Farm groups celebrate legislative victory in just-passed state budget

Posted on April 13, 2022
Illinois Corn Growers Association president Marty Marr, who farms at New Berlin, near Springfield, says the state has needed more veterinarians. (Photo courtesy Illinois Corn Growers Association)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The trade associations for Illinois agriculture celebrate a $750,000 victory in the just-passed state budget.

Illinois Corn Growers Association president Marty Marr, who farms at New Berlin, near Springfield, says the state has needed more veterinarians.

“Discussion began about how important this area, of having field vets, is, in case of an outbreak,” said Marr, “and we did have a recent one here in McLean County in a small backyard flock, a highly pathogenic Avian flu.”

Marr says the corn, soy, beef, and pork associations convinced the General Assembly to add to the ranks of the veterinarians, which currently number … one.

“There’s a lot of talk about food security, and (lawmakers) want to keep a healthy livestock industry growing.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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