farming

Illinois Future Farmers of America set a record last year for membership. They also broke their record for enrollment across all agriculture education. This year, they’re set to surpass both again.

Illinois lawmakers approved legisltation that would allow farmers to grow industrial hemp. Hemp is derived from the cannabis plant, but it has a non-drug use. It can create bio-degradable building materials, paper, textiles and more.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis said Thursday he supports work and job training requirements in the draft of the new Farm Bill.

Democrats said that would drastically cut food aid to the needy and that many people on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) already work.

A new study of Illinois farmers has found that they are worried about property damage caused by feral hogs.

Researchers from the Illinois Natural History Survey said Monday that they reviewed surveys from more than 3,000 Illinois farmers.

The study found that 84 percent of the surveyed farmers in Illinois agree that feral hogs should be eliminated whenever possible.

A new DeKalb-area group is looking into ways to connect small farms with a big regional market.

Restaurants, stores, and even schools say they want more locally raised food. A growing number of farmers say they want to supply it. The trick is getting them together -- and at a price that works for everyone. That’s where a regional food hub could help.

Dan Kenney convened the first meeting on the idea Thursday in DeKalb. He sees it as an economic engine that could include commercial kitchens, a distribution center, and great training opportunities.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture wants shoppers to buy food farmed in Illinois. And it wants grocery stores that sell local food to encourage it. The state wants stores and farmers’ markets to take part in its new "Where Fresh Is" campaign.

Dust storms and fire danger alerts are not what you expect to hear in May in Illinois. But these are signs of a very dry spring.