Illinois’ Livestock Initiative

The state of Illinois has unveiled a four-point Livestock Development Initiative to spur livestock producers to start new or expand existing businesses using a number of financial and regulatory incentives.

“The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) would like to thank Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his administration for their leadership in putting this initiative together,” states Darrell Stitzel, a pork producer from Shannon, IL, and IPPA president. “These items will be beneficial to many pork producers and strengthen Illinois’ livestock industry.”

Illinois ranks fourth in the nation in pork production, which contributes $1.9 billion to the state’s economy and 18,500 jobs.

The four main parts include:

• Expanding use of designated agricultural areas;
• Streamlining environmental regulations including minor changes to the Livestock Management Facilities Act;
• Providing better access to financing for livestock producers, including tailoring existing programs through the Illinois Finance Authority; and
• Providing tax incentives for livestock producers, including a sales tax exemption for building materials for livestock buildings approved by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and located in agricultural areas.