New Berlin, Ill. – This weekend, a farm family from Sangamon County was featured in a commercial during football’s greatest game. Marty, Shelia, Martin Jr. and Evan Marr were spotlighted in a video series highlighting family farmers.

“Our farming operation is a family affair,†said Marty Marr, also the former President of the IL Corn Growers Association. “We are thankful for this opportunity to share a piece of our life and the agriculture industry with others.â€

This weekend’s commercial launched a statewide campaign by Illinois Farm Families (IFF). The “We are the 96% campaign†features 25 families from across the state of Illinois and drives home the statistic that 96 percent of farms in Illinois are family owned.
“We hope that our neighbors’ and consumers know that we care greatly for the land and the crops we raise,†said Marr. “We want to connect the next generation of farmers and consumers to help feed a hungry world.â€

The Marr family, including Marty, his brother Dave, and their families, runs and operates M-D-M Farms, a corn, soybean, hay and beef cattle farm. The family members work together to manage all duties of their family business including marketing, bookkeeping, field management and data collection.

Started in 1931 by Marty Marr’s grandparents, Robert and Lula Marr, the farm was built on faith, family and respect for the land.
“A farm is a great place and lifestyle to raise a family,†said Marty Marr. “Many lessons in life are learned in rural areas and produce not only crops and livestock, but strong character.â€

The campaign’s website, Wearethe96.org, showcases the Marr family and other family farms. Viewers can learn more about each farm’s history and the agricultural practices used on their land and with their animals. All families participating will be featured on Illinois Farm Families social media, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts.
“It brings us joy to share our love for farming and agriculture with others,†said Marr. “We feel honored to represent such an impactful industry.â€

About Illinois Farm Families
Illinois Farm Families (IFF) represents farmers of all commodities across the state of Illinois. IFF is committed to engaging in conversations with those curious about food, farmers, and farming, and sharing what really happens on the 96% of Illinois farms that are family-owned and operated. IFF is supported by farmer-led organizations, including Illinois Beef Association, IL Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program, and Midwest Dairy. For more information about Illinois Farm Families, please visit www.WatchUsGrow.org.