Illinois state Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) | reppauljacobs.com
Illinois state Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) | reppauljacobs.com
Illinois state Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) took to Facebook recently to show his appreciation for Illinois farmers and tout their importance to the state's economy.
"$1 out of every $10 generated in Illinois originates from agriculture, impacting every person throughout the state," he said in the post. "Thank you to our farmers for powering Illinois' economy while feeding and fueling the world!"
Jacobs’ post included a link to an AgriNews article. Citing a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the article noted that in 2021, 1.3% of the state's population worked on a farm in some capacity.
"The latest agricultural census reported more than $137 billion in Illinois’ economic activity is generated from production agriculture-related industries," the AgriNews article said. "Additionally, Illinois food and agricultural businesses accounts for more than $356 billion in economic output for the state. Cook County alone derives $17.8 million in economic activity from agriculture and connected industries."
Much of that production originated from corn and soybeans, of which Illinois was the top producer of both in the U.S. for 2022, a February Brownfield Ag News report said. McClean County produced the most, approximately 71 million bushels of corn. Iroquois, Livingston, LaSalle and Champaign counties ranked second through fifth. Stark County produced the highest average yield in the state with 240.6 bushels per acre, followed by Woodford County in second place and Ogle County in third.
Regarding soybeans, McClean County was again tops, producing approximately 21.2 million bushels. Iroquois, Champaign, Livingston and LaSalle counties were top-ten soybean producers as well. Additionally, the top 11 counties for average soybean yield were all in Illinois.
Jacobs was first elected in 2020 to represent Illinois' 118th District in the state House of Representatives, the General Assembly website said. During his legislative experience, he has served on the Health Care Licenses and Higher Education committees. He resides in Pomona.
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