From supporting rural communities to marketing products internationally, the Illinois Department of Agriculture provides a wide range of programs.

There are many current issues important to Illinois cattlemen including the development of a new farm bill.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers Program that will provide temporary support for eligible beef processing establishments.

This country was built by ordinary men and women willing to do extraordinary things.

Opiates like hydrocodone and oxycodone aren’t good long-term options for most people.

Scientists have discovered an evolutionary innovation in soybean plants that might improve crop yields if fine-tuned through alternative approaches such as gene editing.

Cortisol is a critical hormone that is needed for the function of many body systems. Without cortisone, the body can’t respond to stress, and a stressful event can literally kill a patient.

Around 160 people attended the 2026 Livestock Summit in Indianapolis, bringing together leaders and farmers from across the state.

Corn and soybeans struggled for a week or two after planting during the flash drought, but a few passing showers have sent corn past "knee-high by Fourth of July" by leaps and bounds.

As the temperature starts to rise, it is important to take a moment to think about ways to beat the heat and avoid unnecessary illness.

Most people have memory loss in the minutes before and after a generalized seizure, and they are often confused for a period of time afterward.

Osteoporosis medicines that slow down the action of the osteoclasts — the cells that break down bone so that it can be rebuilt — put people at a higher risk of ONJ.

Your body has a built-in system called the thirst reflex to make sure that you're getting enough fluid. There are only a few times when you should override this system.

Indiana sits at the intersection of human health, animal health and plant science — a rare concentration of expertise where breakthrough science creates real-world impact.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in Texas and New Mexico, sounding the alarm for producers across the country to be cautious and keep an eye out for the pest.

A new project aims to increase the safety and well-being of rural residents caring for a family member with dementia.

Pesticides are an important tool for farmers, protecting billions of dollars in damages each year from weeds, insects and other pests.

Life on the farm now smells like hard work, sunshine and memories. It smells like fresh-cut hay drying in the field, warm soil after a rain, leather gloves and diesel fuel clinging to hot tractor engines.

Three district winners for the Star in Agriscience award will be honored on the stage of the Illinois FFA State Convention.

Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis is a common problem in middle-aged and older adults. Before a person receives treatment, the diagnosis should be confirmed by an X-ray.

Farm Bureau has long advocated for reforms to the H-2A guest worker program to ensure workers are treated fairly and that farmers can afford to fill their labor needs.

Focusing on self-care helps farm women remain important assets for their family farming operation.

Stress experienced by farmers, their families and others that work in the agricultural industry is oftentimes the result of the uniqueness of this life that people in other professions don’t experience.

There are statutes that prevent physicians from directly profiting from prescribing certain medications.

With all the recent press about GLP-1 medicines helping people to lose weight, there’s been much discussion about the health risks of being obese. However, there are health risks of being underweight, as well.

Finding and eliminating the triggers for migraines can be helpful, but not everyone is able to identify their triggers.

Regular physical activity helps older adults stay strong, mobile and mentally sharp.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will distribute more than $796,000 over the next three years to expand access to fresh, locally grown produce and boost the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry.

After years of economic pressure, farm families need the stability and certainty that comes with a new, modernized farm bill.

A cancer survivor should be diligent about following recommended screenings for other cancers, such as a mammogram, colonoscopy or PSA test as appropriate for their age and sex.

Mark Read has been involved in his community in a variety of roles over the years, and after retiring from farming, he was able to expand his volunteer work to well beyond north-central Illinois.

The U.S. House passed a new farm bill after the agriculture industry has operated for the past eight years under the previous legislation that included three extensions.

“Say It With Flowers!” No wonder it’s one of the most successful advertising slogans ever. It works for nearly any occasion and is especially appropriate for Mother’s Day.

Keeping up your exercise is excellent for your bones, for your overall health and to reduce your risk of cancer.

From charter signings to banquets and everything in between, the Illinois FFA major state officers this past month have participated in a wide variety of events across the state, along with extensive convention preparation.

Demonstrating its commitment to rural vitality, Compeer Financial has committed more than $1.4 million to 14 foundations across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin through its Rural Collaboration Project.

People with progressive kidney failure may suffer from medical emergencies such as critically high potassium levels or severe levels of acid in the blood, which usually require emergent dialysis.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a disease of the nerve that causes face pain, often described as an electric shock. It gets misdiagnosed as a dental condition.

Falls are one of the main causes of injury and loss of independence in people ages 65 and older.

University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the State Capitol to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased state investment at its inaugural Extension Day at the Capitol.

Midwest Dairy released its 2025 Annual Report, demonstrating a strong year of progress building trust and demand on behalf of dairy farmers.

It is important for everyone to do things that fill up their mind, body and spirit.

AgriNovus Indiana released a new report and announced that the 2026 Velocity Accelerator program is offering $75,000 in prize money to startups that can tackle three challenges.

Most diabetic ulcers can be healed if they are treated the right way early enough.

Whether you farm five acres or 5,000, you’re part of something bigger than your own farm. You’re helping support jobs, strengthen communities and power an economy that reaches every corner of this country.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a foreign protein or carbohydrate, called an “allergen.” It is caused by a release of inflammatory chemicals from immune cells.

When we drone seeded clover on the wheat last February it had just a little green, but I was hoping it would soon look better and it does.

Supplements can be a way of treating symptoms and some medical conditions. But there are very few situations in which a supplement is proven to be effective at preventing problems for a person who feels well.

The Food and Drug Administration requires boxed warnings, which are the highest level of concern, on systemic estrogen like pills.

In an effort to elevate rural communities, Illinois Farm Bureau partnered with county Farm Bureaus to award 30 Rural Development Grants totaling $120,000 to support local projects across the state.