SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Thousands of farmers and ag students were at the state Capitol Tuesday for the annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day.
Over 650 FFA members gathered under the Capitol dome to meet with lawmakers and advocate for state investments.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello said support for the industry continues to grow across the state. However, Costello said everyone must advocate for the year-round sale of E15 and expanding international markets for Illinois soybeans.
"The goal is simple — support our farmers, strengthen our rural communities and keep Illinois' number one industry moving forward," Costello said. "When we work together, we can achieve all of that and much more."
Gov. JB Pritzker also signed a proclamation Tuesday recognizing March 2026 as Illinois Month of the Woman Farmer. Pritzker said nearly 34,000 female producers are keeping the industry moving and blazing a trail for the next generation.
"Illinois farmers feed the world. Soybeans, corn, pork, beef, pumpkins, horseradish, biofuels, food processing and more — ours are the staples that keep the world powered and moving forward," Pritzker said. "Of course, it's all powered by our farmers. Illinois is first in the Midwest in export sales and fourth in the nation."
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