In an effort to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture plans to distribute more than $679,000 over a three-year period.

The Illinois Soybean Association seeks qualified candidates to fill board seats representing six districts that are up for election in 2025.

It was a mixed bag of victories and losses for locally produced food and conservationist efforts when the Illinois General Assembly passed its $55.2 billion fiscal year 2026 budget.

Legislation that allows continuing education credits for pesticide applicator license renewals was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature.

Women involved in the agricultural industry are generally expected to live a triple-duty lifestyle that can lead to depression and anxiety.

Understanding Illinois property tax calculations is complex and confusing. Properties such as personal residences are taxed based on fair market value.

With over 90% of the business wholesale, nearly every day is delivery day for Ken Ropp. “I spend a majority of the time on the road,” said the Ropp Jersey Cheese proprietor.

March went in — and out — like a lion. Several state contests take place in spring, such as the recent dairy cattle and food science career development events, with many more on the calendar.

Over 35 million birds, mostly egglayers, have been lost in the United States by highly pathogenic avian influenza since Jan. 1.

When Ken Ropp returned to the family farm in 2000, milk prices were at a then-all-time high and the prospect of him joining in the family dairy business was bright. Six months later, milk prices were at record lows.

A new twist in a sugar cookie recipe was among the numerous samples showcasing locally-grown food during the Illinois Product Expo at the state fairgrounds’ Orr Building.

A collaborative effort between the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Agriculture will offer a unique educational opportunity for conservation planners.

With U.S. and Illinois pork producers being some of the first to be impacted directly by news coming out of Washington, D.C., Jennifer Tirey is ready to arm producers and allied industry with timely information.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced $14.7 million in federal grant funding will be used to extend the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program beyond June 30.

University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop schedule.

A public hearing for a proposed wheat checkoff was held at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The proposal calls for a 1.5-cent checkoff per bushel of wheat sold in Illinois.

As a veteran, Jerry Costello II recognizes the trait in other veterans that prompted him to enlist in the U.S. Army.

A 2025 outlook on crop protection products, fertilizer and government regulations was presented at the recent 4R Field Talk, hosted by the Illinois Soybean Association and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced record-breaking attendance totals for the 2024 Illinois State Fair. More than 773,000 people attended the 11-day event, the highest number on record since industry standards were enacted.

The Illinois Wheat Association Checkoff Committee is circulating petitions for a wheat checkoff program in the state. The proposal calls for a 1.5 cent checkoff per bushel of wheat sold.

In an effort to forge relationships and increase export sales of agricultural products, the Illinois Department of Agriculture hosted 31 international buyers from nine countries as part of a four-day tour.

Richard Lyons of Harvel is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

For Du Quoin native Luke Davison, being named manager of the Du Quoin State Fair was like coming home again.

A Natural Resources Conservation Service display brought the field to the Illinois State Fair. The tabletop display demonstrated the interaction between water and soils with different characteristics and management practices.

A variety of popular musical acts, a full slate of harness racing and motorsports and an array of food and product vendors will reflect all the tastes of southern Illinois for the 2024 Du Quoin State Fair.

Building on two consecutive years of record-breaking attendance, the Illinois State Fair will feature several star performers on stage, new and the usual vendors and a free parking promotion.

The newly remodeled Multi-Purpose Arena will host a variety of family-friendly events during the Illinois State Fair.

Three central Illinois farm families were honored for their conservation agriculture efforts.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced an intrastate testing requirement for lactating dairy cattle participating in livestock exhibitions in Illinois to minimize the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Illinois Beef Association is focused on outreach to all sectors of the beef industry.

The Illinois General Assembly approved a record $53.1 billion spending plan that included some good and bad news for agriculture-related programs.

Dakarai Howard focuses on urban agriculture and food systems as the senior policy adviser for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Legislation that has bipartisan support in the Illinois General Assembly and from diverse groups was introduced this spring and awaits votes in each chamber.

Nineteen local food projects were awarded grants aimed at strengthening the local food system and increase access to agricultural products grown and raised in Illinois.

Daily in-person and virtual events packed the Illinois Soil Health Week docket, including two days at the state capitol.

A celebration of agriculture that crossed generations kicked off the 54th annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day. The event drew nearly 50 diverse agricultural organizations and about 1,000 FFA members together to meet with lawmakers.

The alphabet soup of diverse conservation funding for farmers was the focus of one of the breakout sessions during the recent Soybean Summit.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture plans to distribute more than $545,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the Specialty Crop Block Grant program in the federal farm bill.

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts announced the appointment of Michael Woods as its new CEO.

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy’s biennial report featured what’s been done and what needs to be done in the non-point source sector.

Illinois Department of Agriculture is implementing its fifth year of the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program. Funding of eligible acreage is on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15.

The Illinois agriculture industry would not be where it is today without the hard work, time and efforts put forth by passionate leaders. In appreciation of these leaders’ efforts, the Illinois Soybean Association created its annual Achievement Awards.

University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training workshop schedule.

To commemorate the company’s long-term commitment to the state of Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation naming 2023 as the 85th anniversary of Prairie Farms Dairy.

Bipartisan legislation that creates the Healthy Soils Initiative and commits to improved coordination between the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Soil and Water Conservation Districts was signed into law.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation establishing the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers.

Visitors to the Department of Agriculture tent during the first weekend of the Illinois State Fair were treated to the diversity of locally grown food and products.

Visitors to the Illinois State Fair that kicked off this week and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20, will see numerous infrastructure improvements and more on the horizon.

As the National FFA eastern region vice president, Gracie Murphy has met members and been involved in events across the nation, including eight state conventions.

Three finalists have been selected for the inaugural Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.