BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Following Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s declaration of a statewide harvest emergency, Illinois Soybean Growers Chairwoman Lynn Rohrscheib of Fairmount said, “As farmers in the nation’s top soybean producing state, we appreciate the governor’s emergency harvest declaration. It demonstrates his commitment to agriculture and our local communities. This special declaration gives us more flexibility to move our soybeans and other crops to grain elevators, storage facilities and customers. It’s vital that we get our soybeans to markets and customers in a timely manner. It’s what makes Illinois competitive in the global marketplace. It’s important that all farmers follow all regulations and check with the Illinois Department of Transportation and local road authorities before hauling heavier loads.”
This year, Illinois led the nation with more than 10 million acres of soybeans planted. As of Oct. 30, 2017 the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that soybean harvest was 86 percent complete, compared to 87 percent last year.
Illinois Emergency Harvest Permits can be obtained from the Illinois Department of Transportation from Nov. 5, 2107 for the next 45 days, at no cost. The Illinois Emergency Harvest Permit only permits travel on state routes. It does not cover travel on Interstates or local routes.
“The soybeans that still need to be moved from the farm for the next 44 days, will be able to take advantage of the state’s harvest emergency,” added Rohrscheib.
Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is a membership organization serving more than 43,000 Illinois soybean growers. ISG provides advocacy in Springfield and Washington, D.C., to promote the interests of Illinois soybean farmers and programs that enhance soybean production and demand. Voice for Soy, the online action center supported by ISG, allows growers to easily connect with legislators and regulators to advocate for Illinois agriculture. For more information about ISG, visit the website www.ilsoygrowers.com.
— Illinois Soybean Growers
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