A $100,000 commemorative contribution to the Illinois agriculture industry was made by Illinois’ two Farm Credit associations at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. 1st Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit Illinois collectively distributed the special centennial gift among ten different Illinois agriculture groups as they celebrate the 100th year of the Farm Credit System.
Farm Progress Show attendees had the opportunity to “Designate the Dollars” by voting for one of the ten organizations in an electronic survey. The $100,000 investment will be dispersed to the following recipient organizations based on the percentage of votes each group receives:
Illinois 4-H
Illinois Ag-In-The Classroom
Illinois AgrAbility
Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program
Illinois Agri-Women
Illinois FFA
Illinois State University Department of Agriculture
Southern Illinois University College of Agricultural Sciences
University of Illinois College of ACES
Western Illinois University School of Agriculture
“Today’s rural communities are innovating, expanding, and active, and we are evolving to meet their needs, and so are the organizations we are recognizing today,” said Gary J. Ash, President/CEO of 1st Farm Credit Services. “The $100,000 investment in Illinois agriculture helps ensure a bright future while celebrating a prosperous past.”
“The Farm Credit System is committed to supporting organizations, programs, and initiatives dedicated to advancing agriculture – today and tomorrow,” says Tom Tracy, CEO and President of Farm Credit Illinois. “From encouraging the next generation of farmers, to helping educate consumers about the importance of agriculture, Farm Credit and these organizations are dedicated to helping farm families succeed.”
