Sowing seeds of economy

Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of the local economy, and it still is, in many ways.

The dark black dirt of the Jacksonville area produces some of the best yields in the world and competes for the highest yields in the state -- in excess of 200 bushels an acre for corn. (The same rich, black loam can make for spectacular gardens and flower beds, too.)

While a small portion of the workforce is engaged in raising crops and animals, the area’s agricultural bounty makes the industry and its supporting businesses a pillar of the area economy.

The Cargill transfer station on the Illinois River takes in seed and fertilizer in the winter and summer and ships the resulting corn and soybeans to New Orleans and from there all over the world.