Coles County farmers produced more than 16 million bushels of corn and 4.9 million bushels of soybeans in 1999. In the live- stock area it is estimated that there were 9,000 heads of hogs and 6,300 heads of cattle. Production agriculture is an important industry generating significant economic support and revenue for Coles County . In fact, every business relies on agriculture in some way or another. It is important for Coles County to maintain and support an economics environment that is conducive to a viable agricultural industry.
Agriculture is a huge industry for Coles County.
Every effort needs to be made to ensure that the agricultural industry remains productive and all economic opportunities supporting agriculture are considered. Mark Phelan is the manager of the Coles County Farm Bureau.