The publisher of an upcoming book honoring historic family-owned farms in Illinois says initial response to their publicity campaign has been overwhelming, but a large number of farm owners still haven’t heard about the project.
The coffee-table book, “Illinois Historic Farms: Honoring the State’s Enduring Heritage of Family-Owned Farms,” will feature histories of family-owned farms that have been certified by the Illinois Department of Agriculture as Centennial or Sesquicentennial Farms, as well as photos and stories documenting the history of agriculture in the state.
Editor Charles Francis of Acclaim Press says, “Submissions from those who want their farm histories included in the book have been pouring in.” But a large number of the promotional mailings have been returned undelivered to the publisher, and they are hearing from local sources that many Centennial and Sesquicentennial Farm owners haven’t gotten a brochure.
Because of the mailing issues, the publisher mailed out an updated brochure in July with the submission deadline extended to August 31. Any Centennial or Sesquicentennial Award-winning farm that hasn’t received a promotional mailing should call Acclaim Press at (877) 427-2665 to request a brochure. There is still time for farms that meet the
criteria to complete the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s certification process and be included in the book. Call IDOA Centennial and Sesquicentennial Farms Program Coordinator Delayne Reeves at (217) 524-9129 or go to the program’s website, www.agr.state.il.us/centennial-sesquicentennial-farms/for details on the program. For more information visit www.acclaimpress.com.
