As Director Ortega travels the state, it’s been great to see the innovations occurring in the beef industry. We look forward to continuing to assist the industry through our Business Programs.

In FY25, @USDA_RD invested $59.2M+ in IL through Electric & Telecom programs. “In FY26, we will continue to deliver electric & telecommunications resources across rural IL to ensure Illinoisans have the access they deserve,” Director Ortega said. Summary: rd.usda.gov/il

In FY25, @USDA_RD invested $15.1M+ in IL through Water & Environmental Programs. "Working to provide funding to communities to rebuild and maintain their water and wastewater infrastructure is an important priority and focus to me,” Director Ortega said. rd.usda.gov/il

My RD Loan Portal is LIVE! A secure website to make payments and manage your Single Family Housing home loan. Features: Payment scheduling * Loan details* Personal information*Property tax and insurance. Sign in at myrdloan.usda.gov and make your payment today!

In FY25, @USDA_RD invested $5.4M+ in IL through Community Facility programs. “These investments reflect how critical it is that we support health care facilities, municipal buildings, public works, & public safety in rural IL,” Director Ortega said. Recap: rd.usda.gov/il

In FY25, @USDA_RD invested $215M in IL through Housing programs. "One of my 1st focus areas was to build our partnership with Habitat for Humanity. This family buying their first home is the success we continue to strive for," Director Ortega said. Recap: rd.usda.gov/il

In FY25, @USDA_RD invested $183M+ in IL through Business & Cooperative programs. “The benefits of these investments will stretch broadly by creating new jobs, business expansion & support, workforce development, and much more,” Director Ortega said. Recap: rd.usda.gov/il

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RD met with Habitat for Humanity LaSalle-Bureau-Putnam Counties, Inc. to discuss the ongoing affordable housing crisis that is happening across the country. We look forward to engaging with Habitat chapters across the state to help solve this in rural IL!

Director Ortega had the privilege of touring the Ottawa YMCA. Such a beautiful facility that RD helped finance through a Community Facilities loan and Rural Economic Development Loan through Corn Belt Energy. rd.usda.gov/programs-servi… rd.usda.gov/programs-servi…

Another spectacular YMCA visit, this time in Morris! Through Community Facilities assistance, the new YMCA created a place of community for all ages. Grundy County residents will continue to benefit from this facility for years to come!

We enjoyed seeing so many producers and partners at the Illinois Farm Bureau Everything Local Conference! We enjoyed speaking with attendees about how we support rural prosperity in Illinois and highlighted our Value-Added Producer Grant program! tinyurl.com/43myxm7d

At the Illinois Farm Bureau "Everything Local Conference" recently, Director Ortega got to talk with Value-Added Producer Grant recipient Harold Wilken, owner of Janie’s Mill tinyurl.com/2s3zhx8m.

At the Illinois Farm Bureau Everything Local Conference recently, Director Ortega got to visit with Illinois Farm Bureau President Phillip Nelson. They talked about ways we can continue to work together in our shared commitment to rural prosperity in IL! Thank you for your support!

At the Illinois Farm Bureau Everything Local Conference recently, Director Ortega and @ILExtension Director Matthew Vann talked about more ways we can continue to work together to support rural prosperity in Illinois! Thank you for your partnership!

Throughout rural IL – from Mattoon to Rock Falls to Princeton & beyond - homeowners have recently replaced the roof on their houses just as they were starting to leak. Repair projects were completed using Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants. tinyurl.com/3t4au99u

From broadband expansion to affordable housing, RD_Illinois is dedicated to bridging gaps and creating opportunity in every rural corner of our great state. #InvestInRural 📸s: ProTek Fiber

Plans to expand? The Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee program provides funding for expansion projects to eligible lenders for their loans to eligible rural Illinois businesses & cooperatives. tinyurl.com/4dhdjnw2 📸s: Tremont Ridge Assisted Living

Hufendick Farm Inc. used a $250,000 Value-Added Producer Grant to expand their processed meat products and open a retail shop in Plainfield. VAPG applications will be accepted now through 12 noon CT on 4/22/2026. tinyurl.com/5a5yjv5d

“We are honored to support the Village of Newark's rehabilitation of the 50,000-gallon elevated water tank that provides water to nearly 1,000 people,” said Director Ortega. The village of Newark used a $369,000 Community Facilities grant for the project. tinyurl.com/5edx6emp