Kendall County Times

Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora) recently took to Facebook to mark National Agriculture Day (March 22). Agriculture is a huge contributor to the state's economy.

"Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soil on earth and one of the top agriculture-producing states in the nation. We cannot thank our farm families enough for all that they do to care for our land while they work to feed and fuel the world," Wheeler posted on Facebook.

Farms cover around 75% of Illinois' land. Illinois is a top producer of soybeans, corn, swine, cattle, wheat, oats, and poultry, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Agriculture contributes over $19 billion to Illinois' economy every year, more than half of which comes from corn and a quarter of which comes from soybeans.

Stacker ranked Illinois the number 7 state with the largest agriculture industry, based on USDA data. There are 27 million acres of farmland in Illinois, which generate a net income of almost $6 billion. Stacker notes, "The economy in Illinois is affected even more by the vast number of agricultural-related industries such as food processing and meatpacking."

Because Russia and Ukraine are leading global wheat producers, Illinois farmers could benefit from the conflict when they harvest their wheat in June, The Center Square reported. "We don't want to gloat over people in a war zone, but, yes, this is beneficial for Southern Illinois wheat producers – to the extent that they have not priced that crop yet," University of Illinois agriculture economist Mike Dougherty told The Center Square.