Bipartisan bill to keep young IL farmers on the field passes unanimously

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A bipartisan plan led by local lawmakers to find ways to keep young farmers farming unanimously passed the Senate floor.

The bill would create a commission that would look at ways to keep the next generation of farmers from leaving. It would also look at ways to attract first generation farmers into buying land.

Some strategies the commission could approve is more money from the state government to support young farmers first years as land owners.

State Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) said as farmers get older, the state needs to find new ways to get their kids to take over the land.

"Because most farmers are in their middle sixties and we need new young farmers," Turner said. "I think it's really important that we hone in how we can help our farmers."

The Republican also thanked another local lawmaker, State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) who not only coincidentally shares her last name, also shares her vision in supporting Illinoisan farmers.

"We want to do everything that we can to encourage those family farms to grow and for those young people after college to come back," Doris Turner said. "I thank Senator Sally Turner for bringing the 2025 Turner Turner bill."

It unanimously passed on a 54-0 vote. With the proposal passing the Senate, it now heads to the House floor for further debate.