News and Information:
REGIONAL TILLAGE SEMINARS SCHEDULED
Time is running out to register for an informative series of tillage seminars that will be held throughout the state late this month. The deadline to sign-up is Jan. 18.
ILLINOIS PRODUCTS EXPO, MARCH 3-4, 2012
The 14th Illinois Products Expo...A Food and Cooking Extravaganza will be held on March 3-4, 2012, in the Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL. Over seventy Illinois companies will be providing free food samples and selling their products. Open to the public
Admission - $5.00 (children 10 and under are free)
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SUMMER EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS The Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for qualified individuals who are interested in summer employment. Please download a copy of the summer application form. Completed form should be sent to Human Resource Office, IL Dept. of Agriculture, State Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281
STATE AGRICULTURE EMPLOYEES HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
An Illinois Department of Agriculture marketing representative has been awarded the agency's top individual honor. Kim Hamilton, who helps Illinois companies gain access to foreign markets and increase export sales, was presented the Director's Achievement Award today at the department's 33rd annual Employee Luncheon and Awards Ceremony.
PROMOTE YOUR AGRIBUSINESS COMPANY
In an ongoing effort to promote the Illinois food and agribusiness industry within the global marketplace, The Illinois Department of Agriculture (DOA)'s Bureau of Marketing has launched various promotional services through several regional and national expositions, promotions, seminars, and industry tours. In addition, the DOA maintains foreign offices in Hong Kong and Mexico to assist Illinois companies overseas. Illinois is also a member of the twelve-state Food Export Association-Midwest. By utilizing this private, non-profit association, DOA is positioned to increase international exports in addition to the state-sponsored Food Export activities. For interested agribusiness owners, the full list of details may be found at www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/
IDOA SURVEYS SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Results show shift from no-till to mulch-till production systems
The 2011 Illinois Soil Conservation Transect Survey reveals that use of no-till crop production systems has fallen five percentage points since 2009 to 24.2 percent of fields.
ILLINOIS EMERALD ASH BORER QUARANTINE EXPANDED
Quarantine now includes nearly 40 percent of the state The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has added all of 14 counties and part of two others to its emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine.
ARE YOU READY AG?
Fire, flood, feed contamination, foot-and-mouth disease. Farm and ranch disasters can come without warning. Is your crop, livestock or poultry operation secure? Is it biosecure?
| CENTENNIAL FARM AND SESQUICENTENNIAL FARM PROGRAMS These programs honor generations of farmers who have worked to maintain family farms in Illinois. Search though our database to see farms in Illinois or download a form to get your family farm registered. |
NEW LAW GIVES MORE RIGHTS TO PROPERTY OWNERS
"Purple Paint Law" gives landowners option of marking trees or posts to prevent trespassing
While the new "Purple Paint Law" gives Illinois landowners or lessees the option of marking their property with a series of defined purple paint markings on trees or posts, additional notice is still required through 2012.
MYCOTOXIN SURVEY
Included are the 2011 wheat vomitoxin, 2010 corn aflatoxin, 2010 corn fumonisin, and 2010 corn vomitoxin maps. Also included is the letter sent to all feed mills in Illinois.
COST-SHARE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR GROWERS AND HANDLERS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has received $60,000 to reimburse producers and handlers who either obtain or renew their certification in the federal fiscal year that ends Sept. 30, 2011. The reimbursement covers 75 percent of certification costs up to a maximum of $750.
NEW ANHYDROUS AMMONIA SAFETY VIDEO AVAILABLE
Because of the potentially hazardous nature of anhydrous ammonia, the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) and Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) have produced a 12-minute video outlining the proper safety procedures that famers should take each and every time they handle the product. watch the Video
SOYBEAN RUST INFORMATION Agriculture Department stresses education in preparation for possible rust outbreak
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HAY AND STRAW DIRECTORY The Illinois Department of Agriculture's Hay & Straw Directory is provided as a service to hay producers and buyers. This new interactive system will allow sellers to update their own listings in our continuing effort to include all Illinois hay producers who direct market their hay. |
NURSERY PROGRAM NOW ON-LINE
The nursery program inspection staff of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Environmental Programs inspects and certifies nearly 1,200 nurseries in Illinois each year.
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NEW FOOD & AGRIBUSINESS GUIDE
As a leading resource and advocate for agriculture within the state of Illinois, we have developed a new website to enhance and promote businesses which produce, process, package or are headquartered in Illinois. |
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STARTS WORK ON ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
First step is to identify every premise that handles livestock and poultry In an ongoing effort to ensure safety in the food supply, the state Department of Agriculture has begun the difficult, but important task of identifying every farm, feedlot, sales barn and slaughter facility in Illinois that handles food animals. Register On-line
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Agriculture Events
Special Olympics Indoor Softball Tournament, Jan 13 - 15, DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, Southern Illinois Center TBD c/o Bill Asbury 618-654-6680Greater Springfield Home & Builders Show, Jan 13 - 15, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Orr Building Admission: Adults - $5.00 Children (12 & under) - Free Fri.: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sat.: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun.: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pc/o Michael Morrow (515)491-4150Giant Flea Market, Sun, Jan 15, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Illinois Building Main Floor Admission: Adults - $1.25 Children (12 & under) - Free 8:30 am - 4:30 pm c/o John Crouch (217)529-6939 Hill Reception, Sat, Jan 21, DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, Exhibition Hall c/o Charles or Debbie Hill Indoor Softball Tournament, Jan 21 - 22, DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, Southern Illinois Center TBD c/o Bill Asbury 618-654-6680MMA - Warrior Concepts Freedom Fight Series, Sat, Jan 21, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Illinois Building Main Floor Admission: $30.00 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm c/o Jennifer Ward (217)698-8040 ECA Hunting & Trade Show, Jan 21 - 22, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Orr Building Admission: Adults - $5.00 Children - Free w/ parent Sat.: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun.: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm c/o Bob Leckrone (618)495-2572
If you have an event you would like posted, please email the webmaster for inclusion on this website. |