OTTAWA, Ill. – Working to continue his support of Illinois agriculture, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, visited the Northern Partners Cooperative to discuss various issues facing Illinois’ agriculture industry and take note of the operations of the business.

“It can be easy to take it for granted, but agriculture is absolutely vital to growing a stronger Illinois,” said Yednock. “We must continue to work to support agriculture industries and businesses, which provide countless crop resources that make up the backbone of this state’s culture and economy.”

Yednock recently visited a local agriculture plant to listen to the issues facing the Northern Partners Cooperative while also discussing legislative proposals that would help the agriculture industry. Yednock has been a strong supporter of Illinois agriculture. Included in this year’s bipartisan budget plan that Yednock supported was the Blue Collar Jobs Act, which is aimed at providing reforms for people seeking employment in agriculture, manufacturing and more.

​VALMEYER, Ill. – To discuss the impact that the pork industry has on the state economy and learn more about local pork, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, recently toured Brinkman Farms in Valmeyer to meet with local pork producers.

“Agriculture has a huge impact on the state, national and global economy, and Illinois’ pork industry is a large contributor, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and creating thousands of jobs,” said Reitz. “Many Southern Illinoisans rely on farming for their livelihood, so I will continue advocating for agriculture and fighting to be a strong voice for our local industry.”

According to the Illinois Pork Producers, there are over 2,000 farms in Illinois that raise pigs, 97% of which are family-owned and operated. Illinois ranks 4th in the United States for pork production. While in Springfield, Reitz serves on the Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee and has been an outspoken advocate for Illinois farmers.

For more information, contact Rep. Reitz’s constituent service office by calling 618-282-7284 or by emailing RepNReitz@gmail.com.