The impact of COVID-19 on agriculture and global supply chains served as the main focus for Ag Day held Sept. 24 for a group of 17 local business leaders.
McLean County Farm Bureau sponsors Ag Day each year for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Leadership McLean County program.
Dr. Lucas Maxwell of Illinois State University kicked off the program with an overview of the global food system.
Mike Doherty, Illinois Farm Bureau, Pat Bane, local pig farmer, and Ryan Fiala, D.P. Dough restaurant owner offered a look at COVID-19 disruptions to global agriculture markets, food supply and demand, labor, equipment and inputs.
Shelby Myers, American Farm Bureau Federation, offered a look at the climate change discussion and emerging carbon markets.
After lunch, the group visited the Maitland family farm and Yuton Grain Elevator to see corn harvest in action.
Jack Rich, Farm Business Farm Management, shared a look at farm level economics.
The group also had the chance to drive a tractor or combine courtesy of Birkey’s Farm Store.