By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Around 65 pork producers from across the state of Illinois converged in Springfield for the Illinois Pork Producers Assoc.’s (IPPA) 2007 Legislative Day on March 21.

As part of the day-long gathering, members were allowed to take their concerns directly to legislators at the state capitol building.

“Attendees educated lawmakers about issues of importance to pork producers, including the negative impact of the proposed Gross Receipts Tax,” reported Tim Maiers, IPPA’s director of industry and public relations. “Legislators and their staff members (later) attended a reception that allowed another opportunity to build a greater rapport with our elected officials.”

During the annual meeting, which is held at a downtown Springfield hotel and conference center, IPPA recognized two legislators for their support of pork producers and the industry.

Legislative Awards were presented to Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-43rd, Joliet) and Rep. David Reis (R-108th, Willow Hill) for their diligent work in representing the best interests of the pork industry on legislative issues.

IPPA president Brian Sturtevant said one of the major factors affecting pork producers’ profitability is the policy of the government as it impacts producers’ cost of doing business and ability to effectively market their products.

“This award is a way for us to show our appreciation for the continued support that these legislators have demonstrated to Illinois pork producers,” said Sturtevant. “Sen. Wilhelmi and Rep. Reis have both been true friends to the pork industry, have always been willing to listen to our concerns, and have been leaders on many important issue related to the pork industry.”

IPPA members who made the trip to Springfield for Legislative Day included Darrell Stitzel, Mark Van Holten, Todd Dail, Dan Koster, Marshall Niesler, Julie Maschoff, Phil Borgic, Carl Behme, Tracy Lindquist, Dale Weitekamp, Tom Dueringer, and Dan Kallal.

Rep. Gary Hannig and Sen. Frank Watson were among the legislators who visited with the pork producers.

Some IPPA members exchanged thoughts with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke, who was also in attendance.

This farm news was published in the April 4, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.