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Agriculture

The rolling prairie and rich, fertile soil found in the Rock River Valley served as a foundation for the development of the Sterling and Rock Falls communities, which have remained reliant on agriculture and industry. Over the years, improvements to farm equipment as well as scientific and other technological advances have resulted in increased crop yields throughout the Midwest. In fact, Illinois is consistently one of the top two corn producing states in the nation. Illinois farmers, especially those in the Sauk Valley Area, enjoy easy access to transportation—meaning farmers in these communities truly are feeding the world with products grown in the rich black soils that first attracted settlers to this area.

While Sterling and Rock Falls have a strong manufacturing and industrial base, production agriculture and related industries continue to be major contributors to the local economy. In fact, according to the 2002 U.S. Agricultural Census, there are nearly 400,000 acres of farmland and more than 1,000 farms operated by approximately 700 farmers in Whiteside County.

The agricultural industry is no different than any other and is driven in part by today’s global economy. Advances in processing, technology and transportation make it possible for Sauk Valley Area farmers to access markets throughout the world. In addition to traditional production, the area is also home to organic and specialty crop operations as well as agritourism destinations including Sandy Pine Elk Farm. All types of producers can also be found at one of the local farmers markets selling their products directly to consumers. While both Sterling and Rock Falls have farmers markets, Sterling’s Twin City Market is the only year-round market in the area.

Although times have changed the landscape, the area’s rich agricultural history remains today and helps the Sterling and Rock Falls communities maintain that friendly, rural welcome. We encourage you to visit the Sauk Valley Area; tour one of our area farms; and purchase some locally grown Illinois products at either the Twin City Market or the Rock Falls Farmers Market.