JOIN THE JAPANESE RELIEF EFFORT

Sep 08, 2011  |  Today's News

Farmers all around the country, farmers just like you, have long been respected as valuable members of the local community.  Now, we ask you to be a valuable member of the global community by helping your largest trading partner, Japan, as she recovers from a horrible tragedy.

In March, the world watched as Japan was devastated by a horrendous earthquake followed by a devastating tsunami.  Now, as Japan continues to rebuild and recover, the tragedy highlights a unique situation for Illinois farmers. With our proximity to rail and river transportation, exports, including those to Japan, are a vital component of Illinois’ strongest ag sectors: corn, soybeans, and pork.  You have a chance to help strengthen Illinois’ future trade relationship with Japan. By stabilizing the Japanese market, we help meet their humanitarian needs, build upon our business relationships, and build new personal relationships.

Illinois Corn Marketing Board, along with the Illinois Soybean Association, U.S. Grains Council, USA Poultry and Eggs Export Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, Illinois Pork Producers, Illinois Farm Bureau, Grain & Feed Association of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Agriculture created a way for you to help.  Click here to read more about the program we’ve developed. 

Consider giving a gift of grain to the Red Cross right at the elevator.  This charitable donation will not only help the people of Japan recover and build relationships, but will also lower your taxable income without affecting your yield records.  Learn more about this unique way of giving by clicking here

Elevator Managers should be aware of this program. Just let them know how many bushels of corn or soybeans you would like to donate.

Thank you for your consideration of this important opportunity to help those in need.