Business Solutions for Fall 2017

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6 F A L L 2 0 1 7
Satisfy Your
Growing Curiosity
About Farming
Get the facts from the Illinois
Department of Agriculture
What agricultural goods are produced in Illinois?
Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and swine. The state’s climate and
varied soil types enable farmers to grow and raise many other agricultural commodi-
ties including cattle, wheat, oats, sorghum, hay, sheep, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
Illinois also produces specialty crops such as buckwheat, horseradish, ostriches, fish,
and Christmas trees.
How does agriculture benefit Illinois’ economy?
Marketing of Illinois’ agricultural commodities generates more than $19 billion annu-
ally. Corn accounts for 54 percent of that total. Marketing of soybeans contributes
27 percent, and the combined marketings of livestock, dairy, and poultry generate
13 percent. The balance comes from sales of wheat and other crops, including fruits
and vegetables.
Billions more dollars flow into the state’s economy from ag-related industries such as
farmmachinery manufacturing, agricultural real estate, and the production and sale of
value-added food products. Rural Illinois benefits principally from agricultural produc-
tion, while agricultural processing and manufacturing strengthen urban economies.
How are Illinois’ agricultural commodities used?
With 2,640 food manufacturing companies, Illinois is well equipped to turn the
state’s crops and livestock into food and industrial products. In fact, the state ranks
first in the nation with $180 billion in processed food sales. Most of these companies
are located in the Chicago metropolitan area, which contains one of the largest
concentrations of food-related businesses in the world.
Illinois’ agricultural commodities also provide the base for such products as animal
feed, ink, paint, adhesives, clothing, soap, wax, cosmetics, medicines, furniture,
paper, and lumber. Each year, 274 million bushels of Illinois corn are used to produce
more ethanol than any other state—about 678 million gallons. Illinois also markets
other renewable fuels including soybean-based biodiesel.
Check Out Other
Ag Businesses
Served by Madison
Communications
Sloan Implement
9425 Rt 140 in Hamel
618-633-2626
Hamel Seed & Farm Supply
7381 W Frontage Rd in Worden
618-633-2611
Hamel Coop Grain Company
121 North Old US Route 66 in Hamel
618-633-2215
The Mennell Milling Company
415 East Main Street in Mt. Olive
217-999-2161