Illini FS partners with Historic Farm Days

URBANA, Ill. — Illini FS and Growmark continue their long-term partnership with Historic Farm Days as the official fuel suppliers to keep the vintage equipment running.

“We love these sponsorship opportunities to be able to work with these groups. It’s really fulfilling to be a small part of it and donate fuel to help them fuel their generators and whatnot across the property,” said Brian Neukomm, Illini FS energy management specialist.

“It’s a collaborative effort between Illini FS and Growmark. We do the fuel, but then we also advocate farm safety throughout the show. We have signage everywhere across the showgrounds promoting farm safety. Even though it is a fun show to be around, people still have to keep safety in mind.”

He estimates that about 90% of those in the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club who run Historic Farm Days are Illini FS customers.

“So, why wouldn’t we want to support a group like that and the show they put on? And, quite frankly, it attracts a lot of people and they’re the type of people that we want to be in front of,” Neukomm noted.

Illini FS and Growmark have also been long supporters with fuel for the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club’s biennial Half Century of Progress.

Next Generation

Neukomm noted the importance of preserving agriculture’s past for future generations with shows such as this.

“Dads, grandpas are taking the new generation to the show and showing them the history of farming and how it was done back in their days. It just gives them such a different perspective and a deeper appreciation for what they did and what they’re currently doing to preserve those family farms,” he said.

“This is a total advocation of preserving family farms. We’ve got to keep the family on the farm, and while I understand corporate farming has its place in the market, the family farm is what really drives the interest in agriculture to the next generation.

“This is just a small way to show the history of farming to the younger generation and helps establish a better appreciation for what farming is all about.”