Some 175 people attended the 31st Annual Agriculture Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by the Christian County Ag Group, at the Fairgrounds over the noon hour Thursday.
A host of scholarships were awarded, and those in attendance also heard remarks from Illinois Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.
The Christian County Ag Group Scholarship was presented by Ag Group president R-D Elder, to Lilly Winans, daughter of Ben and Amy Winans of Mount Auburn.
The Christian County Farm Bureau Foundation also awarded fifteen-hundred dollar scholarships to Abby Erlenbush of Mechanicsburg and Lilly Winans.
Following the scholarship presentations, Ag Director Costello spoke about all the services the Illinois Department of Agriculture provides the state, including some that most people don’t realize.
Costello shared some concerns he has for the ag industry at the moment.
And, Costello encouraged the Christian County Ag Appreciation Luncheon guests to address farmers’ mental health as well as their physical health.
Dick Breckenridge of Taylorville helped found the Christian County Ag Group 31 years ago to promote the importance of agriculture to the local economy. The luncheon is the group’s major event each year.
