The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced an election will be held on Oct. 28 for two board members in Illinois Wheat Development Board Districts 3 and 6, as well as one statewide at-large board member.

If you're willing to do the legwork and find a solid adviser to help you navigate the system, you can tap into some great new government programs.

The Farm Family Resource Initiative has announced its new name: Farm SOS.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance presented two awards recognizing outstanding farmer leaders for their contribution to sustainable and local agriculture in Illinois.

Running on a platform of affordability, safety and education, Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey gave his stance on issues during the recent Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable.

Together, we can continue breaking down barriers, reducing stigma and ensuring that every farm family knows help is available.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture tent not only offers thirst-quenching treats, but also educates state fair visitors on the diversity of locally-grown products the Prairie State offers.

A phone call from a friend changed Debbie Ruff’s career trajectory 35 years ago, and she’s “still having fun” as ag literacy coordinator.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the award recipients of the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, distributing nearly $4 million in fiscal year 2026 funding to support the continued expansion of Illinois’ local food system.

The 2026 Illinois State Fair theme, “Miles of Smiles,” celebrates the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.

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

State lawmakers approved a $55.9 billion budget that included current-level funding for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

In response to recent dust storms in central Illinois and across the Midwest, in-field research is underway focusing on soil conservation and production.

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.

A bipartisan bill passed in 2022 to promote the use of higher biodiesel blends is making a significant impact once again in 2026.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is relaunching the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience, or I-COVER, Program to promote the early establishment of cover crops using new techniques or technology.

Weed resistance is a problem for many corn and soybean farmers that is likely to continue.

Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Federal and Illinois guidelines for over-the-top dicamba applications on soybeans have been set for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons.

Broadcasting legend and farmer advocate and friend Orion Samuelson died March 16, WGN Radio announced.

Thirteen Illinois Farm Bureau members traveled to Mexico to strengthen agricultural ties and gather insight on trade ahead of the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources program is designed to be free, straightforward, voluntary and locally relevant.

Growing winter forage can improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, add organic matter, break up compaction and provide livestock feed.

Illinois Soybean Growers hosted an Agriculture Awareness Day at the Illinois State Capitol on Feb. 18.

Regenerative agriculture is about mimicking nature’s principles, designs and patterns.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced plans to distribute $3.6 million in fiscal year 2026 at the recent Everything Local Conference.

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a go-to resource for teachers wanting to help students grow connections to agriculture.

A confidential helpline service is available for all Illinois farm families offering specialized assistance, including mental health resources and ag-related support.

Attendance at the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair combined for over 1 million visitors in 2025.

With low commodity prices, high input costs, weather, taxes, personnel and other concerns, farmers and ranchers face a myriad of stresses in their lives — and free resources are available to help get through those tough times.

Dan Sanderson is the recipient of the 2025 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Legislation establishing continuing education credits for pesticide license renewals was recently signed into law.

Legislation lifting long-standing restrictions on small poultry farms in Illinois was signed into law by the governor after unanimous approval in both General Assembly chambers.

Numerous organizations sharing common goals aimed at protecting soil health and water quality joined in a “Cultivate Connections” luncheon during Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the winners of the Sale of Champions at the 2025 Illinois State Fair — the premier auction showcasing the top livestock exhibited by Illinois 4-H youth.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II announced a $625,000 commitment from Compeer Financial to the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation toward ongoing upgrades to fairground buildings.

Nominating petitions are now available for eligible wheat producers interested in becoming a candidate for the Illinois Wheat Development Board.

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.