It’s county fair season in Illinois! These fairs allow our state’s most significant industry to take center stage. From livestock shows and 4-H competitions to tractor pulls and homemade pies, county fairs are more than just fun community events. They’re a celebration of Illinois agriculture and the hardworking families who make it all possible.
Farming isn’t just a tradition in Illinois. It’s an economic powerhouse. Thanks to our rich soil, flat land, and favorable climate, Illinois ranks among the top states in the nation for corn and soybean production. These crops don’t just feed people. They’re also used for livestock feed, fuel, and countless everyday products. When you drive through rural Illinois and see endless fields of green, you’re witnessing a vital part of our economy at work.
But agriculture here isn’t only about crops. Livestock, especially hogs and cattle, play a significant role too. Animal farming and grain production are deeply interconnected. Livestock are fed with locally grown grain, and in return, they help fertilize the soil. It’s a sustainable cycle perfected by generations of Illinois farmers.
Beyond the fields, agriculture supports over a million jobs in Illinois, encompassing a range of industries, including food processing, equipment manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. It’s the backbone of our state’s economy, particularly in regions like Northwest Illinois.
What’s often overlooked, though, is that more than 95% of Illinois farms are family-owned. These farms are usually described as “land-rich but cash-poor,” meaning that while they hold significant value in land and equipment, they don’t necessarily have large amounts of liquid assets. This creates a considerable challenge when it comes to estate or “death” taxes.
When a farm is passed down after a death in the family, Illinois’ estate tax applies to land appraised at its current market value, regardless of whether the family intends to sell. With Illinois’ exemption of just $4 million, which is far below the federal exemption of over $13 million, many families are forced to sell land or equipment to cover the tax bill. That not only threatens the survival of individual farms but also undermines the next generation of farmers.
I am currently a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1688, which aims to protect family-owned farms by reforming the state’s estate tax laws. Illinois Democrats deliberately blocked this bill during the most recent legislative session. Despite having the resources to provide meaningful relief for farmers, Democrats chose to channel budget funds elsewhere. They funneled money toward a $40 million sports complex in Speaker of the House Chris Welch’s home district and earmarked more than $250 million for special projects in Democrat-held districts. That money could have gone a long way toward preserving Illinois’ family farms for future generations.
As you walk the fairgrounds this summer watching livestock shows, sampling local produce, or cheering at the tractor pulls, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the people behind it all. Farming is more than a job in Illinois. It’s a way of life, passed down through generations. We must do everything possible to ensure that the next generation of farmers can maintain Illinois’ standing as a top agricultural state in the nation and the world.
