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Leader McCombie and Deputy Leader Ryan Spain are pictured with Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan (Ogle County). |
- Illinois
is the #1 soybean producing state in the country.
- 15%
of all U.S. soybeans are produced in Illinois.
- Illinois
is the #2 corn producing state in the country.
- 13%
of our country’s supply of corn is grown on Illinois farms.
- Crop land makes up 76% of Illinois.
Illinois agriculture goes far beyond corn and soybeans. Illinois has good soil and a favorable climate, among other factors, making the state a top grower of several specialty crops as well. Many people don’t realize that foods like pumpkins, peaches, apples, grapes, horseradish and melons are grown on Illinois farmland. In fact, more than 64 vegetables and 15 fruit and nut crops are grown in Illinois and produce nearly $500 million in sales for farmers.
The importance
of the agricultural sector of Illinois’ economy drove leaders of Illinois Farm
Bureau, including IFB President Brian Duncan, to join representatives of nearly
50 diverse agriculture organizations to discuss key issues with lawmakers last
week in Springfield. “This is our day to show our state’s elected officials
that we are one and that we are an important voice on issues that are not only
important for agriculture today, but for the future and for future
generations,” said Duncan, who met with legislators on both sides of the aisle.
House
Republicans working to keep family farms in families
For the past
seven years, Leader McCombie has worked in the Illinois House of
Representatives to address the estate tax–alongside several House Republican
members who have pursued ways in which small businesses, farmers, and family
businesses could see relief from the punitive nature of the state’s archaic tax
system which “re-taxes” assets upon death of the owner.
This past
Spring, McCombie provided subject matter testimony in the House Revenue
Committee in support of legislation she sponsored to reduce the estate tax and
protect family farms. McCombie was joined in the Capitol last March by members
of the Farm Bureau and the National Federation of Independent Business who were
supportive of her bill and provided key testimony in favor of the measure,
which would prevent any double taxation of inherited farms and small
businesses.
“Illinois’ estate tax hurts our farm families. House Republicans have consistently fought to increase the exclusion amount to account for rising farmland values. I’m proud to stand with the Illinois Farm Bureau and my colleagues in support of this critically needed change to our tax laws that will help family farmers pass their farmland on to the next generation, protecting our family farms from being sold off to large corporate or foreign interests,” said Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), Deputy House Republican Leader.
According to
State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), “The estate tax has
devastated family farms for decades as these farms are often sold to pay the
inheritance tax.”
Rep. Meier is
not only a farmer but serves as the Republican Spokesperson on the House
Agriculture & Conservation Committee. “Improving estate tax exemptions for
farmers will help save family farms when the farm is passed down to each
generation,” continued Meier. “Family farms treat their farmland like family as
it helps provide for their family and produces the crops that help feed the
world. Our country has the lowest food costs in the world, thanks to family
farms.”
State
Representative Jason R. Bunting (R-Emington) also echoed his support for the
measure. “For far too long, Illinois’ estate tax system has threatened family
farms – like mine and my neighbors – with the prospect of having to sell the
farm if there is a death in the family,” said Bunting. “Families going through
a difficult time should not have to make the tough decision about whether or
not to sell the farm. This legislation moves us toward a better system which
will help keep farms in the family hands which have worked for generations.”
Join the
fight to keep family farms in families today by signing our Petition.
Know
When They Grow – Crop Seasons in Illinois
Illinois
encompasses over 55,000 square miles, and from Rockford south to Cairo, there
are climate differences in various areas of the state year-round. Illinois is a
top five state when it comes to agricultural receipts, and knowing the
different growing seasons is key for residents planting small gardens to large
scale crop fields and everything in between.
Typical
outdoor growing seasons range from 160 days a year in the far north around
Rockford, to 190 days in the far southern areas of the state. Southern
Illinois’ longer growing season means that crops there can be started two weeks
earlier than crops in Central Illinois, and they can typically harvest for two
weeks longer. Northern Illinois has a shorter growing season, and crops there
are often planted two weeks later than those in Central Illinois.
Planting
dates are determined by the first and last frost dates where you grow, and how
much time it takes for a crop to mature. Always check the plant tag, seed
packet or seed bag instructions for the recommended date. Cool season
vegetables grow and develop best in the temperatures of early spring or fall.
Some cool season crops can withstand frost without being damaged, and some are
even improved by experiencing a light frost. Examples of these types of
vegetables are carrots, kale, turnips and radishes. Warm season vegetables do
not grow well in lower temperatures and must be planted well after the average
last frost date. Examples of these vegetables are tomatoes, squash and peppers.
In Southern
Illinois, the average frost-free date is between April 1-10, and the first
frost average is October 21-30. In Central Illinois, the average first
frost-free date is between April 11-30, and the first frost range is October
11-20. And in Northern Illinois, the average first frost-free date is May 1-10,
and the first frost is much earlier, from September 21-30. The University of
Illinois Extension has some great online resources, including planting guides
and tips here illinois_planting_guide_2022.02.02.pdf.