorzata Jura Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency Manager Malgorzata Jura has been named Chicago North Career Financial Representative of the month for September 2013. Her office is located at 4708 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630. Her phone number is 773-427-4364. Malgorzata has been a Financial Representative since January 2008. Matt Whitsett Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency Manager Matt Whitsett has been named Chicago North Employee Financial Representative of the month for September 2013. His office is located at 1426 W. Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. His phone number is 773-472-1820. Matt has been a Financial Representative since November 2009. James Williams Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency Manager James Williams has been named Chicago South Financial Representative of the month for September, 2013. His office is located at 10414 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60643. His phone number is 773-239-7800. James has been a Financial Representative since December 2012. .

Bill Asimakopoulos Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency Manager Bill Asimakopoulos has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for September 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 bill.asimakopoulos@countryfinancial.com. Tony Munno Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency Manager Tony Munno has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for September 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 tony. munno@countryfinancial.com.

Lena Stovall Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency Manager Lena Stovall has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for September 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.

Tomasz Spiewak Schaumburg Agency, Jack Smith, Agency Manager Tomasz Spiewak has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for September 2013. Tomasz’s office is located at 2435 W. Schaumburg Rd. in Schaumburg, IL. His phone number is (847) 891-3072. Tomasz has been a Financial Representative since June 2013.

Kurt Mass Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency Manager Kurt Mass has been named Employee Representative of the Month for September 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.

Jim Parthemore South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency Manager Jim Parthemore has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for September 2013. Jim’s office is located at 9432 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park, IL. His phone number is (708) 745-5151. Jim has been a Financial Representative since April 2000.

Kathy Spiewak Schaumburg Agency, Jack Smith, Agency Manager Kathy Spiewak has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for September 2013. Kathy’s office is located at 11 W. Wise Rd., in Schaumburg, IL. Her phone number is (847) 716-1010. Kathy has been a Financial Representative since February 2007.

Gary Molenhouse South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency Manager Gary Molenhouse has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for September 2013. Gary’s office is located at 108 State St. in Manhattan, IL. His phone number is (815) 478-0190. Gary has been a Financial Representative since September 2009.

Co-Operator November 2013

“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!

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

Miscellaneous 2 Bosch ½” hammer drills Mo. #1194 exc. condition $80 each. DeWalt HD 3-1/4” planer Mo. #DW680 $80. Jet dust collector Mo. #DC-650-A, NEW $75. Bosch drill/driver Mo.#38636, 36V, 3 batteries, exc. Condition $200. Also have other electrical hand tools in exc. to good condition and large assortment of hand tools. Call 224-238-8248. Computer desk like new! 3-piece corner unit, monitor stand with CD holders, movable hutch and keyboard tray. Photos available, $175; LPs and VHS, Beta and cassette tapes. Best offer. Please call 708-447-8820. Rail road ties available, like new condition. Great for landscaping, fence posts or retaining walls. $6 ea, picked up. Delivery extra. Call Bill at 708-415-4716.

Camera equipment: Canon AE-1 Speedlite, FD lenses, zoom lenses, power winder, leather case, old reels projector. Call 708-764-1168. 2 person sauna, like new, paid $1,700 and asking $500. Also have misc. airplane & pilot gear, GPS headphones. Call 708-906-1408.

Cook County Farm Bureau

1999 Volkswagen Beetle for sale. $3,000. Call Dee at 773-524-2515.

Yellow

2003 Ford Focus XZ3, low miles 24K, $4,500 OBO. Call 630-530-8680.

1500 beer cans from the 1970’s and 1980’s. Some are unopened and most are bottom opened. They are in excellent condition. Call Bruce at 847-253-5434.

Zoom zoom! 1992 Mazda Miata Mx-5; white w/blk conv. top, VGS, 5-spd manual, A/C, new battery, good tires, am/fm w/cassette player. 89,000 mi. Inc: white hardtop & extra set rims $3,895 OBO. Call 815-485-3319.

12 cemetery plots in beautiful Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines. $1,000 each. Will sell individually or all together. Call 847-438-5425.

1999 31 ft motor home Chateau by Thor, Class C, 68,000 miles, asking $20,000. Call 708-4231124.

Wurlitzer Organ Model 4500. Works well. Selling Mom’s house and organ must go. $50 OBO. You pick up in Alsip area. Call 708-4973923 and leave a message.

Snow plow for dump or grain truck 11’ wide x 41” tall side to side and up-down action also quick release with mount UG condition, $800. Call 708-408-0284.

Antique Bassett dining room table & 2-piece China hutch. Includes 6 chairs with new ivory cushions and leaf. Table is oval with intricate wood detail on sides. Lower part of hutch has 3 pull drawers with cabinet storage on sides. Excellent cond. $200 for table/chairs & $600 for hutch. Please call 630-373-8397. Moving…sofa/love seat/chair/ottoman, Broyhill end tables, entertainment center with side cabinets (TV/stereo components included), Oak china cabinet, sofa/matching chair and a half with ottoman, mahogany china cabinet, pr. Casual upholstered chairs, mahogany desk, English hunting dog picture, Oak console table, antique Victorian walnut bed and matching dresser, antique baby cradle, tin and wood trunk. Also, antique clock collection. Phone 708-579-1422 for more information.

Ethan Allen Bennett slip covered chair (Sage), in very good condition $100. Call 708-899-0836.

Billiard, dressing, 2 nightstands, candle, child tables, 3 hutch tops, 2 desks, 14 chairs, 6 cabinets, spinwheel, bathtub, piano, picture frame, Singer 347, dresser, crocks, dart board, van seat, Ouija boards, 3 paintings and more! Please call 630-690-1244.

Decorations for large homes & offices. 2 “giant” wreaths, ornaments & evergreens, 5 ft tall brass reindeer statue, reasonable prices. Call 708448-7960.

Motorized Vehicles and Accessories

White brand new mongoose mountain bike. Still has tags on it $120. For the kids, Lego sets already put together: police station, farm, garage, etc. 8 sets together all for $300 or $50 each. Wrestling magazines from 1990’s, about 50 of them, $20 for all. Call 708-369-5215.

2001 Dodge Ram van, original owner. 114K miles, factory conversion – 3.8L, V8 engine, newer radiator, brakes, tires and suspension. VCP for read trips, mood lights, 4 captain chairs, fold down back seat, 7 passenger, red w/tan int. $1,800 OBO. Near O’Hare airport. Call Al at 847-977-4003.

2 sofas, excellent cond. $50 each. 1 sofa hidea-bed $75. Assortment of dressers $40 to $50 each, 1 floor lamp $25, 1 dining room table + 4 chairs $250, 1 kitchen table + 4 chairs $125. Call 708-614-8148.

1994 Dodge Ram pick up, runs good, new radiator, tires, brakes, new battery, hoses, alternator, good beater! $1,200 OBO. Red with bed cover! Near O’Hare airport. Call Al at 847-977-4003.

1984 Chevy Pickup – 6 cyl. Excellent condition, new brakes, gas tank, exhaust. Water pump & thermostat, fuel pump, battery, front tires, needs some body work. 88,000 original miles $1,200. Call 708-687-5484. In Oak Forest area. 2007 Ski-Doo Blizzard snowmobile 800cc, very clean and fast and in perfect condition. $4,500 OBO. 2002 Polaris 600 snowmobile very clean, M-10 suspension $2,000 OBO. Call 708-9061408.

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 630-2024940. Farmall M tractor, $1,800. Farmall A tractor $2,300. Two farm wagons, $200 each. Please call 847-909-5443.

Vacation Rentals/Sales Florida Keys condo for rent. Coral Lagoon, Unit #18 in Marathon, Fl. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool, use of boat slip. Call 305-289-2212.

Real Estate For Sale/Rent

Well established natural stone refinishing/ restoration firm with accounts in metro area bldgs, hotels, high-end home for sale. Best offer before end of 2013. Owner’s benefit in 6 figures. Email mpavilon@sbcglobal.net (no brokers). Office condominium, 400 Sq. ft. Two rooms and bath, located in Tinley Park, IL. Asking price is $50,000. For information call Tim at 708-820-8820. 2 bedroom apt. unfurnished, stove, refrigerator, carpet, ceiling fans, 2 Fl building on the south side of Chicago near 119th & Indiana St. Rent is $250 + Sec. Deposit. Call 708-754-2572. Rural living on 2.41 ac, lovely 3 or 4 bd, 1 ½ bath, sauna, large deck overlooking a manicured yard, fruit orchard, stocked, 2 barns, extra are available. Call 217-202-4802. Washington Park area in Chicago, Amazingly gorgeous, 2 bed 1 bath condo for rent $1,100/ mo. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, washer & dryer in unit, 2 private balconies. A MUST SEE. Call 708-638-6762.

Wanted Wanted to buy: Old space toys, robots, dolls, figures, posters, etc. Also, old monster kits, toys, etc. Please call 708-361-8230.

FREE Classified Ads for 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 membershiplinda@cookcfb.org. Non-member ad rate: $.75 per word; $15.00 minimum.

Off-Highway Vehicles stamp requirement coming

Cook CFB leaders Dan and Karen Biernacki generously donated their time and talent to plant the fall rooftop garden at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie. Plant materials were donated by Ted’s Greenhouse in Tinley Park, which is owned by the Biernacki’s.

Cook CFB volunteers, Kim Morton and Sheri Latash, met with families through the Greentable at the Glenview Farmers Market. Volunteers discussed the amount that farmers receive from the sale of common agricultural products. Volunteers also handed out pumpkins and apple cider, both common Illinois products.

In 2012, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law making it illegal to operate an off-highway vehicle (OHV) in Illinois without a “Off – Highway Vehicle Usage Stamp.” The Illinois’definition of an OHV includes motor – driven recreational vehicles capable of cross – country travel without a road or trail, such as ATVs and cross-country motorcycles. It does not include snowmobiles, motorcycles, watercraft, or farm equipment being used for farming. The law generally applies to OHVs whenever they are operated anywhere except on the property where the vehicle owner permanently resides. The law will be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and they will issue special $15 stamps for display on the vehicle. IDNR reports that the new system for issuing stamps will be available in January, 2014 but likely will not be required to be displayed until April 1, 2014. The stamp will then expire on March 31 of the year following the year in which it was purchased. Once up and running, purchase of OHV stamps should be available through any outlet

that sells hunting and fishing license. Noncompliance carries a fine of $120. According to IDNR officials, that the exemption can be extended anyone the resident authorizes to write on that property. The exemption is lost if the owner is a club or association, leases the land for hunting or recreation, or the OHV is used as part of an outfitting business. Farm operation of OHVs is granted an exemption from the feet and stamp, but only so long as the OHV is being used for activities associated with

farming or livestock production operations. Included among the vehicle type subject to the fee are: ATVs, Utility Vehicles, Off – Highway Motorcycles, Golf Carts, Gator – type vehicles, etc. The law generally exempts a limited set of vehicles that are typically not used for recreation including vehicles owned and operated by government entity and vehicles used in national or international officially sanctioned competitions. Additional information is available at www.DNR.Illinois. gov

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.

Co-Operator November 2013

Cook County Farm Bureau

Special Offer

for Cook County Farm Bureau Members at United Center

November 20th thru December 1st

We would like to wish our members of the Farm Bureau a Happy Thanksgiving! Opening Night tickets (for Weds November 20th) are only $14.00! There is a special discount for all other shows along with Free Parking in all official United Center parking lot. To view prices/dates for all shows, visit the ‘Members Only’ page at www.cookcfb.org or call the United Center box office at 312-4557469 and use Promo Code CCFB.

From the Cook County Cook County Farm Products “Direct” Shopping Guide

Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Staff

Thank You For Renewing Your Membership

As you already know, membership dues billings were sent to all members at the end of September. Your Farm Bureau membership gives you access to outstanding benefits, programs and services such as: eligibility for Preferred Companies in Country Financial, IAA Credit Union, Bail Bond Cards, events, trips, entertainment, discount programs, agricultural news and information, landowners group, policy development, the Cooperator, and much more. Please plan on sending your renewal or stop by the Farm Bureau office today to maintain your active membership in your organization. Member Renewals can be paid online at www.cookcfb. org. Reinstatements and new memberships must be paid by calling (708) 354-3276. Deadline date is November 6th. Thank you to the thousands of members who have already renewed their membership. We look forward to serving you!

Get your Holiday Plants, Decorations and Christmas Trees Locally Check out the places to go this fall to celebrate harvest, purchase pumpkins, and enjoy great fall produce! Access localfarmproducts.org for the farm markets, nurseries, and landscaping centers that are now open. We’ve listed the location, products, directions and hours for these Farm Bureau members. Localfarmproducts.org is dedicated to area consumers who want to buy local and area farm producers who have quality products to pro‐ vide. Check us out today!

Tablet App for ‘My American Farm’ Now Available 2013 FORD FUSION

2013 FORD F-150

2013 FORD EXPLORER

$500 Bonus For Illinois Farm Bureau Members The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has released a tablet app modeled after the popular agricultural game site, “My American Farm”. The app is now available for free download on iTunes and Google Play. The app features five games from My American Farm – In My Barn; My Little Ag Me; Equipment Engineer; Farmers Market Challenge; and Ag Across America. The My American Farm educational resource is a special project of the Foundation. The site and resources are made available through the generous support of title sponsor, DuPont Pioneer. To take advantage of the free My American Farm resources, games and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org

Illinois Farm Bureau members get $500 Bonus Cash* toward the purchase or lease of any eligible 2012/2013/2014 Ford vehicle. Enjoy valuable savings on your choice of vehicles from our comfortable and capable lineup of cars and trucks – like the 2013 Ford F-150 with best-in-class max trailer tow and payload capability, and 4 engines to choose from, including the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 Engine.

Take advantage of this exclusive special offer today.

Visit www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/il

*Program #34216: $500 Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Offer is valid from 1/03/2013 through 1/2/2014 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2012/2013/2014 model year Ford or Lincoln vehicle. Not available on Mustang Shelby GT/GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Focus EV, Focus S, Fiesta S, Focus ST, Edge SE AWD (12MY), F-150 Raptor, Taurus SE and 13MY MKZ including Hybrid. This offer may not be used in conjunction with other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZDPlans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. You must be an eligible Association member for at least 60 consecutive days and must show proof of membership. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Farm Bureau member during program period. See your Ford or Lincoln Dealer for complete details and qualifications.