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Illinois ag leaders say state budget checks the boxes for farmers
The Illinois General Assembly passed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 and ag leaders say it checks the boxes for farmers.
Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello tells Brownfield the budget fully funds the Illinois Department of Agriculture and appropriates the Farm Family Resources Initiative farmer mental health hotline, Fall Covers for Spring Savings cover crop incentive program, four new field veterinarians and covers FFA program dues for all high school students enrolled in an agriculture course.
“All of those things were appropriated in this budget, so we consider the budget a win for agriculture in the state of Illinois.”
Illinois Corn Growers Association Public Policy Manager Russ Orrill says most items mirror the funding allocated in FY23.
“A couple of key programs in particular we are happy to see funded would be the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program that was funded at $666,000 and NCERC, which would be our national corn ethanol research within the state of Illinois was also funded at $1,000,000.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker applauded the budget saying it will make childcare and education more accessible, healthcare more affordable, and strengthen the state’s business and economic position.
666, really!