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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Mötley Crüe to headline Illinois State Fair in August
Mötley Crüe is set to headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 10, as announced by fair officials. The band, originating from Los Angeles, has been a significant presence in the rock music scene for over four decades. Their achievements include selling more than 100 million albums globally and earning multiple platinum certifications in the United States.
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Du Quoin State Fairgrounds opens online registration for eclipse weekend camping
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has introduced an online registration system for camping at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, coinciding with the upcoming total solar eclipse. The Eclipse Weekend package offers a four-night stay from April 5 to April 9 for $100 at a campsite measuring 50 feet by 20 feet.
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FFA grants support farmer mental health initiatives across Illinois
The Illinois Foundation FFA, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Farm Family Resource Initiative SIU School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development, has announced grant awards aimed at enhancing mental health awareness in communities. The "Bend, Don't Break" grants are designated for Illinois FFA chapters to foster initiatives that promote mental health and wellness education.
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Illinois Department of Agriculture accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant
Applications for funds are due March 22, 2024
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Jordan Davis set to headline Illinois State Fair Grandstand in August
The Illinois State Fair has revealed that Jordan Davis, an acclaimed singer and songwriter, will headline the Grandstand on Tuesday, August 13th. Davis recently achieved his sixth career number one with "Next Thing You Know," a two-time platinum hit from his album "Bluebird Days."
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Jason Isbell & Ashley McBryde headline Illinois State Fair concert
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are set to perform at the Illinois State Fair on Sunday, August 11. They will be joined by special guest Ashley McBryde. The band, known for its storytelling and rock and roll history, will showcase their latest album "Weathervanes," which has received praise and multiple Grammy nominations.
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Illinois announces $6.4 million grants for resilient food systems infrastructure
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the availability of $6.4 million in competitive grant funds aimed at strengthening the state's food supply chain. The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program (RFSI) is a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Starting January 22, 2024, applications will be accepted from food and farm businesses and other eligible entities, including nonprofits, local government entities, universities, schools, and hospitals.
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Conservation Cropping Seminar offers virtual attendance for Illinois farmers
The annual Conservation Cropping Seminar will be held on January 31, 2024, with the option for Illinois farmers to attend virtually for a $15 registration fee. The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering soil and water Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
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Illinois agriculture department opens applications for fall covers savings program
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is set to open applications for the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program on December 15, 2023. For the first time, pre-enrollment is available and began on December 4, allowing applicants to enter and validate their information ahead of the official opening. The program will close at 11:59 p.m. CST on January 15, 2024.
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Illinois details water quality improvements in biennial nutrient loss reduction strategy report
Illinois has released the 2023 Biennial Report of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS), detailing ongoing efforts to improve water quality. Developed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA), Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), and University of Illinois Extension, the report outlines progress in reducing nutrient pollution affecting local waterways and the Gulf of Mexico.
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Illinois announces return of fall covers incentive program with pre-enrollment option
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is launching the fifth year of its "Fall Covers for Spring Savings" program. This initiative allows participants to pre-enroll by entering and validating their information starting December 4, 2023, at 8:00 A.M. CST. Applications will be accepted from December 15, 2023, at 8:00 A.M. until January 15, 2024, at 11:59 P.M.
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USDA declares disaster in five Illinois counties after severe weather
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a disaster declaration for several counties in Illinois following severe weather events that occurred earlier this year. The declaration covers Christian, Hancock, McDonough, Sangamon, and Washington counties due to damages from a derecho and tornadoes on June 29-30, 2023.
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Illinois Product Holiday Market returns with local goods and family activities
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is set to host the Illinois Product Holiday Market in downtown Springfield from December 1st to 3rd. The event will take place on the "Y Block" north of the Governor's Mansion.
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Illinois offers bilingual livestock manager training workshops for compliance
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the University of Illinois Extension have announced the Certified Livestock Manager Training (CLMT) for 2024. This year, livestock producers in Illinois can choose between eight in-person workshops and an online training option to fulfill the manure management training requirements mandated by the state's Livestock Management Facilities Act.
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Illinois State Fair launches holiday sale with cookbooks and ride passes
The Illinois State Fair is set to offer a variety of holiday gift options this season, beginning Wednesday, November 15. Among the new offerings is an "Illinois' Best" cookbook featuring prize-winning recipes from the fair. The cookbook is available for purchase in person at the fairgrounds for $15 or online for $20, including shipping.
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Du Quoin State Fair drives economic growth despite weather challenges
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced that the Du Quoin State Fair continues to be a significant economic contributor to southern Illinois. Despite challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, which led to the cancellation of the annual Twilight Parade and adjustments in scheduling, this year's fair attracted over 166,000 attendees.
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Illinois partners with national program to improve soil health
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has signed a memorandum of understanding to create a statewide program aimed at standardizing soil health practices. This initiative is part of efforts to promote the use of cover crops, strip till, no-till, and erosion and sediment control among farmers. Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of agriculture in Illinois, stating, "Agriculture is the heart of who we are as a state, and it's our biggest industry."
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Spotted lanternfly detected in Illinois; authorities urge public reporting
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the spotted lanternfly in Illinois. This marks the first detection of this invasive species in the state. On September 16, a live adult was reported, leading to a site visit by state, federal, and local officials. By September 18, they identified a moderately populated area of these insects. Specimens were collected for identification, with confirmation received on September 26.
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Illinois highlights National Farm Safety Week amid harvest season
As the fall harvest season approaches, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) are urging farmers to prioritize safety. Governor Pritzker has declared September 18-22, 2023, as National Farm Safety and Health Week in Illinois.
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Illinois halts organochlorine pesticide tests as levels drop
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), alongside the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Agriculture, has decided to stop statewide testing for organochlorine pesticides in fish from local lakes and rivers. These pesticides, including DDT, have been banned for many years but were still tested due to their persistence in the environment.