With this edition of the Illinois Agricultural Statistics Summary comes a reminder
of the challenges facing today's farmer and the agricultural industry in general.
While yield numbers were steady for crop producers, and livestock flourished,
markets were not favorable for Illinois farmers. These statistics will give you
a better understanding of the dynamics of today's farm economy.
Illinois continues to rank as one of the top commodity producing, processing,
and exporting states in the U.S., and the Illinois Department of Agriculture continues
to assist in a variety of ways. Through issue specific programs, regulation and
cooperative efforts such as this document, we are committed to agriculture.
As we near the end of this century we must must examine all aspects of agriculture
to ensure our success. As new generations become involved in farming, they need
the tools to effectively manage their businesses. As market needs change we need
to make the most of those changes. As technological advances are made we must
be able to utilize them when they can help us prosper.
It is my hope that use of this book will provide a glance at today's agriculture
in hopes that we can better plan for our future.
Sincerely,
Joe Hampton, Director
Illinois Department of Agriculture
