State Of Illinois Department Of Agriculture
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Agriculture
Recent News About State Of Illinois Department Of Agriculture
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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.
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Illinois State Fair announces theme days for 2024
The Illinois State Fair has announced its theme and discount days for 2024. The event will commence on Thursday, August 8, with County Fairs and Horse Racing Day. Gates will open at 7 a.m., offering a full day of horse racing, county fair celebrations, free entertainment, $3 carnival rides, traditional fair food, kick-off activities, and the annual Twilight Parade.
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Illinois State Fair hosts Veterans and Gold Star Families Day on August 11
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois State Fair invite veterans and their family members to enjoy a free day at the Illinois State Fair on Sunday, August 11, 2024. This annual event offers programs, music, and a resource fair. The event concludes with a parade led by Governor JB Pritzker, IDVA Director Terry Prince, along with veterans' organizations, JROTC teams, and IDVA staff. This year's theme is "Serving the Generations."
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Du Quoin State Fair announces grand marshals and theme for Twilight Parade
The Du Quoin State Fair, in collaboration with Governor JB Pritzker, has announced that Illinois 4-H will serve as the Grand Marshals for the annual Twilight Parade. The organization offers numerous opportunities and experiences for youth across Illinois, providing over 190,000 4-H experiences in all 102 counties. Over the past year, Illinois 4-H saw a 13% growth with minority youth comprising 30% of those served through educational programs.
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Illinois State Fair introduces budget-friendly food options for 2024
SPRINGFIELD, IL - When considering the Illinois State Fair, food often comes to mind. From sweet to savory, a variety of options are available throughout the fairgrounds. However, not everyone may have the appetite or budget to sample everything.
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Chris Lane to headline Du Quoin State Fair grandstand on August 31
Multi-platinum country star Chris Lane is set to perform at the Du Quoin State Fair on Saturday, August 31.
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Illinois State Fair names grand marshals for annual Twilight Parade
SPRINGFIELD, IL - In celebration of youth in agriculture and the growth and diversity that continues to expand access to the state's number one industry, the Illinois State Fair, along with Governor JB Pritzker, announced that Illinois 4-H will serve as Grand Marshals for the annual Twilight Parade.
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Illinois State Fair offers extended box office hours ahead of price increases
The Illinois State Fair Grandstand Box Office will offer extended hours for in-person ticket purchases on Thursday, July 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Regular box office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, but additional fees can be avoided by buying directly at the box office.
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Illinois State Fair announces harness racing schedule for grandstand action
The Illinois State Fair Grandstand will host harness racing to commence County Fairs and Horse Racing Day on Thursday, August 8. Recognized as one of the fastest dirt tracks globally, the one-mile track will feature races exclusively sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) on opening day. Every horse participating will be either Illinois conceived or foaled.
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Illinois extends livestock entry deadline for state fair due to extreme weather
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has extended the Junior Livestock Entry Deadline to Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m. due to extreme weather conditions across the state.
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Illinois State Fair announces return of tram service for easier navigation
The Illinois State Fair has announced the return of trams for its 2024 event, providing a complimentary service to help visitors navigate the fairgrounds. Sponsored by the IL Corn Growers Association, two trams will operate on a dedicated route during the 11 days of the fair.
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Illinois introduces new H5N1 testing rules for dairy cattle exhibitions
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced new intrastate testing requirements for lactating dairy cattle participating in livestock exhibitions within the state. This measure aims to minimize the spread of H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza.
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Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation seeks nominees for Illinoisan of the Day
SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is seeking 10 individuals to spotlight each day of the Illinois State Fair as an Illinoisan of the Day. The Illinoisan of the Day program aims to honor individuals who exemplify qualities associated with Illinois, including integrity, dependability, a sense of community, and strong ethics.
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Shaboozey set to headline Illinois State Fair Grandstand concert series
The Illinois State Fair has announced that rising star and crossover artist Shaboozey will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Sunday, August 18.
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Illinois State Fair announces "It's Showtime!" as theme for upcoming event
The Illinois State Fair has announced its theme for 2024, "It's Showtime!" This theme encompasses a variety of activities including livestock shows, Grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, and ice skating performances.
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Nelly to headline Du Quoin State Fair grandstand on September 2
DU QUOIN, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair announced that rap legend Nelly will headline the Du Quoin State Fair on Monday, September 2.
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Free camping offered for those buying tickets for Illinois State Fair
The Stay and Play promotion will be available June 26 through July 3.
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Illinois Department of Agriculture unveils new master plan for state fairgrounds
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in collaboration with the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, has unveiled a new master plan for the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The plan aims to maintain the core functions of the Fairgrounds while increasing year-round events, attendance, and revenue.
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Illinois State Fair transitions livestock registration online using ShoWorks
The Illinois State Fair has announced that livestock exhibitor registration will now be conducted online through the ShoWorks platform. Both the new system and the Livestock Premium Book are available on the Illinois State Fair website.