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Did you know? Illinois agriculture is a $19 billion industry.

Sierra Day, Field editor

October 15, 2021

1 Min Read
soybean field
ACRES: Farmland accounts for 27 million acres in Illinois, which is nearly 75% of the state’s total land area. Sierra Day

Ever wondered about the logistics of Illinois agriculture? Prairie Farmer gathered the most recent data from the USDA, Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Farm Bureau to show you where the state ranks.

Singlehandedly, agriculture is the No. 1 industry in the state, says Jerry Costello II, Illinois director of agriculture. Agricultural commodity sales account for $19 billion of the state’s economic impact from agriculture and agriculture-related industries, which is $121 billion.

He adds that Illinois food processing sales bring in more than $150 billion annually, which puts the state first in the nation.

But Illinois agriculture has more to show than economic contributions.

“About 75% of the state is actually farmland-type area, so it’s approximately 27 million acres,” Costello says. “And there are approximately 72,000 farms in the state of Illinois.”

And commodity ranks? See for yourself:

  • First in soybean production, which is 15% of all U.S. soybeans

  • First in pumpkin production, with 95% of all canned pumpkin originating in Illinois

  • First in horseradish production

  • Second in corn production, which is 13% of all U.S. soybeans

  • Fourth in pork production

But the farm population continues to age, and Costello says recruitment is the next challenge.

“The average age of an Illinois farmer is 55 years old,” he says. “I think it’s more important than ever for us to really be harnessing and working with youth in agriculture education right now, because of the ever-changing technology.”

He applauds agricultural colleges in Illinois such as the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University, as well as organizations such as 4-H and FFA, for providing opportunities to prepare the next generation of agriculturists.

Illinois Ag Facts infographic

About the Author(s)

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

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