SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) — Farmers from across Lincoln County flocked to the Springfield Fairgrounds Friday to celebrate Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair.

“We are here today to recognize agriculture and how it enriches the lives of all people, to recognize the work that is done in the fields, the work that is done in the classrooms and the work that is done on our agricultural operations here in the state of Illinois,” said Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Ag Day is not only a celebration of agriculture, but also an opportunity to show people the impact agriculture has on their lives, even if they have never set foot on a farm.

“Fairs, whether they’re county fairs or state fairs, are usually a place where our friends from the city come together and get a little taste and a taste of agriculture. It’s a great place to get together. And the state fair tells the story of agriculture in Illinois in a great way,” said Brian Duncan, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Owen Torrance, secretary of the Illinois FFA, describes Ag Day as a mix of agricultural work across the state and a major educational day.

“Agriculture is in almost everything that people do. They consume it, they wear it. They do a lot with agriculture, and not many people understand that, not many people know that. So what we really want to do is spread the message that agriculture is in almost everything that affects our daily lives,” he said.

“As far as I know, we all eat,” Duncan said. “And so we all have something to lose when it comes to this great game of agriculture.”

He added that there was a lot for everyone to learn at the fair.

“I think it’s important to come here and see agriculture in Illinois. But you also see farmers, and we’re usually not shy and want to tell you about our projects and our animals, especially the kids. So it’s important to get a real taste of rural America,” Duncan said.

The fair lasts until August 18th.

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