McLean County promotes ag awareness

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Chamber of Commerce knows agriculture is the area’s main industry. That’s why the organization holds the annual Ag Awareness Breakfast each year.

The event last week at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington honored everyone involved in ag – from farmers to students and agribusiness professionals.

“It’s our number one industry,” explained John Walsh, government and public affairs manager for the chamber. “We try to help show the impact that agriculture truly has on our economy.”

Walsh says ag is something the chamber will continue to support.

During last week’s Ag Awareness Breakfast, Emily Saddler with University of Illinois Extension presented numerous awards. Saddler serves as the STEAM program coordinator for Extension. Teachers who promote ag in the classroom were among those recognized.

“We have the Maitland Grant and the Holder Grant which help give money to those teachers who are doing that,” said Saddler.

According to Saddler, U of I Extension has plenty of resources available for teachers. A catalog is available at go.illinois.edu/lmw.