Specialty Crops

of Illinois

Oil/Grain CropsSorghum

Ground and boiled to make molassesAlso planted as food for game birds

CanolaDerived from the Rapeseed (poisonous) plantUsed as a healthier oil

SunflowerBirdseed, snack food, oil

SafflowerHealthier oil used in salad dressing and for margarine

Sorghum

Canola

Sunflower

Safflower

ForagesAlfalfa

Most nutritious forage available – used for hay and silage

Kentucky BluegrassUsed primarily as a turf grass

LespadezaWildlife forage and cover

OrchardgrassNutritious grass used for grazing and hay

Perennial RyeCover crop for winter turf

Red CloverNutritious forage used for grazing and hay.

Alfalfa

Kentucky Bluegrass

Lespedeza

Orchardgrass

Perennial Ryegrass

Red Clover

VegetablesPopcorn

State snack food

PumpkinIL is #1 producer

Muskmelon (cantaloupe)

Sweet CornTomatoWatermelon

BroccoliCucumberLima BeanPeaStrawberrySweet potatoHorseradish

IL is #1 producer

Popcorn

Pumpkin

Muskmelon

Sweet Corn

Tomato

Watermelon

Broccoli

Cucumber

Lima Bean

Pea

Strawberry

Sweet Potato

Horseradish

Fruits

PeachesApplesBlueberriesGrapes

Peaches

Apples

Blueberries

Grapes/Vineyard