October 14, 2003

Illinois Livestock Industry Receives Support from C-FAR Research

Animal agriculture plays a significant role in Illinois' overall economy, generating over $1.8 billion annually (2001) and accounting for 24.5 percent of all agricultural income. Yet, the state's livestock industry is at a crossroads facing both economic and social challenges from numerous sources. The Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) has launched a new research effort funded through its Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) Program to examine important issues and opportunities for Illinois' livestock industry, called the Illinois First Livestock Focus Initiative (IFLFI), which officially began July 1.

C-FAR research funding is a state appropriation made by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly. "We are grateful to Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly for making this investment in Illinois' economy," said Alan Puzey, C-FAR Chairman. "The Governor's commitment to the food and agricultural industry and his foresight for imperative research undertakings allowed us to address critical opportunities for our state, and the future vitality of our livestock industry is certainly at the top of this list."

"Support for Illinois' food and agricultural industry is at the forefront of my commitment to Illinois' future. Through innovative research initiatives like IFLFI, we will ensure that the promotion of, and commitment to, animal agriculture remains a top priority for the state," said Governor Blagojevich.

IFLFI is a four-year research effort being carried out by a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Extension, and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Michael Hutjens, a professor of animal sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, provides overall leadership for the project. "We feel the best researchers have committed to this livestock initiative that can answer today's questions and meet tomorrow's needs of Illinois swine, beef, and dairy producers," said Hutjens.

Four key areas identified by livestock producers, commodity groups, and government leadership as being important to Illinois' livestock industry are being addressed: (1) meeting community standards to improve siting of livestock facilities, (2) using byproduct feeds in livestock feeding programs, (3) pasture-based forage systems to sustain livestock producers, and (4) animal identification for enhanced food quality and monitoring livestock health. This comprehensive research initiative applies to all livestock species; focuses on the use of Illinois feed products including corn, soybean byproducts, and forages; examines sustainable livestock systems for family operations; and will provide advanced tools to track Illinois livestock.

"This SRI is unique in that it addresses four current and futuristic programs identified by statewide stakeholders and is directed at today's questions," said Hutjens.

# # #