Livestock farms provide many benefits. Far too often, these positives are overshadowed by misconceptions and misinformation from a few, vocal opponents. Now is the time to stand up and be vocal in support of Illinois livestock farms and promote the TRUTH that too often goes untold. This report reveals four main TRUTHS about Illinois’ livestock farms and the farmers who provide daily care for their animals, the environment and the communities in which they live. Introduction Data from this report includes publicly available information that has been compiled for the first time into one location by the Illinois Beef Association (IBA), Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), Illinois Milk Producers’ Association (IMPA) and the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA.) The term “livestock” is used to describe domestic animals raised for food and products. Illinois is home to several types of livestock; however, when the term “livestock” is mentioned in this report, it refers to Illinois’ top three species - beef cattle, swine and dairy cattle. 4 TRUTH #1:  Environmental Issues are Uncommon on  Illinois Livestock Farms TRUTH #2:  Illinois Livestock Farms are Environmentally Sustainable TRUTH #3:  Livestock Farms are Economic Engines for Illinois TRUTH #4:  Livestock Farms Create Opportunities to Bring the Next Generation Back to Illinois’ Rural Communities truth  /trooTH/ n. (1) the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality (2) : the state of being the case : fact (3) often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality