Tina R. Hill County Board Chairwoman

Dear McHenry County Resident:

Agriculture is not only the cornerstone of our local economy, but also our local heritage and tradition. The soil in McHenry County is renowned as being ideal for agriculture uses: McHenry County's natural endowment of prime agriculture soils makes it one of the most productive farming areas in the world. Did you know that a single acre of farmland in McHenry County is capable of producing 36,000 pounds of potatoes, 32,000 pounds of lettuce, 35,000 pounds of strawberries, or 28,000 ears of corn?

Further, McHenry County's agritourism sites are the best in our region. Agritourism not only includes local farmers' markets but also apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms. There is something to do for everyone in McHenry County! The Fun on the Farm portion of the 2014/15 McHenry County Illinois Visitor Guide from the McHenry County Convention and Visitors' Bureau (visitmchenrycounty.com) is your guide to agritourism in McHenry County.

Make 2014 the year you take advantage of our local treasures right here in McHenry County!

Tina R. Hill, Chairwoman

Did you know that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) develops a special agriculture census every fve years? Just last week the USDA released updated census data on McHenry County agriculture. Some of the highlights include that the number of farms in McHenry County have decreased from 1,035 in 2007 to 911 in 2012. However, the acres of farmland increased from 215,584 acres in 2007 to 234,211 acres in 2012, which is an 8.6% increase. The average farm size is now 257 acres which is up from 208 acres in 2007.

McHenry County is the most populous County in the state for equines, with 2,930 horses and 230 donkeys and mules. McHenry County also has the most amount of bee colonies in the state with 1,008 colonies, which is 10% of all colonies in the state.

Further, McHenry County is one of 15 counties in the state that have  aquiculture farms that raise fish for consumption. McHenry County ranks third in the state for the most orchards with 31 orchards.  For more information on McHenry County agriculture data, visit the USDA agriculture census website: www.agcensus.usda.gov/.  

Did you know that one-third of McHenry County's 1,477 farm operators are female. One-fifth of the farms report a woman as the principal operator. Two of our own County Board members are female farm operators, those being Mary McCann and Michele Aavang, both from District Six. 37.5% of the farmers in the County have a primary occupation of something other than farming. In McHenry County 81% of the farmers live on their farm.

Click here to learn more about McHenry County agriculture statistics through the USDA Agriculture Census Data.

The McHenry County Food and Farmland Assessment project aims to support the viability of the local food system and farmland protection in McHenry County. A strong local food system will generate benefits for the local community, such as a more robust agricultural economy, environmentally sustainable land use and greater access to fresh food. As a response to significant public input, the McHenry County Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission (ACE) formed a local Task Force in August 2011 to obtain a better understanding of the local food landscape in the county. The Task Force was charged with conducting a comprehensive local food assessment in McHenry County by analyzing supply, demand, economic development, land use, education and workforce development, and policy barriers. Openlands, a regional conservation not-for-profit organization, led the Task Force of local partners and stakeholders including the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, McHenry County Farm Bureau, McHenry County Conservation District, Woodstock School District 200, local farmers, County staff from the planning and health departments, County Board Members, University of Illinois Extension Service and interested citizens. The County Board adopted the County Land, County Food: Local Food Assessment document on October 15, 2013. 

The draft UDO includes several revised definitions and regulations for agricultural use. The definition of 'Agriculture' will be expanded to include wholesale and retail sale of products produced on site as a part of farmstands, U-pick operations, and community supported agriculture.

Limited agricultural activities will be extended into residential districts where, for the first time, 'apiaries' and 'chicken coops' will be allowed subject to new standards.

Under the draft UDO, definitions and regulations for agritourism are codified for the first time. Agritourism activities will be allowed under three categories: Limited Agritourism, Intensive Agritourism, and Temporary Agritourism Events. Limited Agritourism, which is a permitted use in the agriculture districts, includes petting zoos, corn mazes, and hay rides. Intensive Agritourism will require a conditional use in most districts, and includes cider mills, haunted houses, apple cannons, live entertainment and wineries.

Farmstands may sell, for the first time, raw fruits and vegetables not grown on site. Also, for the first time they may sell prepared foods which feature items grown by the farmstand owner. With this change, a conditional use will no longer be required for farmers to sell items such as jams, pies and other baked goods at a farmstand, provided all health code requirements are met.

The University of Illinois Extension Office is celebrating its 100th year of service this year. The local extension office will be honoring this event with a Centennial Gala in October, 2014.

The University of Illinois Extension brings the research from the University of Illinois to the community, provides workshops at local libraries, schools and more. They provide classes on a variety of topics including money management, nutrition and wellness, home gardening and youth development.

Click here to learn more about the University of Illinois Extension Office.  

Did you know that the McHenry County Farm Bureau is a non-for-profit membership organization that represents over 850 farm families on local, state and national issues? An additional 8,500 associate (non-voting) members support the Farm Bureau with their annual membership dues.

McHenry County Farm Bureau provides members with legislative representation on trade, transportation, education, renewable fuels, land use, taxes and governmental regulation. The Farm Bureau also provides members with the opportunity to participate in educational events, conferences, seminars and tours.

Click here to learn more about the McHenry County Farm Bureau.