TOGETHER WE ARE THE VOICE OF
Illinois Specialty Crop Growers
Welcome to Our Association
Illinois Specialty Growers Association is a united voice to support and advocate promotion, research, and education efforts within the industry. We strive to improve market opportunities and production quality for specialty crops grown in Illinois.
Together We are the Voice of Illinois Specialty Crop Growers
We have strength in numbers through diverse membership.
We establish a powerful common voice to advocate for the industry.
We create wide communication platforms for a range of audiences.
We perform solution-driven programming and research.
We increase market opportunities through common branding and promotion.
We are involved in long-standing, established agricultural partnerships.
2024 State Fair Sales:
3,390 Apple Cider Slushes
648 Apple Cider Floats
341 Whole watermelons
1,458 ears corn
405 cups of ice cream
401 bags of Popcorn
620 bottles of water
4,460 Peaches
Thank You to Our Volunteers
This event would not have been possible without the dedication, generosity, and hard work of our volunteers. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every individual who shared their time and talents to help make this experience a success.
In 2026, more than 180 volunteer shifts were filled, contributing over 630 hours of service. Every hour invested helped welcome visitors, educate attendees, support operations, and create a meaningful experience for everyone who stopped by.
We are especially grateful to our Partner of the Day Organizations, each of which contributed more than 90 volunteer hours throughout the event:
Bertie's Bark
Bureau County Farm Bureau Young Leaders
Christian County Farm Bureau
Compeer Financial
COUNTRY Financial
Feeding Illinois
Heartland Community College Collegiate Farm Bureau
Illinois Farm Bureau
We Sow We Grow
Your commitment and partnership played a vital role in our success.
A special thank you also goes to our dedicated Fair Managers, Phil Wright, Mathew Heberling, and Roberto Lopez, who personally volunteered more than 275 hours combined to help set up, manage, and tear down the booth. Their leadership, organization, and willingness to go above and beyond ensured that everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
To every volunteer, partner organization, and supporter: thank you for believing in our mission and helping bring it to life. We simply could not have done it without you.
2025 State Fair Sales:
4,523 Apple Cider Slushes
790 Apple Cider Floats
383 Whole watermelons
1,571 ears corn
451 cups of ice cream
423 bags of Popcorn
920 bottles of water
5,224 Peaches
2026 State Fair Sales:
4,193 Apple Cider Slushes
919 Apple Cider Floats
383 Whole watermelons
1,794 ears corn
438 cups of ice cream
427 bags of Popcorn
656 bottles of water
5,472 Peaches
Annual Illinois State Fair Recap
Join Us at the Fair in 2027!
The Illinois State Fair may be over, but we're already looking ahead to 2027! Check back for updates and opportunities to get involved.
Our exhibit is only possible because of passionate volunteers like YOU. Help us showcase Illinois specialty crops, agriculture, and food systems by volunteering for a 3.5-hour shift at the fair.
Volunteer Perks Include:
Free admission to the Illinois State Fair for the day
An Illinois Specialty Growers hat
An exclusive volunteer T-shirt
All-you-can-eat treats throughout your shift
A fun and rewarding experience connecting with fairgoers and fellow volunteers
Whether you're a farmer, agriculture advocate, student, industry professional, or simply passionate about Illinois agriculture, we'd love to have you on our team.
Make a difference. Share your story. Have fun. Volunteer with us in 2027!