As a former member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I understand the importance of agriculture to farmers and farm families throughout Illinois and across the nation. Agriculture is Illinois # 1 industry, sustaining tens of thousands of quality jobs in both farming and ag-related industries.
Illinois' 76,000 farms cover more than 28 million acres -- nearly 80 percent of the state's total land area. According to the IL Department of Agriculture, marketing of Illinois' agricultural commodities generates more than $9 billion annually. Corn accounts for nearly 40 percent of that total. Marketing of soybeans contributes about one-third, with the combined marketing of livestock, dairy and poultry generating about 23 percent.
Billions more dollars flow into the state's economy from ag-related industries, such as farm machinery manufacturing, agricultural real estate, and production and sale of value-added food products. Rural Illinois benefits principally from agricultural production, while agricultural processing and manufacturing strengthen urban economies.
This year in Congress, our top priority in agriculture is the passage of a comprehensive Farm Bill; one that reflects the needs and priorities of farm families; including coverage for crop insurance and meaningful tax reform that keeps rates low and gives farmers the flexibility they need to invest in machinery to help them continue to produce the high-quality food that feeds America - and the world.