The Illinois Department of Agriculture is back at the Farm Progress Show this year with a new display and a key message for visitors: Agriculture connects Illinois.

“We want to communicate to attendees at the Farm Progress Show how our agency connects with farmers, and how we help the industry,” says Kim Hamilton, IDOA acting bureau chief for marketing, promotions and grants. “We also want to share how being connected has helped us get our industry through the pandemic.”

In the IDOA Tent, you’ll find stories about people who have helped their communities during the pandemic — like those who pivoted businesses to produce hand sanitizer. You’ll also find information on how the agency helps farmers. Hamilton says each bureau will have staff to answer questions.

Unfortunately, the agency won’t hold its biannual international grain tour. IDOA typically brings international grain buyers to Illinois during the Farm Progress Show year and includes the show on their stop.

“Our foreign office has gauged foreign market interest and their comfort in coming here, and they determined it was best to do another year of a virtual tour, then get back on track with in-person in 2022,” Hamilton says.

Looking to meet Ag Director Jerry Costello? He’ll be in the tent Aug. 31 to meet farmers and answer questions.

Bureau by bureau

Here are the bureaus to be represented:

Weights and Measures. Look for displays of the trucks used to test volume for motor fills, and equipment used to inspect grain moisture testers.

Ag Products Inspection. Find information on the new training required for everyone who applies or transports anhydrous ammonia, which must be done by April.

Environmental Programs. Staff will be on hand to answer dicamba and pollinator protection questions. You’ll also find information on pesticide testing and licensing.

Land and Water Resources. Look for an observation beehive, information on the Fall Cover for Spring Savings program, Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy updates, the latest on Partners for Conservation, and impact mitigation information as it relates to wind, solar, pipeline and electrical projects.

Animal Health and Welfare. Staff will answer questions on premises registration, animal ID, traceability and disease programs, and humane animal care.

Warehouses. Look for information on how to request a grain elevator’s license certificate, and how to be sure elevators and other entities are licensed and covered by the Illinois Grain Insurance Fund.

Meat and Poultry Inspection. Inspectors, supervisors and veterinarians will answer questions about food safety, storage, and preparation of meat and poultry.

Marketing, Promotion and Grants. Look for more information on the relaunched Homegrown by Heroes program, which helps veterans or active-duty service members with a second career in agriculture. They’ll also have applications available for the centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial farm programs.

The 2021 Farm Progress Show is Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 in Decatur, Ill. Learn more at FarmProgressShow.com.