DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Farm Progress Show brings people from around the world to Decatur to see the latest and greatest in agricultural developments. Among the guests on the first day were several state and local leaders.
Nikki Budzinski, U.S. representative for Illinois's 13th congressional district, spoke with WAND News about her legislative priorities regarding agriculture. One area she is focusing on is the farm bill.
"Since I've been in Congress, we've been talking about getting a farm bill across the finish line, and the end of September is going to be expired again," Budzinski said. "So we shouldn't continue to kick the can down the road. I think we should come together on a bipartisan basis to get that farm bill done, which will help to create some more certainty that safety net that our farmers need. "
Budzinski is the new co-chair of the Biofuels caucus and is hoping to spur the biofuel industry in the state. The new growth will give corn and soybean growers a boost as costs increase.
Tariffs are another concern for farmers and producers. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello shared startling statistics regarding profits this year.
"The average tariff or tax on ag inputs has gone from 1 to 12% in seven months," Costello said. "Only 5% of farms will be profitable this year."
While the state cannot do much about federal tariffs, Governor J.B. Pritzker says his administration is prioritizing laying the groundwork for a successful industry. He is hoping for more connections with international partners.
"That is why we have made historic investments over the last seven years in the infrastructure of our rural communities, from roads and bridges to broadband, ensuring that our farmers can more easily get their goods to market and are connected to the 21st century economy across the state, the nation and the world," Pritzker said.
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