Illinois Touchstone Energy Co-ops at Farm Progress Show

balloon wflagSeveral Illinois Touchstone Energy ­cooperatives showed attendees at the world’s fair of agriculture, the 62nd Farm Progress Show in Decatur, how to save energy and be safe around electricity. Attendees from across the country and the world were able to check out the “Energy Efficiency Wall” with insulation and air sealing examples. The ­cooperative energy experts also demonstrated new LED ­lighting for homes, farm shops and outdoor security and answered questions about electric energy use.

Illinois Touchstone Energy Cooperatives also sponsored the Live Line Safety Demo, an electric safety demon­stration ­featuring 7,200 volts of electricity. It’s a great ­experience for kids and adults. To learn more about Live Line Demo check out its website www.livelinedemo.com.

The Touchstone Energy Hot Air Balloon was also flying the American flag each morning and had a late afternoon flight as well. It was a great sight for all the 600 exhibitors, 2,000 students from Illinois and Indiana FFA Chapters, and all of the international visitors.

An Agriculture Career Fair was also held this year. FFA students learned more about agriculture jobs available in today’s workplace, the education needed for these jobs, and what internships are available to help them get a foot in the door.

Also, the Illinois Department of Agriculture honored veterans who hope to pass along their agriculture ­businesses to future generations. “Homegrown by Heroes” is a free branding and ­marketing campaign for qualifying veterans. The ­program is a partnership between the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Find out more at www.farmvetco.org.