Illinois Ag Connection - Soybean Association Supports New State Fair Ag Exhibit

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Soybean Association Supports New State Fair Ag Exhibit
Illinois Ag Connection - 07/29/2010

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Tom Jennings and Illinois State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick recently announced the theme for the 2010 Illinois State Fair. This year's theme, "Cream of the Crop," pays tribute to Illinois' agricultural heritage.

"This year's fair will showcase Illinois' agricultural roots while also recognizing Illinois farmers for being the cream of the crop, the best of the best," Bliefnick said. "Illinois farmers are among the most efficient and productive in the United States.

Illinois ranks second among all states in the production of both corn and soybeans, fourth in the production of pork and twenty-second in the production of beef."

A new attraction to this years' fair, "Farmer's Little Helpers," will teach kids about Illinois' premier agriculture industry. "Farmer's Little Helpers" is an interactive, children's education exhibit near Gate 2. The mock farm consists of a series of miniature barns, a corn crib, harvest and seed gardens, a farmers' market and a grocery store. Each building provides hands-on activities related to the agricultural process.

The Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Soybean Association, County Market (Niemann Foods) and Grain Systems Inc. (GSI) are major sponsors of the exhibit.

"The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to be involved with the new 'Farmer's Little Helpers' exhibit at the Illinois State Fair. We feel this is a great opportunity to show visitors the connection between soybeans grown by Illinois farmers, livestock raised throughout our state and the food people eat," Illinois Soybean Association Secretary Doug Winter, a farmer from Mill Shoals, added.

Other sponsors include the American Egg Board, Brandt Consolidated, Corn Products International, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association, Midwest Dairy Association and USDA Farm Service Agency.

The 2010 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 13-22.