Some great things about East, West, Central and Southern Illinois (Chicago: credit, buy)

[Jons99]

Originally Posted by linicx

Illinois is farming state. It is in the heart of the midwest Grain and Beef Belt, but if you come to Peoria I'll show you a nine degree hill and a 200' tower from where you can see forever on a clear day.

What percentage of the Illinois economy is based on farming?

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Jons99

What percentage of the Illinois economy is based on farming?

Please start a thread about Illinois farming.

[Jons99]

Suprise, suprise, suprise..

A quick check looks like less than 5% of the Illinois economy is based on farming, so to claim that Illinois is a farming state, like you did, is a stretch...

[linicx]

I suggest you read further.

[Orwelleaut]

Northwestern Illinois--The beautiful rolling hills between Rockford and Freeport that turn into rather rugged rolling hills West of Freeport. I've always loved the drive on U.S. 20 going West from Rockford. About halfway to Freeport, in the middle of open, rolling, gorgeous farm country, there used to be a barn that read "To God Be The Glory". There is just something very beautiful about this corner of Illinois!!

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Orwelleaut

Northwestern Illinois--The beautiful rolling hills between Rockford and Freeport that turn into rather rugged rolling hills West of Freeport. I've always loved the drive on U.S. 20 going West from Rockford. About halfway to Freeport, in the middle of open, rolling, gorgeous farm country, there used to be a barn that read "To God Be The Glory". There is just something very beautiful about this corner of Illinois!!

Years ago a friend took to me to McHenry to a restaurant on the Fox River for lunch. It was so beautiful I never wanted to leave.

IL 29 South is a bit like what you describe with the mix of rolling hills and farm land. It also includes forested areas and river views. I have to chuckle, some of our rolling hills that are beautiful in the summer are more spectacular in the dead of winter.

[doll lady]

For anyone who is a nature lover, and likes to camp, turkey hunt, deer hunt, mushroom hunt, equestrian rides, birdwatch, nature watch and/or fish for a small amount of money, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife in Central Illinois is the place to be. And, about 15 miles from there is Lincoln's New Salem, which is a great place to go sight-seeing, hiking or go on a picnic.

We go to Jim Edgar Panther Creek and stay in one of the log cabins. It's $45 per night and I think the requirement for the weekend is a two night stay (we always stay at least two nights). Furnished with beds and a table and chairs....you supply the cooking utensils, food, sheets and shower towels for cleaning up at the really nice shower room. A really nice campground is also available. The fishing is really great and you can fish off the bank right at your cabin or bring your boat....several lakes available. Take a look at this web site showing this place. A place to have a cheap vacation (the beds are uncomfortable....so bring air mattresses HA HA HA) In most cabins, there is one full sized bed and in another bedroom two sets of bunk beds (no refrigerator). They require that you cook outside of the cabin....bring electric skillets and a drop cord and cook on the picnic table at the cabin or build a fire in the firering and cook on the grate. You can bring a very very small air conditioner if you are the hot blooded type. HA HA HA Cabins are heated in the winter. Call ahead for reservations as they book early. Most cabins are in the sun...but two are in the shade....I think these are the best in the hot summer!

DNR

New Salem:
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

[linicx]

Illinois historic sites are all open!

Illinois Historic Sites - Welcome

[doll lady]

Linicx....thank you for supporting Illinois and especially farming. I live in central Illinois right in the heart of rural America and the huge Illinois farming district.

Here's an interesting 2007 Census from the US Dept of Agriculture. Be sure to look at table 1 and compare Illinois against other states.....it is one of the largest Agriculture states.....with 26,775,100 acres in farmland with 76,860 farms as of the 2007 Census (another census will be done in 2012). It is interesting that some states have farms but these are livestock farms only and not crop growing farms. For those of us who live in Illinois and travel the roads we know how much farmland there really is....who cares what percentage of income comes from farming. We have many businesses which make lots of products in this grand State of Illinois and even if these businesses attribute to a higher percentage of income, what would the companies which use corn, beans, wheat, oats, etc do without the Illinois crop production. So I will continue to also say as you have, Illinois is a farming state and will ignore those who question that! I don't think we have to justify our Illinois farms...they are what they are. Enuf said! Thanks for starting good threads about Illinois. :>) I'm glad to be back on here after a long while missing in action!

Census of Agriculture - 2007 Census Publications - Volume 1, Chapter 2 : U.S. State Level Data

[JoshB]

Glad to see so much positive attitude here.