Will County Gazette

Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) marked National Agriculture Day on March 22. Agriculture is a huge contributor to Illinois' economy.

"Happy National Ag Day! So grateful for the local farms and farm families in the 79th district who keep food on our tables day after day…rain, snow or shine," Haas posted on Facebook.

Agro-based businesses are an important part of Illinois, as is evident from the huge number of farms the state has. Approximately 75% of its land is covered by farms. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the state is a top producer of oats, wheat, corn, and soybeans. Poultry, cattle, and swine also form a crucial part. Every year, $19 billion is contributed to the state's economy from agriculture.

Based on the USDA data, Stacker has ranked Illinois at no. 7 in terms of the size of the agriculture industry. The total farmland area in Illinois roughly amounts to 27 million acres which generate $6 billion in income. Stacker notes, "The economy in Illinois is affected even more by the vast number of agricultural-related industries such as food processing and meatpacking."

The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia will likely affect farmers in Illinois. Both countries are global wheat producers. Illinois farmers are going to harvest their wheat in June, and they might benefit from this conflict, as reported by The Center Square. "We don't want to gloat over people in a war zone, but, yes, this is beneficial for Southern Illinois wheat producers – to the extent that they have not priced that crop yet," University of Illinois agriculture economist Mike Dougherty told The Center Square.