A culture of agriculture

There’s no better time to celebrate the 815 than summer. Not only does the calendar give us that clever hook for 815 Day, but the warmer weather also draws our attention to the nucleus (and genesis) of our economy—agriculture. To experience and appreciate agriculture in Northern Illinois, we need look no further than our county fairs and farmers markets.

Crops and livestock
Many of us who live in the more urban areas of the 815 don’t often consider the scope of farming in our region until we’re creeping along behind some monstrous piece of farm equipment on a rural road. Then we realize, “Oh, yeah. We’re literally surrounded by farms.”

To put it in perspective, consider these stats:

• With over 75% of the state’s land managed by farmers, Illinois consistently ranks among the top agricultural producers in the U.S.
• According to the 2024 Census of Agriculture, 84.2% of Illinois’ more than 70,000 farms are family-owned, making them the overwhelming majority in the state
• In 2023, Illinois ranked as the third largest agricultural exporting state in the U.S., shipping approximately $13.7 billion in ag products internationally.
• Taken broadly, agriculture and agribusiness—including related food companies, seed suppliers, chemical manufacturers, equipment dealers, and processing firms—account for nearly one in four Illinois jobs.

“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,” said Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney. “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.”

Unsurprisingly, farming plays a foundational role in supporting rural communities in our region, helping stem rural-to-urban migration. For example:

• Farmland contributes significantly to the local tax base, which helps fund schools, roads, and emergency services.
• Farms justify investment in infrastructure like roads and bridges to move agricultural goods, benefiting the broader community.
• Demand for water, energy, and broadband by modern farms can help expand access to these utilities in remote areas.
• Many farms offer agritourism, direct-to-consumer sales, and specialty crops, which diversify local economies and create new business opportunities.

Last but not least, farming is often a multigenerational vocation in Illinois, helping preserve rural heritage and community pride.

County fairs
You never really outgrow the appeal of a county fair—the thrilling rides, the games that look easy to win but aren’t, the oh-so-bad-for-you festival food, and the impressive 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) kids with their prize-winning livestock and agricultural products.

But county fairs are more than amusement. They play a vital, and often under‐appreciated, economic and social role, especially in rural Midwestern communities.

A University of Illinois Extension study from 2014/15 is the most recent comprehensive statewide economic impact analysis specifically focused on county fairs in Illinois. Although the information is a bit dated, it still paints a picture of annual events with a significant economic ripple effect.

The study found that a total of $170 million was spent across all county fairs in Illinois, with about $90 million coming from visitor spending outside the fairgrounds on lodging, gas, restaurants, retail, services, etc. When broken down geographically, county fairs in Northern Illinois led the state by generating an estimated economic impact of $44 million, with Central Illinois at $17 million and the southern part of the state at $12 million.

The study also found that for every $1 invested by the state in county fairs in 2014, there was an estimated $18 return through economic activity.

County fairs also help us reconnect with our agricultural roots. In an article on the Illinois Country Living website (icl.coop), former president of the Illinois Association of County Fairs Ron Meyer said, “County fairs are not just fun for our children; they are an educational opportunity. Youth programs such as 4-H and FFA are very important to the future of agriculture. We need to ensure that future generations will be interested in agriculture... [It] is very important to the State of Illinois. We need to educate all generations of the importance of the crops that are raised and the animals that put the food on our tables.”

Farmers markets
Illinois ranks third nationally in number of farmers’ markets—highlighting their importance as economic and social connectors between rural producers and urban consumers. For example:
Farmers markets support small-scale and specialty crop producers, who account for over $472 million in sales annually on more than 80,000 acres across Illinois.

A dollar spent at a farmers market can generate $1.80 for the local economy, reflecting the value of direct-to-farmer transactions and recirculation of income within communities.

They serve as vital outlets, giving farmers reliable platforms to sell directly to consumers, institutions, and local businesses.

In addition to economic benefits, farmers markets promote healthy eating, create job opportunities, and strengthen community resilience.

Farmers markets are also hubs for direct interaction between farmers and chefs. For restaurants committed to the farm-to-table philosophy, these markets provide a dependable source of seasonal, high-quality ingredients. Instead of relying on large-scale distributors or imported produce, chefs can personally select items at their peak freshness, often speaking directly with the growers about the best ways to use them. This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures menus are vibrant, creative, and seasonal.

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce member Paul Sletten, founder and owner of Abreo, is a strong advocate for local farmers and hosts a ‘Meet the Farmers’ dinner series every year. Each menu is designed exclusively with ingredients purchased the day before at the market, including the flowers for the table.

“This is by far one of my favorite events, as it allows us to really put the farmers of many of our ingredients front and center,” Sletten said.

The 815’s generational farms, celebratory county fairs, and bustling farmers markets represent a powerful economic synergy—each amplifying the other to generate job opportunities, local spending, community engagement, and regional prosperity.