Missing out on a family wedding or having to reschedule a Christmas dinner is nothing new for Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha), a fifth-generation family farmer in rural Henry County. And whether it’s service to his family farm, service to his community or service to his country, Swanson has always answered the call.

“There’s nothing 8 to 4:30 about farming,” Swanson stated. “There’s something about waking up and smelling the newly turned soil or getting down in there, putting in a long day and coming home to a good pork chop supper that’s something special.”

The Farm Family Resource Initiative, a joint pilot program of SIU School of Medicine and the Illinois Department of Agriculture is leading the effort to build a statewide network of support and resources for Illinois farm families.

The purpose of the initiative is to provide a range of resources including a helpline to assist with farmer and farm-related issues that include mental and physical health needs. 

Additionally, the initiative will offer ongoing outreach, education and training to rural clients and partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families.

In Illinois and other states, polices are often stacked against the independent family farmer especially after the death of the owner. Passing a family farm on to the next generation is hard enough without the crippling estate taxes that are required by the state and federal governments.

Currently, Illinois’ estate tax law disproportionately impacts small family farms. The value of these farms, as recognized by the estate tax, is not a pile of money sitting in a bank, but rather acres of land passed down for generations that has allowed families to carve out a living. Under the current system, many families are forced to sell off land or equipment just to pay the tax - diminishing the value of the farm and the ability of the family to earn a living from it.

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed into law a farmers market measure that is the result of a six-year campaign to support the booming local foods movement in Illinois.

The measure, first introduced in 2009, was passed unanimously by the Illinois General Assembly last month. It was sponsored by Rep. Mike Tryon, of Crystal Lake, and Sen. David Koehler, of Peoria. Read more by Robert Themer in The Daily-Journal.

Illinois' growing number of farmers markets are the favorite shopping option for families looking for locally grown produce and products like honey, soap, wine, flowers, spices, eggs, cheeses, preserves and more.

Not only will you find the freshest and tastiest seasonal fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, you'll be supporting Illinois farmers, artisans and small business owners. You'll also be doing your part to protect our environment. On average, food travels 1,500 miles to get to your plate. This transportation uses natural resources like fossil fuels, contributes to pollution, and creates excess trash with extra packaging need for transporting.

Add shopping at farmers markets to your summer activities. Here are links to resources to help you find a market near you:

Illinois Department of Agriculture searchable list of farmers markets.
Illinois Tourism list of farmers markets
Local Beet Chicago Edition
FarmersMarketsOnline