[August 08, 2012]    

On Tuesday, Illinois congressman Aaron Schock hosted an agriculture summit in Lincoln. Joining Schock in a discussion of ag issues was the Honorable Frank Lucas, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

The event that began at 7 a.m. attracted strong interest, packing the Lincoln Center at Lincoln College. Guests traveled from a wide circle of central Illinois to attend.

In addition to the speakers, the expo portion of the event provided a diversity of information pertinent to farming in central Illinois.

Numerous state and federal agencies were on hand to explain their role in supporting agriculture. Groups such as the Urban Committee of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Illinois SBDC International Trade Center, U.S. Commercial Service, and others were present to explain a diversity of support services available, such as recommended land conservation practices, crop insurance, product research, financial assistance and export services.

There were also private businesses offering new crop opportunities, industry-based group health insurance and equipment dealers.

The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce coordinated the event.

Pictures by Jan Youngquist

Congressman Schock and a Growmark representative exchange ideas.

State Rep. Rich Brauer think-tanks ag interests with a group.

 

The research branch of the USDA, the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, located in nearby Peoria, seeks solutions to agriculture-related food and product issues, even such things are reducing hog farm odor. NCAUR also serves crossover fields such as the EPA and FDA.

 

Every seat was filled once the three-hour presentation by various speakers began.

After the speakers were finished, the audience engaged in a one-hour Q-and-A with Schock.