Illinois family farmers are local experts in sustainable food production who invite open dialogue. They use scientific research and veterinary advice to grow crops and raise livestock. Farmers are available to address common concerns about food and farming practices through tours, presentations, online forums, and partnerships. Their goal is sharing knowledge to build understanding between farmers and consumers.

1. 1
We are Farm Families.
Illinois Farm Families are local farmers growing
food for your families and ours.
We’re experts in growing food.
Many of us have farmed for generations; it’s our
lifestyle and our livelihood. We have years of
experience and advice from those who farmed
before us.
• We use science-based research, along with
other experts like crop specialists to make
decisions about the crops we grow like:
• Which seeds to plant in various growing
conditions
• What applications are safe for your family and
mine
• What planting and harvesting practices are
most sustainable for our farm
• When it comes to animal care we consult with
other experts too, because we want the best for
our animals:
• Our veterinarians routinely check our herds
and treat sick animals to prevent any sickness
from spreading
• Our animals have their own nutritionists, too.
They blend the perfect mix of food to ensure
animals are getting the right nutrients
• Our herdsmen constantly check our livestock
for signs of discomfort or illness so they can
receive proper care immediately
We get questions about food.
You probably get questions surrounding consumers
greatest concerns about food choices? So do we.
• There are many topics that we need to answer for
our consumers and most likely your clients such
as:
• Hormones in milk and meat
• Antibiotics used in raising animals
• GMO safety in our food
• Differences between organic and conventional
farming methods
• The meanings of different labels
• We can share our perspectives:
• We can explain how and why we use these
practices to grow and raise our food
• We can explain the practical application and the
science behind farm practices and how they
contribute to a healthy herd and safe crop
.
Our doors are open. Let’s talk.
We invite you to learn and share what we do on our
farms to raise food. We offer many ways for you to
connect with local Illinois farmers.
• Farm tours – experience the farm firsthand and
meet farmers
• Speaking opportunities – have a farmer speak at
any of your events
• Website – find an abundance of food information
from farmers and other experts
• Social media – join the online conversation
through Facebook and Instagram, ask questions
and get answers from a local farmer
• Blogging – share your thoughts about food with us
and be featured on our blog or look for posted
blogs that can help you answer you clients’
questions
• Partnerships – let’s explore how you or your
organization can benefit from a one-on-one
relationship with Illinois Farm Families
What can you learn
from a farmer?
Illinois farmers are:
• local farmers growing
food with care
• experts in growing food –
researchers, scientists,
sustainable leaders
• answering questions
about food
• inviting people out to
their farms
• listening to concerns
• sharing stories from
their farm
• joining conversations
online and in-person
KEY TAKEAWAY
Illinois family farmers are a
resource – Let’s talk
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