Illinois Farmers Gear Up for Busy Summer

Friday, June 9, 2023

Illinois farmers are preparing for a busy summer as they wrap up planting the state's primary crops, soybeans and corn. While farmers' markets and u-pick operations gear up for increased production, corn and soybean farmers eagerly await timely rains to nurture their crops.

With a growing interest in sustainable and locally sourced food, the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is actively engaging farmers, researchers, and the community through various educational events.

IFB and its partners are organizing the summer Nutrient Stewardship Field Days, funded through the Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program. These events showcase ongoing research and agricultural conservation practices, fostering networking opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses, and university researchers.

Additionally, they provide consumers with insights into agriculture's role in preserving the environment. Recognizing the importance of pollinators, IFB collaborates with Cook County Farm Bureau and Lincoln Park Zoo for a day of pollinator education on June 23, coinciding with National Pollinator Week.

In their commitment to address hunger and nutrition, IFB partners with organizations to find innovative solutions. Recently, Illinois dairy farmers, along with the Illinois Milk Producers Association, donated over 9,936 pounds of milk to local food banks. Collaborating with Prairie Farms, Illinois Corn Growers Association, and Illinois Soybean Association, the initiative aims to support communities facing food insecurity.

To reduce food waste and provide fresh, healthy food to vulnerable communities, IFB initiated the Farm to Food Bank program. Partnering with Feeding Illinois, Illinois Farmers Market Association, and other organizations, this pilot program has successfully connected farmers with food banks. Pending Governor JB Pritzker's signature, a new bill seeks to establish the official program within the Department of Human Services.

This summer, the Illinois Farm Bureau invites everyone to join their educational events and learn more about Illinois agriculture. By promoting sustainability, pollinator protection, and food security, farmers aim to meet the growing demand for transparent and responsible food production practices.