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Health & Fitness

Agriculture in Illinois

This week, we talk a bit Agriculture in Illinois. 

I have lived and worked in all regions of Illinois, and my wife and I were married in a small central Illinois farming community where her family farms. My Lt. Governor running mate, Jil Tracy, hails from southern Illinois, and now lives in Quincy. She and her family own DOT Foods based in Illinois, which is the nation’s first and largest food re-distributor, having nine distribution centers serving all 50 states. 

There are 76,000 farms in Illinois covering over 80% of the state’s total area. Agriculture is vital to Illinois’ economy and constitutes roughly 25% of the Illinois economy and employs millions of Illinoisans. It is vital that the state make every effort possible to support this economic engine. 

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Agriculture plays a major role in my “Destination Illinois” job creation program. I am the only candidate who has endorsed the “Vision for Illinois Agriculture and Smart Agenda” developed by leading experts like the Illinois Farm Bureau, University of Illinois’ College of Agriculture, and prominent Illinois’ agri-businesses like John Deere and Growmark. 

“You know, as I travel Illinois in the fall, harvest time reminds me of how crucial Illinois agriculture is to our economy.

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“Preservation of the family farm is critical to our society.

“We are fighting for Illinois families and for job creation in this state.

“Jil and I, every day, are going to make our state a Destination Economy that creates jobs in the state of Illinois.” 

At a recent Farm Progress Show, I called for an increased investment in agricultural research at ISU, U of I, and our other great universities after funding was slashed by Governor Quinn. It is a travesty that Illinois now ranks near the bottom in agriculture research. My “Illinois Innovates” program will create a cutting-edge Research & Development tax credit to help partner the private and public sectors at our world-class universities 

I need your help if we want turn around this state for our families and children. Jil and I are Tested and Prepared to lead this state. Please sign up to help my campaign at volunteer.dillardtracy.com.

Be sure to catch the final few days of Pumpkin Fest at the Cosley Zoo! Take the whole family out for a day of fall fun at the zoo’s pumpkin patch and corn maze. All proceeds from purchases benefit the continued development of your community’s zoo.

-Kirk Dillard

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