Family Farms & the Economy

Today's farmer can feedIllinois Farms are Family Farms. Farming is so much more than growing crops and raising livestock. It puts food on our tables, fuel in our cars, and clothes on our backs. Farming affects every person in Illinois, yet many people remain unaware as to the ways farming positively impacts our state.

Illinois farmers care about growing safe and wholesome food.
After all, farmers and their families eat the same food as you.


Meet our Farmers

Grain farming in Illinois: Visit Janet McCabe Livestock production in Illinois: Visit BJ Weber

Economic Impact

cook county

Farmers in Illinois are doing more than providing our food.
They’re driving the economy.

Illinois agriculture is the engine that powers our state’s economy. No matter where you live in Illinois, the agriculture industry touches your life in many ways each day.

Agriculture is not just a critical economic driver for rural counties, but for all counties in Illinois. Twenty-four of Illinois’ counties derive at least one-third of their total output from agriculture and agriculture-related industries. Cook County, Illinois’ most urban county, derives $27 billion in economic activity from agriculture and agriculture-related industries, 5.2% of the county’s total output.

Agriculture is also critical for job creation. Agriculture and related industries account for over 400,000 jobs in Illinois, or about 1 in every 17 jobs in the state.

400,000 plus jobs


Illinois Agriculture: Let’s Grow

Farming means so much more than growing crops and raising livestock. Farming puts food on your table, fuel in your car and clothes on your back. Farming affects every person in Illinois. Yet many people remain unaware as to how significant of a role farming plays in our state.

Organizations throughout the state work together to grow Illinois communities—both rural and urban. Together, we’ve created this book to provide insight into safe, wholesome foods, animal care, sustainability and green technologies.

We hope that you find this resource to be informative and useful. If you are interested in learning more about the information within this book, or you want to know how agriculture is impacting your district, contact any of the organizations listed at the end of this book.

This message has been brought to you by your agriculture community partners.

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