Illinois Department Of Agriculture
Recent News About Illinois Department Of Agriculture
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USDA declares disaster in Illinois after summer tornadoes
USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack has announced a disaster declaration for three counties in Illinois due to damage from tornadoes earlier this year.
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Illinois State Fair announces holiday sale on passes
The Illinois State Fair has announced a holiday sale offering significant discounts on Mega and Jumbo passes.
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Stink bugs move indoors as temperatures drop
Falling temperatures bring the usual signs of autumn, but they also herald the arrival of stink bugs. These pests, officially known as brown marmorated stink bugs, are native to China and have been in the United States since the late 1990s. They pose a threat to various plants, from residential landscaping to agricultural crops like soybeans, apples, and pears.
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Du Quoin State Fair sets new attendance record with over 204,000 visitors
The Du Quoin State Fair has set a new attendance record, with over 204,000 visitors attending the 2024 event. This surpasses the previous record of 171,000 set in 2022 and marks the first time attendance has exceeded 200,000 since industry standards were established.
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Record-breaking attendance at 2024 Illinois State Fair under Pritzker administration
Governor JB Pritzker announced record-breaking attendance totals for the 2024 Illinois State Fair, with more than 773,000 people attending the 11-day event. This marks the highest number on record since industry standards were enacted.
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Illinois promotes farm safety during harvest season
Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 15-21 as Farm Safety and Health Week in Illinois, with the theme "Don't Learn Safety by Accident." This year marks the 80th annual observance nationwide.
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Illinois hosts international buyers for 2024 grain tour
In an effort to forge relationships and increase export sales of agricultural products, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will host 31 international buyers from nine different countries as part of a four-day tour. Buyers from Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam will visit Illinois facilities from September 9 to 12.
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Illinois Department of Agriculture allocates nearly $525K from federal grant
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will distribute nearly $525,000 over three years to bolster the state's specialty crop industry through the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The funding for this initiative was authorized by the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.
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Illinois Product Expo highlights local agriculture at Du Quoin State Fair
DU QUOIN, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair is set to highlight Illinois agriculture through the 2024 Illinois Product Expo. This event aims to connect buyers with local farmers and producers, offering insight into the origins of their food.
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Illinois DCFS promotes foster care at Du Quoin State Fair
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (Illinois DCFS) will host a tent at the 2024 Du Quoin State Fair, aiming to engage families and share information about its programs and services. The tent, located on the Midway, will provide visitors with insights into transforming children's lives through foster care, adoption, or guardianship. Agency recruiters will be available to discuss employment opportunities and accept applications for positions within DCFS. Additionally, free gun locks will be distributed to promote child safety in homes with firearms.
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Du Quoin State Fair reveals free beer tent entertainment schedule
Du Quoin, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair has unveiled its lineup of free entertainment at the RollnUp beer tent for the 2024 fair. This event will run from August 23 to September 2 and will feature a variety of performances across different days.
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Du Quoin State Fair announces theme days for upcoming event
Du Quoin, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair has announced its theme days for 2024.
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Veterans invited to DuQuoin State Fair for free event
Springfield, IL - The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the DuQuoin State Fair invite veterans and their family members to enjoy a free day at the DuQuoin State Fair on Sunday, August 25, 2024. This annual event offers entertainment, a Gold Star Rose Ceremony, a main program with keynote speakers, and a resource fair of veteran services. This year's theme is "Service Across the Generations."
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Lil Wayne breaks Illinois State Fair Grandstand attendance record
Lil Wayne's concert at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday night set a new attendance record, drawing 15,427 attendees. This surpasses the previous record of 15,329 set by Jason Aldean in 2011.
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Jonas Brothers concert rescheduled due to weather forecast
Due to Thursday evening's weather forecast, the start time for the Jonas Brothers concert at the Illinois State Fair has been moved up to 7 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the sold-out pre-show party will begin at 4:30 p.m.
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Governor’s Sale invests in future agricultural leaders with record donations
Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker Donate $105,000
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Illinois State Fair offers diverse free entertainment from August 8-18
The Illinois State Fair is set to offer a range of free entertainment options, providing an opportunity for families to enjoy the event without incurring significant costs. Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, emphasized the fair's focus on family fun: "The Illinois State Fair is synonymous with family fun. Expanding free entertainment options helps draw families to the fair, allowing them to make memories that last a lifetime."
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Illinois State Fair shares essential tips for attendees
Before attending the Illinois State Fair, organizers recommend reviewing several tips to ensure a smooth experience.
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Butter Cow unveiled at 2024 Illinois State Fair
Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fair officials unveiled the Butter Cow today in the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Inspired by "It's Showtime!" the 2024 fair theme, sculptor Sarah Pratt's creation captures the magic of the fair through the eyes of a child.
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Illinois boosts climate smart agriculture with US EPA grant
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in collaboration with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), has announced a $111 million investment in the agricultural sector through a U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. This initiative aims to support farmers in making sustainable and long-term decisions for their operations. The U.S. EPA had previously announced the full grant, totaling over $430 million over five years.