June Cooperator 2014 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. 88 No. 6

www.cookcfb.org

Countryside, IL 60525

2014 Bookmark Contest Winners

Nina from Hoffman Estates, 1st Place Winner

Thank you to everyone who submitted entries! We had so many entries and we had a hard time making a decision. The lucky winner of the contest was Nina from Hoffman Estates. She will be awarded a $25 Amazon gift card. There were 3 runner-up

winners as well and they will be awarded a $15 Amazon gift card. In no particular order, the runner-ups were: Albert from Hoffman Estates, Lindsey from La Grange, and Gabrela from Westchester. Congratulations to all of our winners!

June 2014

Proposed “Waters of the US” Rule of Concern to Farmers Earlier this year, the US Environmental Protection Agency and US Army Corps of Engineers announced that they were issuing a joint proposed rule to clarify the Clean Water Act (CWA). However, the proposed rule goes beyond clarifying the CWA and drastically expands the jurisdiction of the USEPA and the Army Corps. Under the proposed rule, the USEPA and the Army Corps would have authority over: • Seasonal and rain-dependent streams • Adjacent streams and wetlands that feed into those streams

•

Isolated wetlands or other waters that have a “significant nexus” to the traditional navigable waters.

The proposed rule will make it more difficult to farm or change a farming business to remain competitive and profitable. Farm Bureau members and leadership are fully engaged in activities to eliminate or reduce

the impact of the proposed rule on farmers. Activities include filing comments, requesting an extension of the federal comment period, and reaching out to the Illinois Congressional delegation to educate them on the issue and to request that they join in the push to have the USEPA and the Army Corps withdraw the rule. It is vital for agriculture that the proposed rule does not become final or, if that is not possible, substantially changed. For more information on making comments on this rule, please contact Cook CFB at 708-394-3276 or email Bona@ cookcfb.org.

2014 Paint the Yard Contest

Lindsey from La Grange, Runner-Up

Calling all member and non-member gardeners: Paint your Yard this season and join the contest. photograph of the yard or container garden and email the photo by July 21st to membershipdebbie@cookcfb. org. Win the popular vote or the judges’ choice and be awarded a gift certificate (on us!) to your Garden Center:

Albert from Hoffman Estates, Runner-up

3 - 1st Prizes $300.00 each Popular Vote, Judge’s choice Yard & Container Garden 3 - 2nd Prizes$200.00 each Popular Vote, Judge’s choice Yard & Container Garden

Agricultural Tours for Members

Gabrela from Westchester, Runner-up

Seeing Agriculture in Action Bee “Apiary” Visit ~ Tuesday, June, 10th 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Go to a participating local Cook County Farm Bureau Garden Center/Greenhouse, purchase market flowers, obtain your entry form, enter the

contest and plant your garden. Buy it, plant it, and photograph it…hurry entry forms are due by June 16th 2014. Take a before and after

It’s as easy as that. Go to www.cookcfb.org/buy-local for entry form, participating Garden Centers and complete contest details or call 708-3543276 and ask for Debbie.

Lyman Woods, Downers Grove Park District Members will tour the Bee Apiary run by Naturalist and Beekeeping Instructor, Marge Trocki. Protective clothing is available for the first 15 who register to attend. Members will meet at Lyman Woods and the tour will begin at 1 PM - weather permitting. To register, call the County Farm Bureau at 708-354-3276 or email membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org by June 6th.

Testa Produce Tour ~ Wednesday, June 25th 10 AM Testa, a Fresh Produce Distributor, Chicago IL This family-owned fresh produce distributor has worked with vendors and customers to maintain high quality produce to the consumer for the past 100 years! Tour the “green” facility that distributes to Chicagoland restaurants, schools, hotels, hospitals, sporting venues and more. Members will meet at Testa Produce and the 60-90 Minute tour will begin at 10 Am and will view its “green” roof top. To register, call the County Farm Bureau at 708-3543276 or email membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org by June 20th. Tour is limited to 25.

Question of the Month Which staff member received the honorary Chapter FFA degree?

Beekeeper Marge inspects the hives in the Lyman Woods bee yard.

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 by the 21st with the answer for a chance to enter a drawing for a $25.00 gas card.

May’s winner is Cynthia

Young.

Last Month’s Question: What are male chickens called?

Possible Answers: Rooster, Cock or Cockerel On multiple days the Testa Turbine generates enough energy to power the SAI-2 – Educating the Next Generation: building. Food, Fuel entire & Fiber in the Classroom

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

Co-Operator June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Use of Gestation and Farrowing Crates in the United States A gestation crate or sow stall is a metal enclosure used to house a pregnant hog, first appeared in the United States in the fall of 1970. Early examples of gestation crates included a tether. However, even earlier examples date back to the 1800’s when hogs were housed in wooden stalls much like horses in traditional horse barns. Farrowing crates are traditionally used to house lactating sows thus protecting piglets from being crushed by a sow when she lays down possibly on them. Additionally, the crates are designed to provide a cooler area for the hog and a warmer area for the piglets as well as to keep the piglets dry and reduce the spread of diseases. Gestation crates are used while the hog is pregnant to protect her and animals near her from aggressive behaviors.

Modern variations on gestation and farrowing crates include the turn-around pen in which hogs share a “turn around” space or a compartment-style pen in which hogs have a wider space at one end of the pen. Additionally, group housing in which several animals are housed together is another alternative to individual pens. According to the US Department of Agriculture in the early 2000s, over ninety percent of sows gave birth in gestation crates. However, due largely to public outcry, the use of gestation crates was banned in Europe beginning in 2003 and completely phased out as of January 1, 2013. Public outcry has also caused some US food retailers to rethink the use of gestation crates. In addition, Florida, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and California

have banned the use of gestation crates. Additionally, several food retailers have announced that they will require the farmers they purchase from to raise hogs “gestation crate free”. According to Purdue University, research has found that both gestation crates as well as group housing have positive and negative effects on animal wellbeing. According to the “National Hog Farmer” both studies and anecdotal reports suggest that there is little clear advantage or disadvantage in sow performance when comparing group housing and individual stalls. The consideration of how to house an animal is a determination to be made by individual farmers after considering their farm, their animals, and who they are selling their animals to.

Farmer Values

As a farmer, I value the independence to make decisions, to set my own schedule, the ability to work outdoors, the camaraderie of other farmers, and the joy of working with others on issues that affect my livelihood.

Janet McCabe CCFB Board Member

CONNECT WITH US

Soybean Motor Oil Certified Motor oil made with a high oleic soybean oil base just took the next step toward commercialization. The oil, tested on more than 1 million miles in 100 Las Vegas taxicabs, received certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API). Biosynthetic Technologies of California created the motor

oil containing 35 percent of a synthetic ester, called an estolide, made from high oleic soybean oil. API certification verifies the motor oil formulated with the biosynthetic ester passed rigorous standards required for motor oil use. The national soy checkoff funded a project with Biosynthetic Technologies to achieve API certification. The

product could appear in stores within the next two years. Motor oils made with the new, high oleic soybean-based estolide do not thin out at high temperatures and provide superior engine protection. The estolide also does not evaporate at high temperatures. These characteristics offer the potential for longer oil change intervals.

Congratulations Diane Merrion Staff member Diane Merrion, CCFB’s Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, attended the Chicago High School for Ag Science’s FFA Award Banquet on April 29th primarily to present the recognition of the CCFB Foundation’s Conserv FS FFA Scholarship to Senior Thomas Poole. CHSAS surprised Diane with a very special recognition of her own, by presenting her with an honorary Chapter FFA degree for her efforts to work with the students at CHSAS, creation of the Summer Farm Camp held at the school and the wonderful interaction she provides between CHSAS, Ag in the Classroom and Cook County Farm Bureau. What a wonderful tribute to Diane who works so hard on partnering to communicate the message of farm, food, agriculture, and it’s relevance throughout Cook County! Big Time Congratulations, Diane! Be sure to check out a great blog post by Illinois Farm Families about the work that Diane does. Visit http://www.watchusgrow.org/illinoisfarm-families-blog/ (Post is from May 15th)

Farmer Board Members responded when asked the Question “What do you value as a Farmer?”

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/Cook. County.Farm.Bureau.IL

Connect with us on LinkedIn Cook County Farm Bureau

Visit our website www.cookcfb.org

Editor’s Note

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

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 Bloomstrand Michael Horcher Gerald Kopping Mark Yunker Ruth Zeldenrust

Cliff Harms Janet McCabe

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

We were pleased to host 20 students from Southside Occupational Academy of Chicago for a special Ag Day program held on May 13th at Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg, IL. Ms. Cherise Lilly, Horticulture instructor, welcomed the chance for her students to visit a local farm to learn more about agriculture. Students rotated through four learning stations including the farm house kitchen (where a pretzel-making demonstration was the highlight), a blacksmith station, the barn to see dairy cows and horses and the chicken coop where eggs were gathered and chickens fed. It was a long drive from Chicago, but worth the trip to experience agriculture firsthand on an 1880’s historic farm.

Linda Tobias Kelli McSherry

Affiliated Companies Jeff Orman....................................... Insurance Agency Manager, South Holland Victoria Nygren................................ Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago North Marc Rogala.......................................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago South Jack Smith..................................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago Northwest Joe Youngman............................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago Northeast Mike Flynn............................................ Insurance Agency Manager, Countryside 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 June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Downwind by Bob Rohrer, Manager

Organizational Personality

Farm Bureau is in the “People” business. We have people that choose to join the Organization as members. We have people that volunteer to lend their skills, enthusiasm, talents and strengths to further the goals of the Farm Bureau. We have people that work for our Affiliated Companies that help provide services and protection to our member people. We have people that work as Staff serving all these other people! We have People that spend large chunks of their free time serving as part of the Leadership Team for the Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau People meet… FB People interact…FB People connect…FB People relate. As Manager, I am very fortunate to work with so many of these good People. It is inevitable and right that a close bond is formed with many of these People… April 23, 2014 was a difficult day…a difficult day for Cook County Farm Bureau People and for me personally. Two long time board leaders and volunteers of Cook County Farm Bureau, Harold Stuenkel and Don Zeldenrust passed away on April 23, moving from the restraints of our earthly boundaries to the great Farm in the sky. They

will never have to worry about the weather, plowing straight rows, crop prices and pests, and commodity markets again. For the 15+ years that I have worked at Cook County Farm Bureau, these two gentlemen influenced me greatly, providing guidance, wisdom and counsel. They had a tremendous impact on the Cook County Farm Bureau organization…strongwilled individuals that wanted the best from agriculture and from Farm Bureau! I believe that Organizations, especially non-for profits like Cook County Farm Bureau, are living, breathing organisms and derive their personalities from the personalities of their leaders. We are bits and pieces of the people that bring the organization to life and make it real. The Cook County Farm Bureau bears many positive traits and attributes from these two long time leaders… From Harry’s 28 years on the Board (3 as President)… He brought honesty, determination, thought provoking questions, a steady calm, and a quiet, caring farm focus with the Organization… From Don’s 37 years on the Board…He brought a tough but likable people-oriented focus, great farm humor in all things, institutional memories (and stories) with attention to the roots of farming… Each of these men

A friendly reminder… The Cook County Farm Bureau office will be

identified in the role as Farmer “traditionalists” enjoying the relationships derived from working collectively with other agriculturists for the common good of farming. They weren’t big on “evolving” technology and change occurring in the world, yet saw wisdom in trying new ways and new approaches as a Farm Bureau. Perhaps the finest gift that they gave to me was their Trust. This is something that I will always hold dear in my heart. What finer and more impactful gift can a board member provide to an employee than Trust? This

Harry and Don admiring a giant pumpkin

is a gift I will never take for granted. And so, it is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to these fine leaders and great FB People. However, Harry and Don’s legacies live on, not only within their dear family members, but within their Cook County Farm Bureau organization as well. Their influence, gifts, guidance and personalities provided

during their tenure will live on. We never say thank you to volunteers enough (and regret follows) so in case Harry and Don finally have time to read the Cooperator and this column now, let me say thank you… Your organization is so much the better because of your years of involvement and the personalities you loaned Cook County Farm Bureau!

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

AUTO I HOME I LIFE BUSINESS I RETIREMENT

Joe Youngman

Mary Jane Alagheband

Keith Banks

Barbara Bator

Matt Broom

Agency Manager

Evanston

Park Ridge

Rolling Meadows

(847) 696-9484

(847) 963-8823

(847) 963-8840

(847) 733-7952

(847) 963-8876

Paul Choi

Russ Delange

Tom Graceffa

Sarkis Hartoun

Tim Hranka

Wheeling

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(847) 419-1281

(847) 991-3129

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Robert Sitkiewicz

Matt Powell

Fred Resner

Leo Rizo

Mike Salerno

Rolling Meadows

Evanston

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(847) 934-5117

(847) 991-2815

(847) 733-7952

(847) 419-1281

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Yanni Zavakos

CLOSED on Friday, July 4th, in honor of Independence Day. Happy 4th of July to all of our members!

Jeff Stein

Gregory Stickels

Magdalena Stovall

Jerry Toigo

Northbrook

Rolling Meadows

Park Ridge

Evanston

Wheeling

(847) 498-1205

(847) 963-8872

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0314-542HO

Co-Operator June 2014

History of Food

Strawberry Goodness Strawberries, famous for their characteristic aroma, bright color, juicy texture, and sweetness were first bred in Brittany, France in the early 1750s. Common uses of strawberries include preserves, juices, pies, ice cream, milkshakes, and chocolates. Even strawberry aroma has been added to air fresheners, cleaning products, and perfumes. Strawberry-Lemon Cake (recipe from myrecipes.com)

Ingredients 2 cups of flour 1½ cups of sugar ½ teaspoon salt 3 large eggs ¾ cup whole milk ½ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Strawberry-lemon filling

1½ cups whipping cream 6 tablespoons sugar Preparation Line a lightly greased 15x10inch jellyroll pan with lightlygreased parchment paper. Combine the flour and the next three ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs and the next five ingredients in a medium bowl until blended; whisk in dry ingredients until just blended. Pour batter in prepared pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or

until wood pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Invert cake onto the wire rack, and remove the parchment paper; let cool completely. Transfer cake onto a large cutting board. Cut the cake into half to make two squares. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread top with half of the strawberry-lemon filling. Top with the remaining cake layer. Spread the remaining filling over the top. Beat whipping cream and sugar at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; spoon into a one-gallon, zip-top plastic freezer bag, press whipped cream into one corner of the bag, removing the excess air, and snip a ¼-inch hold in the corner of the bag. Pipe the whipped cream vertically onto the cake sides.

Cook County Farm Bureau

Ask a “Bee Guy or Gal”... Member, Joe, from Justice, IL submitted the following bee/honey question that he wanted answered: Question: What does it feel like to be a male Honeybee? Answer: Having never been a male bee, I can only imagine what it feels like to be a male (drone) bee. If I were a drone, I would think life would be pretty good. After emerging from a drone cell as an adult, with a little help from the workers (workers don’t assist other workers when they emerge from their cells), you pretty much have all the freedom and luxury you could think of. Your sisters are constantly providing food for you. You are not expected to do any work around the house. You come and go as you please. You get to hang out with your friends all day long looking for queens to mate with.... Which, if you are “lucky”, it is the last thing you will do.....literally. Drones die after mating with a queen. If you don’t find a queen, you just fly to the nearest hive you can find. Any hive will let you in. This is all great......until the fall. Then the workers decide they have had enough of you and literally drag you out of the hive and toss you on the ground. Try as you might to get back in, you are no longer welcome. Drones are a drain on winter honey stores and they are all disposed of by the workers. Well......it was a great summer if you are a drone. Answer provided by an instructor/local honey producer at the CookDuPage Beekeepers Association. Visit localfarmproducts.org to find a local honey producer near you!

University of Illinois Extension Celebrates 100 year Anniversary

Members of all ages gathered on a Saturday morning in April to participate in Farming on Your Balcony/Make an Herb Planter workshop held at the Cook County Farm Bureau. Nancy Pollard, Horticulture Educator with the U of I Extension and Dan Biernacki, owner of Ted’s Greenhouse and Board member, led the workshop focusing on raising vegetables and patio container gardening in any size space! Participants, like Greg and Tracy Adams (above) assembled a beautiful herb planter to take home. This workshop continues to be a popular one for members.

Willene Buffet, Cook County U of I Extension Director, helped lead the Celebration of the 100 year Anniversary of the Smith-Level act which created the Cooperative Extension service in our Country. A gathering of Extension partners, supporters and friends gathered at the Chicago Cultural Center on May 14th for a celebration and recognition of the occasion. CCFB Manager, Bob Rohrer, represented the organization and read the Resolution passed by the CCFB Board of Directors.

Willene Buffet

Master Gardener Resource Center is here to help! Master gardeners are housed in the Farm Bureau office for regular business hours to answer questions from members and the general public related to gardening and horticulture. Office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This service is expected to 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. General topic areas that

Farmland, a documentary following the lives of six young farmers premiered in Chicago in May. Farmland, directed by award-winning director, James Moll, steps inside the world of farming and ranching for a glimpse into the lives of six young

can be addressed include soil test recommendations, plant disease issues and treatments, horticulture related questions, pest identification and treatment, and more. Commercial related questions will be forwarded to the University of Illinois Extension Professional Staff.

farmers and ranchers who have taken responsibility for their farms. Moll traveled across the country meeting young farmers and ranchers to learn more about the challenges and promises of growing and raising food. Following the premiere, movie watchers participated in a panel discussion then had the opportunity to meet farmers from Illinois.

Attendees had an opportunity to speak with farmers at the Farmland Documentary Premiere.

Congratulations on 100 years and we look forward to partnering for the next 100 years!

Co-Operator June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

The new issue of Illinois Farm Bureau Partners magazine is in the mail. We encourage you to take a look at the magazine and to check out the articles on Page 12 “Links to the Old World” where Chicago-area sausage makers showcase old techniques and recipes, Page 14 “A North Shore Getaway” and Page 18 “Fame Time with Farmers” where Chicago moms get a close-up look at how their food grows”.

Be sure to keep an eye out for your copy!

Thanks to Don Wessels and Maywood Park Race Track for hosting a ‘behind the scenes’ tour for Cook County Farm Bureau members in April.

Winning recipe contributor, Evelyn Zoeteman of South Holland, accepts a $50 gift certificate to Smits Farms from Bob Rohrer, CCFB Manager (left) with Carl Smits (right), owner of Smits Farms. Congratulations, Evelyn!

The 2014 Cookfresh Recipe Collection is Here! ®

The Commodities/ Marketing Team’s 2014 Cookfresh Recipe Collection is now available! This year’s recipes focus on proudly cooking with the freshest ingredients grown locally. The recipes chosen were submitted by Cook

County Farm Bureau members. To receive a free copy, email membershipdebbie@ cookcfb.org, or phone 708.354.3276 for your copy. To download a copy online, go to: www.cookcfb.org/buylocal/recipe-collection

Achieving Financial Security When it comes to finances, comfortable, well-off and secure aren’t created equal, according to the latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index. Fifty-nine percent of Americans said they aren’t sure or don’t believe it’s possible to achieve financial security with a middle-class income. Just 3 percent of Americans consider themselves wealthy. This group is, however, more likely to say a lower income is all that’s necessary to be comfortable, financially well-off and financially secure. The survey also found that as incomes rise, so do Americans’ view of how much you need to be “well-off.” All income groups said $50,000 to $100,000 is enough for an individual to live comfortably. However, the more they make, the more likely Americans are to say a higher income is necessary to be financially “well-off.”

Your South Holland Agency Jeff Orman

Andrew Carrell

Randall Cox

Agency Manager

Associate Manager

708-478-0423

708-596-3999

708-679-1870

Elliot Day

Bob Deenik

Will Williams

Pat Hickey

708-679-1870

708-474-5600

708-560-7777

708-361-4081

708-560-7777

Matteson

Gary Molenhouse Manhattan

Lansing

Kirk Nickerson

South Holland

Oak Forest

Matteson

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Ted Parks

Jim Parthemore

Tim Perchinski

Oak Forest

Orland Park

Steger

815-478-0190

708-331-3323

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708-226-1896

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Mike Cerf

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Tim Van Zuidam

Homewood

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Mokena

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708-798-4844

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John VanGennep

Jim Verduin

Mike McKenny

Kristyn McCormick

Jackie Vanderlaan

708-596-0008

708-560-7777

Mokena

708-478-5500

Thanks to Historic Wagner Farm for co-hosting Gardening Workshop event with over a dozen teachers. Everyone walked away with many new garden ideas to use in their K-8th grade classrooms.

Sharon Stemke

South Holland

Oak Forest

AUTO I HOME I LIFE I DISABILITY INCOME LONG TERM CARE I FINANCIAL SERVICES 0514-512HO

Oak Forest

Co-Operator June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Agricultural Literacy & Public Relations

Ag Lit Bit By Diane Merrion

School’s out for summer Most students in Illinois are now partaking in the annual celebration known as summer break. Our sympathy to those schools still plodding along to make up for all the snow days. I recall how excited a snow day seemed in January, but how dreadful it is to make them up come June. It’s hard to believe another school year has passed as it seems like last week that it was September. Summer isn’t what it used to be when I went to school. We basically turned off our brains (or so we thought) and did nothing. What I mean by nothing is we created our own agendas and created our own learning, even though we didn’t know it was learning. We planted gardens (horticulture), harvested gardens (culinary arts), caught butterflies and bugs(entomology), made dirt pies (soil science), had lemonade stands (entrepreneurship), walked our dogs (animal science), fixed our own broken bike chains (mechanics), went running when the mosquito trucks sprayed at night (opposite of environmental sciences), used aluminum foil to enhance our tans (natural resources) and read great books under trees or on vacation (literacy). I could go on, but you get the idea. We didn’t have many classes to go to in order to boost our education. We learned by trial and error and created our own learning labs. Illinois and Cook County are full of learning opportunities this

summer. I would encourage you to check out the IL DNR website (http://www.dnr.illinois), the Illinois Ag Fun website (http:// www.agfun.com), Historic Wagner Farm (http://www.glenviewparks. org/facilities-parks/wagner-farm/), Volkening Heritage Farm (http:// www.parkfun.com/spring-valley/ heritage-farm) and, of course, the Cook County Farm Bureau (www. cookcfb.org) to name just a few ideas. We are excited to offer our Passport to the Farm Camp, along with extensive teacher professional development programs. We will also be at many libraries (see listings) sharing our agriculture programming with the youth of Cook County. There’s no reason to be bored this summer with all our area has to offer. Whether you learn on your own, or seek a more formal classroom setting, keep learning all summer. Before you know it, the lawn mowers will be stored away and the snow shovels will be back in use. NOTE: We want to acknowledge the passing of our dear friend and ag literacy advocate, Harry Stuenkel. Harry served on the Ag Literacy committee for many years and was always supportive of all educational programming at the farm bureau. We will sorely miss his presence on our committee and at our events. He is remembered fondly by all Ag Literacy committee members and volunteers.

New Faces in Ag Literacy Ag in the Classroom Assistant Join us in welcoming Jill Drover to the Ag Literacy team. Jill will serve as an Ag Assistant where she will help coordinate the programming efforts in agricultural educational. Jill comes to us after working for over 15 years in the middle school area of food services where she helped make the farm to table connection with her students and teachers. She has a strong enthusiasm for farm bureau and all that it can bring to teachers and students throughout Cook County.

Welcome to Kendall Herren - Summer Intern I am absolutely elated to be working as the Ag in the Classroom intern with the Cook County Farm Bureau this summer. As a student at the University of Illinois pursuing a degree in agricultural communications, I am fired-up about passing my enthusiasm for agriculture on to others! My childhood home was tucked back a long, tree-lined driveway and surrounded by acres of corn during the growing season. I attended a small, rural school in Somonauk, Illinois, and was an eleven year member of the Kendall County 4-H program. My background gave me an appreciation for agriculture and inspired me to learn more about an area that is vital to human survival. I look forward to a summer working with others focusing on the diverse topic of agriculture.

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

We may be visiting YOUR library this summer!

More than 500 FFA members, County Farm Bureau Managers, and FFA advisors from 83 Illinois counties attended the 2014 Illinois Farm Bureau® & Affiliates Youth Conference, April 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

The farm bureau will host many one hour programs at Cook County libraries. Themes vary from horses, to cows, to pizza. Call the library for more details. Hope to see you there! June 25 2-3:00

Lemont Library

June 26 11-12:00 Prairie Trails

(Burbank) Library

June 26 3:30-4:30 Chicago Ridge Library July 15 11-12:00 Stickney Library July 16 11-12:00 Palatine Library July 18 11-12:00 Lemont Library July 29 11-12:00 Palatine Library

Rand Road Branch

July 29 1:30-2:30 Palatine Library

Hoffman Estates Branch

July 31 11-12:00 Green Hills Library

Pictured (left to right) are: Shannah Marshall, Chicago Ag Science FFA; Sam Detwiler, President, Illinois Association FFA; Jeanette Akuamoah, Chicago Ag Science FFA. Also attending was Xavier Morgan(not pictured) from Chicago Ag Science, Section 8 FFA President.

“Planting Your Potential”, the theme of this year’s conference, offered FFA members in their junior year of high school, a unique opportunity for career and personal development. Attendees got the opportunity to visit with representatives about scholarships, internships, leadership programs and career opportunities from community colleges, universities, agriculture commodity groups, and the Illinois Farm Bureau. The annual two-day conference is sponsored by Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliated companies, which include GROWMARK, COUNTRY Financial, Prairie Farms and the IAA Credit Union.

Career Corner Amanda Sumerix is one of our Young Leaders and she is excited to share her career information with us this month. Job Title: Junior Account Executive at Gibbs & Soell, Inc. Tell us about your degree and career choice. I attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies Agriscience, with concentrations in Communication and Agriculture Education (but I usually just call it Agriculture Communication). I selected this major because I wanted to be involved with agriculture in some way. After 4 years of being involved in FFA at the local, regional and state level, I decided teaching probably wasn’t for me (I didn’t have quite enough patience). Meanwhile, I discovered that I was really good at writing and enjoyed all aspects of communication (journalism, broadcasting, graphic design, photo editing, web-design, etc.). It was then that I decided that I wanted to combine agriculture and communications. I began looking at Michigan State University because of its well-known ties to agriculture and discovered they offered a program that was specifically what I was looking for. How did you get your position and what is a typical day like in your job? Throughout college I held multiple internships within various aspects of agriculture. One of these internships

was at a comprehensive communications firm in Minneapolis, MN. I enjoyed that internship the most because I got to work on all aspects of communication and my days were rarely monotonous. But the best part was that I had agriculture companies as clients. When it came time to start looking for a full time job after graduation, I began looking for opportunities within other firms that had agriculture companies as clients. A friend of mine, who was also in the same major, had heard about a Public Relations firm in Chicago that came highly recommended from a former employee. I definitely heard about this job by word of mouth! The best part about my job is that I do not have a typical day! One day I could be researching hot topics in agriculture to help write a news release and the next day I could be drafting emails promoting a specific agriculture product and distributing them to thousands of my client›s customers. I have helped design websites, make postcards advertising a specific event, created brochures that highlight product benefits and warnings that accompany an agriculture chemical, among many other things. Do you have a background in agriculture? I grew up on a farm in northern Michigan that was mainly a hobby farm. Throughout the years, it has grown into Michigan’s largest Dark Red Kidney Bean Seed producer and a large supplier of low potassium hay to dairy farms in the Midwest. I was

heavily involved in 4-H and FFA as kid. Who do you interact with in your position? Because Gibbs & Soell is a PR firm, I work mostly with media sources (newspapers and radio). A PR firm differs from an advertising agency in that we don’t design advertisements and rarely work with any TV media. Any advertisements that we do work on, are either tag-teamed with the client’s advertising agency or very low budget (using a real photo vs. a photo that has been photoshopped). I also get to work on some local marketing tactics. I enjoy this part because I get a chance to talk with sales representatives in the field and work with them to develop promotional materials that are specific to their region vs. a nationwide piece. What advice would you give someone about your career? I would definitely suggest experiencing an internship at a communications firm. A communications firm operates a lot different than a company who has someone working on communications internally because instead of reporting to your own company, you would report to a client. Plus internships are great ways to gain experience and companies are always looking for experience. If nothing else, internships offer you a chance to see if you will like this type of job in the future. It has no long-term commitments and if you end up realizing that this is not something that you want to do for the rest of your life, you can change it.

Co-Operator June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

AGRICULTURE ADVENTURES FOR FAMILIES Baseball Most people would never connect agriculture with one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite pastimes! Study the connections below and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find that there is NO WAY baseball could exist without agriculture! Baseball Uniforms: Cotton-based; cotton is produced in the southern United States and other parts of the world. Cotton is natural fiber that keeps you cool in the summer. Texas is the leading cotton-producing state.

Baseball Bat: Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official bat is a smooth round stick made of one piece of solid wood. Traditionally, wood came from the northern ash tree but today some players prefer maple wood. Hot Dogs: Made from pork and beef in a wheat bun. The ketchup you love starts as a tomato!

Glove or Mitt: The best are made from natural cowhide; glove softening oils come from animals, fish or plants (mostly soybeans). One cow can provide 12 fielding gloves.

Nachos: Made up of corn flour with cheese from dairy cows.

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Peanuts: Grown by peanut farmers in the southern states.

Baseball: An official baseball has a core (middle) made from four long strands of high quality wool - 150 yards total! The core is surrounded by rubber or cork (cork oak tree from Spain and Portugal) and covered with two pieces of horse or cowhide. It is stitched with exactly 216 stitches. Lower quality baseballs have a core made of cotton yarn. One cow can provide 144 baseballs!

Soda Pop: Your favorite is sweetened with corn syrup. ď&#x201A;ˇ

Turf Grass: Many baseball fields are covered with natural turf grass, which is usually a mixture of perennial rye grass, Kentucky blue grass, fescue and other grasses.

Chalk for lines: Mined limestone: possibly corn starch as a binder. Lime is also used for sanitation purposes on the floors of Grade A dairy barns and to lower the pH level in agricultural fields.

kangaroo leather.

Printing: Newspapers, tickets, programs, schedules: All paper-based and printed using soy ink from soybeans. Home Plate: Made of rubber from tropical rubber tree.

Pennants: Cotton-based.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gimme Cracked Corn & I Will Shareâ&#x20AC;? Egg-secuted by Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley

In this eggstraordinary adventure, packed with puns and Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademark humor, a chicken dreams of buried treasure in a distant barn somewhere across the road. When he and his pal fly the coop and set out on a journey to find the golden corn, their quest reminds us that sometimes we need to leave home to find out that things we really treasure are right where we started from.

ď&#x201A;ˇ The ancient Romans played a game similar to the game we know as baseball with balls made from strips of animal hide wrapped around reeds or wild grasses. ď&#x201A;ˇ The first official baseball uniform, adopted in 1849 by the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York City, was a simple outfit consisting of a white flannel shirt, blue wool pants and a straw hat. Later hats were made of merino wool or wool flannel. In 1903, Spalding introduced the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Philadelphia Styleâ&#x20AC;? cap, which featured an innovative first: the stitched visor. The subtle addition resulted in a longer-lasting cap that better retained its shape. By the end of the decade, nearly every baseball cap featured the stitched bill. Early baseball shoes were made from cotton canvas. Later, shoes were made from calfskin for its greater durability. Some of the early shoes were actually made from

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Baseball Bases Bat Corn Cotton Cowhide Field Glove Grass

Home Plate Hot Dog Mitt Nachos Peanuts Pennant Turf Uniforms Wool

Last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner of four movie tickets was :

Lisa Sullivan

Could you be next?!

You could win a products basket & movie tickets! Name:__________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________ _______________________________________

Phone #:______________________________________

Membership #:_______________________________ (on front of paper above name/address)

Complete the Word Search puzzle and your name will be entered into a drawing for 4 movie tickets! Deadline is the 20th of each 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;End of Yearâ&#x20AC;? drawing for an Agricultural Illinois Products Basket.

Co-Operator June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

“From the Country” Marc Rogala Country Agency Manager Chicago South

Nature, farm intertwine Our son’s alarm clock beeped progressively faster and louder before he silenced it on a Saturday morning. I figured the wake-up call must have been an accident. It was the 6 a.m. hour on a day when he could sleep longer. And most notably, he never even sets the alarm on school days. He trotted from his room, rubbed his eyes and said with exuberance, “We’re going mushroom hunting!” Yes, buddy. Right after lunch. My kids love to hike through the woods at the farm. The adventure lures them in like boot-sucking mud at the creek edge (which inevitably happens to at least one rubber boot). They find a favorite walking stick and exclaim lots of, “Look, Mom!” as they observe interesting tree growth, forest plants and wildlife tracks. The creek water tempts them, as do the creek banks for climbing. Happy children bring indescribable delight. And that happiness becomes particularly special when mom, dad and kids find joy in the same experiences. In our household, much of our loved hobbies convene outdoors. All of my life, nature and the farm have been closely intertwined. The systems co-exist and impact our business and our lifestyle. As a result, farmers share degrees of a conservation mindset, too. In fact, I’m a little taken back when I read blog posts that express surprise when someone learns first-hand that farmers care about the environment. Who tells them otherwise? We love the land as much as the act of farming itself. We teach our children to appreciate and understand all parts of the land, including the areas that do not grow crops. During our timber tour

that Saturday, our 8-year-old daughter helped identify seven different woodland flowers with her kid-friendly field guide. Throughout the summer, she carries a similar one for prairie plants native to our area. The book’s curled edges prove its years of use. She picks flowers. I take photos of the experiences, including a snapshot that became our son’s 6-year photograph. He posed near a favorite tree in the woods. That happens to be where his dad harvested his first deer by bow-and-arrow. Interestingly, morel mushrooms were supposed to be the focus that warm, spring afternoon. Rather, the kids just wanted woodland adventure. As far as mushrooms, an “I Spy” book best describes that experience. The adults find the mushrooms and announce their general location. Then, the kids seek without disappointment and boredom. We did not find mushrooms that day, but the trip still proved worthy of the alarm clock. --

Side note: The kid-friendly field guide I mentioned is part of the Rachel Raccoon & Sammy Skunk series by Jannifer Powelson of Princeton, Ill. My kids have used her plant-based storybooks as field guides on countless occasions. They include both photographs and illustrations of plants you can find in Illinois’ rural ditches, farm timbers, state conservation areas and some city parks. My daughter even used her book knowledge to identify prairie plants around a putt-putt course in the Chicago suburbs.

About the Author: Joanie Stiers, a wife and mother of two, farms with her husband, brother and parents on a multi-generational grain farm in West-Central Illinois.

Control Your Financial Future During and After Job Changes

Job changes – whether by choice or downsizing – add stress to everyone’s life. Altered family income, and especially lack of income, can throw current and future financial plans into turmoil. Despite the strain job changes cause, you can maintain control of your family’s financial security. If you contributed money to your employer’s 401(k) plan, consider rolling your hard-earned savings into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Avoid closing your 401(k) and taking the cash unless you absolutely need the money. In most cases, you’ll pay income tax on the distributions as well as a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty if you haven’t reached the age of 59 ½ . Most importantly, you’ll prematurely drain your retirement savings. If you directly transfer 401(k) funds into an IRA, you’ll pay no early withdrawal penalties. You won’t pay federal income tax until you withdraw the money during retirement. Other advantages to directly transferring your 401(k) funds into an IRA include: • Maintaining control of your investment choices.

• •

Combining all your IRAs into one account. Making Traditional IRA contributions to the account in future years. If you leave your 401(k) money with a former employer, you will not be able to make additional contributions.

Once you’ve decided to directly transfer your 401(k) funds into an IRA, you can choose from a variety of investment options. COUNTRY Trust Bank offers investment accounts managed by a team of professionals to help simplify investment decisions and achieve financial security no matter where you’re starting from. A COUNTRY Financial representative can help you make informed decisions about IRA rollover options and create a tangible plan to fulfill your desire to build for the future. ______________________________________ Investment management, retirement, trust and planning services provided by COUNTRY Trust Bank®, 1705 N Towanda Ave, PO Box 2020 Bloomington, IL 61702-2020 tel (800) 422-8261 Not FDIC Insured * No Bank Guarantee * May Lose Value Registered Broker/Dealer offering securities products and services: COUNTRY® Capital Management Company, 1705 N Towanda Ave, PO Box 2222 Bloomington, IL 61702-2222 tel (866) 551-0060 Member FINRA and SIPC

Your Chicago South Agency 55 W Monroe I Suite 3150 I Chicago, IL 60603 I 312-368-1008

Mark Rogala

Debbie Brooks 773-487-0918

Robert Sweiss 773-498-7339

Theo Leonard 773-239-7800

Gwen Shaw 773-487-0918

10414 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60643

6415 W 63rd St Chicago, IL 60638

10414 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60643

738 E 87th St Chicago, IL 60619

Silver Castillo 773-284-9000

Jose Martinez 773-284-9000

Leo Maldonado 773-254-5810

Martha Dominguez 773-254-5810

Kirk Gregory 773-239-7800

6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

3458 S Halsted St Chicago, IL 60608

10414 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60643

Terrence Hicks 773-363-6416

David DeSantiago 773-254-5810

David Jara 773-284-9000

Shirley Griffin 773-363-6416

Mike Sheahan 773-284-9000

5309 S Hyde Park Blvd Chicago, IL 60615

3458 S Halsted St Chicago, IL 60608

6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

5309 S Hyde Park Blvd Chicago, IL 60615

6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

William Gunter 773-363-6416

Stanley Kincaid 773-368-1008

Issa Elsousou 773-284-9000

Ciria Serrano 773-284-9000

Kandi Keyes-Winford 773-487-0923

5309 S Hyde Park Blvd Chicago, IL 60615

55 W Monroe St. Ste 3150 Chicago, IL 60603

6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

738 E 87th St Chicago, IL 60619

Agency Manager

773-284-9000 6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

James Williams 773-239-7800

Alonzo Nevarez 773-254-5810

10414 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60643

3458 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

AUTO I HOME I COMMERCIAL I LIFE I HEALTH I DISABILITY INCOME UNIVERSAL LIFE I COMPLETE INSURANCE SERVICE 0114-510HO

Co-Operator June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE Policy Question of the Month

Farm Bureau members are considering a policy on what topic? 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.

MAY’S WINNER for the Public Policy Question of the Month was Wanda Bruinsma. Congratulations! May’s question: Name a tentative stop for this year’s Cook County Staff Exchange Program. Possible Answers: A commercial vertical farming operation that distributes locally; a local vegetable distributor that distributes to Chicagoland’s food service entities; a premier Chicagoland dessert and sweets processor; and a specialty meats processor.

Cook County Staff Exchange Sites and Dates Set

On Wednesday, August 27 and Tuesday, September 16 Cook County Farm Bureau® is hosting a Cook County farm-business/food processor tour for Cook County and State government staff. The program will provide County and State staff with an enhanced understanding of Cook County farms and businesses and how they relate to Cook County and Illinois government. On Wednesday, August 27 the group will depart from the Farm Bureau office at 9:30 am and travel to Farmed Here for a tour, lunch and lunchtime discussion. Farmed Here is a commercial, vertical farming operation located in Bedford Park. The group will return to the Farm Bureau office at 1:00 pm. On Tuesday, September 16 the group will depart from the Cook County Building at 12:30 pm and travel to Testa Produce, a local vegetable distributor and Eataly Chicago, a local foods restaurant both located in Chicago. The group will return to the County Building prior to 5:00 pm.

There are no repeat sites from the 2013 program. Interested staff members are encouraged to contact Bona Heinsohn via phone at (708) 354-3276 or via email at bona@cookcfb. org.

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.

Impact of Medical Cards now Apparent By January 30, CDL license holders were asked to declare their driving intentions: nonexempt interstate (NI), exempt interstate (EI), Non-exempt intrastate (NA), and exempt intrastate (EA). At the end of the grace period (February 28) drivers who did not declare their driving intentions had their CDLs cancelled. Also, earlier this year CDL holders who declared NI (nonexempt interstate) were required to obtain a medical card after undergoing a physical exam. To date almost 12,000 (or three percent of Illinois CDL holders) CDLs have been cancelled due to not obtaining a medical card. To restore a cancelled CDL due to failure to declare medical card status or because his/her medical

card has expired, the following steps need to be taken in order to restore it before the CDL passes its expiration date. 1. Driver gives medical card to SOS who loads the expiration date into the computer. 2. Computer pulls the expiration date at the 90 days before cancellation date and sends the driver a reminder that they have 90 days left on their medical card. 3. Medical card expires; SOS places the driver on “non-certified” status and notifies the driver. 4. If the driver’s medical card remains expired on the thirty-first day, SOS will cancel the CDL and notify the driver. The CDL remains cancelled until the driver either renews

their medical card or they renew their base license. At the time of renewal, the driver will either have to drop the CDL completely, or provide a new medical card to get the CDL reinstated. If the driver lets their base license expire before they come in and renew it, then all tests will be required to re-establish their CDL. This summer, over 122,000 CDL holders who have declared the NA or EA status will receive a “K” restriction on their license, which will allow law enforcement, employers, and other States’ driver licensing agencies to be aware of intrastate-only driving intentions. If this is not the driver’s intention then the driver must go into a CDL facility to change their declaration.

Farm Bureau Considers Policy Supportive of Beekeeping in Urban Areas The Cook County Farm Bureau is frequently contacted by individuals and municipalities interested in beekeeping. Through a partnership with the Cook DuPage Beekeepers Association, Farm Bureau members and interested families have learned the ins and outs of beekeeping through various programs and educational events. Through assistance from Farm Bureau staff, municipalities and interested organizations have developed policy and ordinances supportive of urban beekeeping. Farm Bureau members responding to the 2014 Viewpoint Survey, which was partially funded

through the Illinois Farm Bureau® Advanced Policy Development Grant, support enhancing Farm Bureau’s role with urban beekeeping. To accomplish that goal, Farm Bureau members are considering policy directing the organization to assist municipalities to draft municipal ordinances supportive of raising bees providing that the municipality contacts the Farm Bureau and requests assistance. Members are encouraged to contact Bona Heinsohn at (708) 354-3276 or via email at bona@ cookcfb.org with any questions or comments regarding this policy.

Manifolds, Manolos, and Manure

In 2011, Rahm Emanuel joined the ranks of 53 men and 1 woman before him after being elected the 55th mayor of By Bona Heinsohn Chicago. Despite five challengers, Emanuel received 55 percent of the vote, well exceeding the 50 percent margin needed to avoid a runoff. Emanuel was followed by Gery Chico with 25 percent of the vote, former City Clerk and Illinois Senator Miguel del Valle, former US Senator Carol Moseley Braun, and two lesser known candidates. After 357 informal meet-and-greets with voters of which 229 were at schools, grocery stores, and churches and 110 at subway stations; and a portentous ceremony at Pritzker Pavilion, Emanuel assumed control of the third most

populous city in the nation. In the past three years, Emanuel has had to tackle numerous obstacles including a teachers’ strike, school closures, and the replacement of his schools chief. Emanuel has two massive liabilities now standing between him and a second tenure at the helm of Chicago. Those liabilities include a $600 million pension payment for police and fire pensions and simply the cost of running the City, including funding for schools, pothole repairs, palm greasing, and garbage pick-up among others. Emanuel is quietly pushing legislation through Springfield to reform pensions and to enable the City Council to raise property taxes to pay for those “reforms”. According to recent polls, Emanuel long considered an anti-union, procharter school, pro-privatization, and pro-wealth mayor is at risk to lose his run for mayor next year. The very same

polls show Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle with an eight point lead over Emanuel. Critics argue that there is a twenty-eight point undecided contingency to sway and quite frankly Emanuel has the campaign war chest to sway those votes. Preckwinkle claims that she’s only interested in running for reelection to her current post, Cook County President. Some argue that Preckwinkle couldn’t make the quick flip without losing the support of the electoric but Harold Washington did. Preckwinkle has extremely strong ties with the African American community, which is one area that Emanuel’s support is slipping largely to due school closures. Preckwinkle also has a strong relationship with most unions despite having to reduce the County’s workforce to address her own set of budget issues, many of which were created by her predecessor, the infamous Todd Stroger.

Preckwinkle is a former Chicago alderman and sitting Cook County President. The poll mentioned above also shows Preckwinkle with 40 to 28 percent lead with women and 53 percent of respondents indicated that they weren’t happy with the direction the City is headed. A second, lesser threat to Emanuel’s reelection dream is Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti who has represented the second ward since 2007. However, during the most recent ward remap, he had parts of his ward parceled off into seven other wards- the third, fourth, eleventh, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, and fortysecond arguably due to his less than friendly relationship with the current Administration. So really, what does Fioretti has to lose? The mayoral race is scheduled for February 24, 2015.

Co-Operator June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

MEMBER RELATIONS SUMMER FUN!

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.

ted ! oun s Disc Ticket ie v o M

Contact our office for ticket prices and to purchase your tickets at (708)354-3276.

Visit the ‘Members Only’ area of our website to purchase your tickets and for pricing.

Save 20% with Choice Hotels, Wyndam Hotel Group & Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells

Ilir Numani Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency Manager Ilir Numani has been named Chicago North Career Financial Representative of the month for April 2014. 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.

0 $41.5 ts are 25! e k c i $ T s of saving

Christopher Quigley Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency Manager Christopher Quigley has been named Chicago North Employee Financial Representative of the month for April 2014. His office is located at 1701 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773)248-1741. Christopher has been a Financial Representative since July 2009.

0 $32.5 ts are 0! Ticke gs of $2.5 savin

Kathy Spiewak Chicago Northwest Agency, Jack Smith, Agency Manager Kathy Spiewak has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. 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.

0 $36.5 ts are $25! e k c i f T gs o savin

Save up to 25%

Zachary Youngblood Chicago Northwest Agency, Jack Smith, Agency Manager Zachary Youngblood has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. 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. Leo Maldonado Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency Manager Leo Maldonado has been named Chicago South Career Financial Representative of the month for April 2014. His office is located at 3458 S. Halsted St. in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773)254-5810. Leo has been a Career Financial Representative since November 2012. Silver Castillo Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency Manager Silver Castillo has been named Chicago South Employee Financial Representative of the month for April 2014. His office is located at 6239 S. Archer Ave. in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773)284-9000. Silver has been a Financial Representative since November 2010.

To view a list of all benefits, other theme park ticket prices, discount codes and other information, please visit the ‘Members Only’ area of our website.

Snapshots of Member Relations Activities

Bill Asimakopoulos Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency Manager Bill Asimakopoulos has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. 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 April 2014. His 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. Candace Jablonski Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency Manager Candace Jablonski has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. Her office is located at 814 Laraway Rd. in New Lenox, IL. Her phone number is (815) 462-0338. Candace has been a Financial Rep since January 2000.

Boating Safety Class

Nora Beverly Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency Manager Nora Beverly has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. Her office is located at 9731 W. 165th St. Ste. 36 in Orland Park, IL. Her phone number is (708) 226-1111. Nora Beverly has been a Financial Rep since August 2011. Mike Salerno Chicago Northeast Agency, Joe Youngman, Agency Manager Mike Salerno has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. Mike’s office is located at 333 E. Dundee Road in Wheeling, IL. His phone number is (847) 419-1281. Mike has been a Financial Representative since January 2003.

Shred Day

Babysitting Class

It’s been a busy month for our Member Relations at the Farm Bureau. Many events were hosted by the Farm Bureau including a 5-week boating safety course where over 10 members learned all about boating safety, a Conceal and Carry course which gave members the required training needed to apply for a license, a babysitting class where all 15 attendees were successfully trained to be qualified babysitters and received a certification. Our most popular was a ‘Shred Day’ held at the Country Financial office in Rolling Meadows where over 70 members took advantage of this free event!

Yanni Zavakos Chicago Northeast Agency, Joe Youngman, Agency Manager Yanni Zavakos has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. Yanni’s office is located at 333 E. Dundee Road in Wheeling, IL. His phone number is (847) 419-1281. Yanni has been a Financial Representative since March 2010. TJ Hansen South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency Manager TJ Hansen has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. TJ’s office is located at 301 White Street, Ste AA in Frankfort, IL. His phone number is (815) 464-6058. TJ has been a Financial Representative since December 2002. Ted Parks South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency Manager Ted Parks has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for April 2014. Ted’s office is located at 4845 W. 167th St. in Oak Forest, IL. His phone number is (708) 560-7777. Ted has been a Financial Representative since

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”

June 2012.

Co-Operator June 2014

Tractors/ Farm Equipment

“502,000”

Portable floor & carpet drying fan blower, single speed, 120 volt, 50 ft power cord, 15 inch wide housing, good condition, $60, in Homer Glen. Call 815-485-4257.

Toro wheel horse lawn tractor 16-38 HXL, 38” cut. Excellent condition, new battery, includes sweeper attachment. $625. Call Mike at 847382-7654.

It’s no wonder the classified ad section is so popular with our members!

Wedding Dress: Size 10, Cream color, (I paid $1,400.00) asking $239.00. Sleep Number Bed “Modular Base” for King size bed - used 1 month $252.00. Steel Holders for 4x4 posts good for mailbox posts or whatever, 12 inches high $51.00 each. Disney Tickets-Old paper tickets for each area Adventureland, Frontierland, etc. Best offer. Call Kate at 708-269-3017 or email: Kbiety@comcast.net. In the Oak Lawn area.

Classifieds

28 ft. heavy-duty aluminum extension ladder $150. 20 ft x 12” aluminum scaffold plank $150. 8 ft. aluminum break $300.

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

Pepsi machine – 6 selection, coin or bill operated. Arlington Heights $450 OBO. Call 847-259-4025.

Miscellaneous

K-12 cut off saw, motor only, complete, $40. 1 Dining room rect. table set colonial oak w/6 chairs $130. 1 Craftsman 1.5 H.P., 2 Gal wet/ dry vacuum, $20. 2 new 1992 Corvette brake rotors zinc plated, power slotted $80. 1 vintage Stimpson grocery butcher scale $250. Airo air saw for 2 ½” dia blade $50. 1 Star machine Little Oscar eng portable host $50. 1 Black & Decker 120 volt weed trimmer $25. 1 Machinist Mitutoyo height 24” Verner Gauge $75. 1 Buffalo vintage scale $100. 1 Hamilton drafting table desk, torsion auto shift with bruning drafting machine model 2707. Table is 38”x50” $400. Call 815-485-5901.

Charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home in Streamwood on a quiet street. Kitchen w/ newer appliances & dishwasher. Also included is washer/dryer and wall-to-wall carpeting. Attached 1 car garage, large yard, not fenced. No pets. 1 yr lease required, $1,350/month. Call 847-208-0991 or email johnbegley@ comcast.net

is the number of Cooperators sent to households in the last year!

Moving sale: bedrooms, dining rooms, Chinese furniture, sofas, antiques, household items. Come see! Give us a price. Located in Palos Hills. Call 708-822-4958. Chicago Dynamics Pinball game. 1970 model 468. Many old beer cans, old small farm tool, etc. 1980 Arlington Million mugs, buttons, caps, etc. Some old baseball, basketball, football cards, old sleigh, other old things. Bemis Grain bags, extra heavy. Call 773-332-5412. Child’s room table & chair, solid wood & in excellent condition $30. Also Magi Tree House kids books; hardcover $3, paperback $2. Professional rotary floor scrubber $250. Iron shepherds double hook plant hanger $16. Call 773-620-4119. 2 graves/side by side – Mt. Auburn Memorial Park “Garden of Devotion” L08-38, 4101 Oak Park Ave in Stickney, IL. Valued at $3,395 each but asking $3,395 for both. Call 708-442-7855. 500 VHS movies previously viewed, various titles. By lot only $3,500. Call Carl at 773-4688094. PackRight luggage carrier, straps to back of SUV 22” x 40” with license plate holder, used once $50. Call 847-812-1587. Golf-Callaway (Irons X-22) P-3 like new $150. Bike – Schwinn Le Tour II, like new $100 OBO. Call 708-974-1677. Pool table light $75. Must pick up. Call 312719-5225. Jenn-Air stainless steel NG grill w/rotisserie and side burner, only used once, retailed for $1,000 asking $250. Call 773-860-2690. 12 - 76” x 5.5” NEW TREX (Maderia color) deck flooring. Asking $11 a board. Call 630-5640055.

Two cemetery lots in the Greenwood section of Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Stickney, IL. Will accept best offer. Call 708-620-8357. Thomasville bedroom set. Armoire, dresser, night stands and queen size bed. Exc. Condition, like new pillowtop mattress. Cost $1,200. All for $750. South west Suburbs in Worth, IL. Call 708-448-6048.

Motorized Vehicles and Accessories 1986 VW Vanagon Westphalia camper. Original owner 85,000 miles. Automatic transmission, runs good, no rust, garage kept, brown with beige top. Sleeps 4 $10,000. Call 630-8356093. Thor (Four Winds) Chateau, 31’ Class C RV one owner, excellent condition, gently used. Great mechanical and esthetic condition; meticulously maintained. Winterized. Ford E450 w/hitch. Sleeps six-plus. Only 60,000 miles. Call Karen 847-588-3601. 1950 Cadillac 2 door, white, automatic, orig. wire rims, orig. interior. Call Frankie at 312738-0113. 1998 Chevy Utility van – low miles on newer motor, ice cold AC, spacious box-type storage/ working space, excellent vehicle for contractor. Lift door needs repair $4,500. Please call 708298-0317.

Illinois Farm Bureau Members, Families Encouraged To Submit Entries To

Cook County Farm Bureau

2014 Member Photo Contest

The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is once again asking its members to bring rural life into focus by taking and submitting pictures for the annual member photography contest. Picture Illinois, the 2014 Member Photo Contest, is open to IFB members and their families. The contest is limited to photos taken in Illinois in 2012 or after, by amateur photographers. Entrants can submit their photos to one of three categories, including “Country Kids,” “Rural Routes” and “These Boots Are Made For…”. The grand prize winner will receive $150, while three first place winners will receive $75 each, three second place winners will receive $25 each and the photo selected as “Members’ Choice” at IFB’s 2014 Annual Meeting in December will receive $50. The contest runs from June 1 to Nov. 1, 2014. Winners will be announced in the Spring 2015 issue of Partners magazine and in FarmWeek in January, 2015. Employees and immediate family members of Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliated companies are not eligible. To view previous winning photos, obtain the complete contest rules and to enter online, go to www.ilfbphotos.org. For questions, or to obtain the contest rules and entry form by mail, contact Dawn Heggie at 309-557-2293 or dheggie@ilfb.org.

Real Estate For Sale/Rent

House for sale – Arlington Heights 4 bed, 2.5 bath, new roof, new furnace, granite kitchen countertops, gas forced air, fantastic location near top-rated elementary and high schools, train and shopping. Hardwood floors throughout $449,900. Sp to 847-259-4025.

Vacation Rentals/Sales Vacation close to Disney World and stay in spacious 3 bedroom Villa. $650 wk. Call 708704-6239.

Wanted Wanting to buy your HO scale or N scale electric train engines, cars, buildings, or anything train related. Do you have electric trains in your closet, basement, crawl space, attic or garage

Presidential suite resort located within minutes of Branson, MO entertainment district. Lockout units that sleep 6 or more, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, full kitchen, washer/dryer and private balcony. Asking price is $25,000. Call 708-2098873 for more details.

that you’re not using? TURN THEM INTO CASH!

5 Star Resort 3 br/2 ba condo 2 miles from Disney World Orlando. Rental rates from $80/ night. Call 630-853-7669 or go to www.vrbo. com/218673.

retired and just enjoy trains. I realize that some

Vacation Villas at Fantasyworld II Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Seven (7) nights in one bedroom suite, full kitchen, outdoor swimming pool, sleeps four (4). $650 for seven (7) nights. No presentation is required. Call Ms. Day at 708-347-9369 for availability.

unwanted train items into CASH, and give me

1 bdr/2 fireplaces, extra larger Jacuzzi, fully stocked kitchen luxury suite in Door County, WI. Bridgeport Resort on the water in downtown Sturgeon Bay. Best ROI for owners in NE WI for Condo Hotels. Call for details 847-870-1721.

I buy train items, from just a few pieces to hundreds of pieces at a time. Why sell them bit by bit, I’ll offer you a price on all you have! I’m

may need work from sitting for a long time, but I have the time to fix them! Turn those

a call! You can my cell 630-272-4433. Ask for Ron. Thanks! Wanted: Old guitars, 1920’s-1980’s: Gibson, Martin, Fender etc. Also, Gibson mandolins/ banjos, old drum set & old jukebox. 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. Only items of personal property will be accepted. Ads must be in the office by the 15th of each month. Category:

o For Sale Misc.

o For Rent

o Wanted

Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Farm Bureau # __________________________________ Phone ______________________________ Ad ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ *Please be sure to include a contact phone number where interested buyers can contact you. Ad can be typed or written. PRINT CLEARLY. (If not enough room, put on separate sheet) Complete the above form and mail to: Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, 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.

There’s An App for That:

Finding Farmers’ Markets ‘Tis the season for thriving farmer’s markets, and with an app called Market Mapper, you can easily find some local flavor. The app pulls from the U.S. Agriculture Department’s extensive list of farmers’ markets nationwide and is available through your web browser. Once on the site, at the top of the page you can enter a location, or let the app navigate from your current location. Hovering over a marker will display the name and address of the market. Most markets will also show a list of what they sell as well as their schedule. To check out the app and find Farmers’ Markets near you visit: http://mvjantzen.com/tools/markets. html

12th Annual Wagner Farm Dairy Breakfast Saturday June 14th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm The Cook County Farm Bureau will be in attendance at Wagner Farm on Saturday June 14th . Come join us and enjoy a delicious farm style breakfast that includes a variety of dairy items. There will be live music, dairy

demonstrations, wagon rides, and hands-on activities throughout the morning. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 for adults and children over 10; $5 for children ages 2-10; children under 2 free.

Cook County Farm Bureau PR Team and volunteers from County Financial will have give-a-ways, activities for kids, a drawing for a pedal tractor, and will bring in a large tractor for viewing.

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 June 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Localfarmproducts.org FARM BUREAU GRAND SLAM GROUP WHITE SOX VS. RANGERS Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014 - 7:10 P.M. U.S. Cellular Field

SPECIALLY PRICED WHITE SOX TICKETS! www.whitesox.com/fbn

On this special night the White Sox would like to offer specially priced tickets to all Farm Bureau members, their families and friends. Tickets start as low as $10! In addition to specially-priced tickets, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase discounted Patio Party Tickets. The Patio starts 90 minutes before the game and lasts 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. The Patio menu includes a delicious all-you-can-eat menu catered by Bertucci Buffet, featuring BBQ ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, Cajun chicken, fried chicken, side salads, wine, Pepsi, and Miller beverages **DISCOUNTED PATIO TICKETS CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED BY MAILING OR FAXING YOUR ORDER. Orders will NOT be redeemed at the U.S. Cellular Field ticket windows or the White Sox administrative offices.

ALL MAILED AND FAXED ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED FRIDAY, JULY 11TH. # OF TICKETS

4 OPTIONS TO ORDER TICKETS:

TICKET PRICE

1. WEB

TOTAL

Lower Box @ $25 (regular $40)

www.whitesox.com/fbn (Service fees will apply)

Outfield Reserved @ $12 (regular $22)

2. CALL (866) 769-4263 for Ticketmaster and give the “CCFB” code (Service fees will apply)

Upper Box @ $10 (regular $15)

3. MAIL with payment to:

PRE-GAME PATIO PARTY** @ $32 (reg. $42)

Chicago White Sox Sales Department ATTN: Farm Bureau GSG 333 W. 35th Street Chicago, IL 60616

Car Parking @ $20 Handling Fee (Applies to groups of 19 or less)

4. FAX with payment to:

Total Enclosed

(312) 674-5140

All game times and promotions are subject to change. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.

Agricultural Tours for Members LocalFarmProducts.org is a website dedicated for the entire Chicagoland area to help consumers find local in farm product Seeing Agriculture Action marketers. Localfarmproducts.org offers everything “farm” from freshBee food“Apiary” to hay to green producers. Visit industry ~ As the premier organization servingPM farmers of Cook County, the Tuesday, June, 10th 1:00 PM-3:00 CookLyman County Farm Bureau is excited to offer this service for farmers Woods, Downers Grove Park District Members willpublic, tour the Bee Apiary continue run by and the general as consumers to focus their “food Naturalist and Beekeeping Instructor, Marge buying dollars” on locally produced products and services. We hope Trocki. Protective clothing is available for the first 15 who to attend. that farmers andregister consumers alikeMembers find thiswillmeaningful programming meet at Lyman Woods and the tour will begin linking local consumers in a way that helps to fulfill our goal for at 1 PM - weather permitting. To register, call financial strength amongst producers. or the County Farm Bureau our at 708-354-3276

Magellan Scout Seats

Name Address

G o l d C o a st Tickets Club

Magellan Scout Seats

City, State, Zip Phone

E-mail

Please charge my:

Visa

Mastercard

G o l d C o a st Tickets Club

Amex

Credit Card #

Discover Expiration Date

Signature OR: Enclosed is a check or money order payable to the Chicago White Sox. (If check or money order is greater than total cost of the tickets, the difference will be made up in Comiskey Cash.)

Seating Category

Diamond Box (Rows 1-10) Platinum Box (Rows 11-25) Gold Box Magellan Premium Club Box Seats Seating Category Scout Club Box Diamond Box (Rows 1-10) Platinum Box (Rows 11-25) Box GoLower l d C o a st Tickets Club Gold Box Outfield Reserved Premium Club Box Bleachers Club Box Lower Corners Seating Category

Lower Box Premium Upper Box (Rows 1-6) Diamond Box (Rows 1-10) (RowsBox 11-25) Outfield Reserved Platinum Box Upper Gold Box Bleachers Upper Reserved Premium Club Box Lower Corners Club Box Upper Corners

Check #

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO WHITESOX.COM/SPECIALEVENTS

Lower Box 1-6) Premium Upper Box (Rows Outfield Reserved Upper Box Bleachers Upper Reserved Lower Corners Upper Corners Premium Upper Box (Rows 1-6)

email membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org June 6th.

Testa Produce Tour ~

2012 Ag Census data released

Suite 1: 9 Executive Offices, small conference room, spacious work area, large glass doors & windows for open feel Suite 2: 2 Executive offices with small conference room and ample work area plus large glass doors and windows for open feel. Each has… - Ground level entrance - Near I-294 & I-55 on Joliet Road - Additional storage space available Extras Include: Electric, Heat, Water Recycling and Refuse Collection Cleaning Service Lawn Care & Grounds Maintenance Snow/Ice Removal Building Repair/Maintenance Payment of Real Estate Taxes

Contact Cook County Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276 for questions.

Beekeeper Marge inspects the hives in the Lyman Woods bee yard.

Upper Box Upper Reserved Upper Corners

Office Suites Available Now!

The results from the 2012 Census of Agriculture in the United States have been released to the public. A Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years with previous comparable data coming from the 2007 Census. The following are few key general statistics of interest… • The average age of a principal farm operator in the United States as of 2012 was 58.3 years old compared to 57.1 years old in 2007. This continues a 30 year uptrend. • Illinois has 75,087 principal farm owners according to the latest census and 63,645 of them have been operating 10 years or more. • The number of farmers age 35 to 54 declined in the recent five-year stretch. But the number of farmers 25 to 34 years of age increased 6.6%. • Based on the value of sales in 2012, Illinois ranked number two nationwide in corn and soybean sales (last year, he ranked number one in soy production), number four in hogs, number 16 for wheat, number 18 for cattle, and number 21 in milk sales. • Farmers rent about 60% of farmland in Illinois. • Nearly half of the 2.1 million farms in the United States require at least one family member to work off the farm. • Women are the principal operators of 14% of the nation’s farms. • The number of Hispanic principal operators nationally increased 21% from 2007 to 2012. More information about the ag census this can be found online at agcensus.usda.gov Information for this article provided in part by Daniel Grant, FarmWeek

Wednesday, June 25th 10 AM Testa, a Fresh Produce Distributor, Chicago IL This family-owned fresh produce distributor has worked with vendors and customers to maintain high quality produce to the consumer for the past 100 years! Tour the “green” facility that distributes to Chicagoland restaurants, schools, hotels, hospitals, sporting venues and more. Members will meet at Testa Produce and the 60-90 Minute tour will begin at 10 Am and will view its “green” roof top. To register, call the County Farm Bureau at 708-3543276 or email membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org by June 20th. Tour is limited to 25.

On multiple days the Testa Turbine generates enough energy to power the entire building.

SAI-2 – Educating the Next Gen Food, Fuel & Fiber in the Clas July 8-11, 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation 

Cook County Farm Bureau® Commodities & Marketing Team sponsored event.

Earn 24 2 Grad C

CPDUs o 6438 Joliet Rd Countryside, IL 60525 708.354.3276 www.cookcfb.org/Events-Calendar r

SAI-2

e Educating th tion: ra Next Gene Fiber Food, Fuel & from K-12

July 8-11, 2014

redits!

e s you th tute give by r Ag Insti e re m u m lt Su cu ri Our er into ag avdive deep o nights tr chance to tw d an s ay d l ra ve se cuses spending is class fo Illinois. Th al tr n o ce t f our eling in el are par ber and fu fi , d o fo e ili s, tour on how farm fam s. Meet e liv ay from the d every alk away es and w ss e n si nnections u o b agri on Core C m m o C h wit r teaching. program ect of you every asp to use in

The cost of the Institute is $250* for non-farm bureau members and $225 for current members. (Join the farm bureau and save $25 on your registration fee.) Teachers who complete the course will receive a $100 stipend! Graduate credits will be an additional cost of $200. A $50 deposit will reserve your spot! Diane Merrion Ag Literacy Coordinator Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Road Countryside, IL 60525

Phone: 708-354-3276 Fax: 708-579-6056 E-mail: aitc@cookcfb.org www.cookcfb.org