Google Earth Helps Track Chicago Gardens
Researchers at the University of Illinois use Google Earth to help track urban garden growth in Chicago.
Illinois Farmer Becomes USFRA Face of Farming
Illinois farmer Katie Pratt was chosen as a winner in the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Faces of Farming & Ranching program.
“Town & Country Partners” Debuts on “RFD Today” Radio Show
This Friday, March 15, at 9:07 a.m., tune in to the new “Town & Country Partners” segment on the “RFD Today” radio show.
Celebrate Food Check-Out Week
The American Farm Bureau celebrates Food Check-Out Week in February to benefit Ronald McDonald House charities.
Western Illinois Farmer Creates ‘Maternity Ward’ for Cows
Kane Custom Calving in Western Illinois allows 350 to 550 cows to give birth on his farm each calving season.
Illinois Farm Families Happenings
Check out what is going on this spring with the Illinois Farm Families program.
Why Did the Snake Cross the Road?
Twice a year, a stretch of road in the La Rue-Pine Hills Ecological Area closes for snakes and amphibians to make their way across.
Illinois Farm Families Field Moms Get Soybeans in the Suburbs
Illinois Farm Families Field Moms learn about growing soybeans from a city girl-turned-farmer.
Sales of Field Moms’ Soybeans Benefit Charity
The nine Chicago-area moms chosen as “field moms” tried their hand at growing soybeans in 2012 and donated the profits to charity.
Disabled Farmer Takes Center Stage in “Farm Hands” Play
Chicago playwright Wendy Whiteside wrote a play called “Farm Hands” about differently abled farmers. She was inspired by memories of her farmer father, who is afflicted with polio, and her disabled grandfathers.
Drought to Have Minimal Effect on Food Prices
According to Illinois Farm Bureau Senior Economist, the 2012 drought will only minimally affect the price of groceries.
Illinoisans Volunteer for Harvest for All Campaign
Illinois volunteers put in nearly 80 hours a week for the Harvest for All hunger program, a joint effort of the American Farm Bureau Federation and Feeding America.
Crop Insurance Benefits Farmers and Consumers
Farmers with crop insurance had an advantage during this year’s drought, both for themselves and the consumers they provide for.
Illinois Farmer Turns to Twitter for Drought Updates
Central Illinois farmer, Bill Graff, is using Twitter to follow updates and progress on the 2012 drought.
State of Illinois Funding Educational Programs to Increase Local Food Production
The Illinois state government is providing educational projects through community colleges and Extension programs to help increase production of locally grown foods.
Quincy Retiree Grows 600 Tomato Plants
Retiree Bob Koenig of Quincy turned his hobby into a small business with 600 tomato plants grown in his garden.
Vertical Gardens Sprout at Chicago Airport
These vegetable gardens are reaching great heights. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 26 aeroponic grow towers were installed last year.
Illinois Farm Bureau Awarded for Harvest for All Efforts
Illinois Farm Bureau took top honors among other state Farm Bureaus for raising the most funds and contributing the most volunteer hours in 2011 in the Harvest for All program.
Debunk Farming Myths During Illinois Farming Month
March is Illinois Farming Month, and we’re celebrating the industry by finding the truth behind some common farming tall tales.
MarketMaker Grows Farmers Market Resource
MarketMaker, a University of Illinois Extension online marketing program, is growing and adding new features to better serve both farmers and consumers.
Feeding Food Deserts: New Initiative Works to Identify Communities Without Access to Healthy Food
A new initiative has mapped low-income communities without ready access to healthy and affordable food across the state. Find out if you’re near one of these food deserts with a locator tool by the USDA.
Southwest Illinois: Horseradish Capital of America
Nationwide, roughly 24 million pounds of horseradish roots are ground and processed each year to produce some 6 million gallons of prepared horseradish. Illinois grows the lion’s share.
Agrability Program Helps Farmers Return to Work
AgrAbility Unlimited is a program that helps Illinois farmers overcome disabilities and return to work.
Quaker Oats Donates to Science Class
Quaker Oats donated a high-temp pasteurization unit to the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences’ Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
Suburban Moms Tour Illinois Farms with Illinois Farm Families
Illinois Farm Families takes suburban moms onto Illinois farms to help them learn about the realities of farming.
Posters Show Where Thanksgiving Dinner Comes From
In celebration of Geography Awareness Week, November 13-19, Linda Zellmer has created a way to connect consumers to where their Thanksgiving dinner originates.
Illinois Farmers Send Soy to Afghanistan
A Yorkville, Illinois, soybean farmer was part of a team that helped send soy flour to families in Afghanistan.
WineCrisp Apples Are a New Illinois Variety
WineCrisp, a newly developed variety of dessert apple, has been in the making for more than 20 years by plant breeders from three universities, Rutgers, Purdue and the University of Illinois.
20 Ag Careers That May Surprise You
Not everyone involved in agriculture works on a farm. In fact, biochemists, biophysicists, veterinarians and environmental engineers are in high demand.
Get an Education in Local Food at Illinois Community Colleges
Six community colleges across Illinois offer courses and training programs to prepare students for careers working in the local food sector.
How Farmers are Feeding the World
Facts about the struggles farmers face trying to feed the world’s growing population.
‘My American Farm’ Website Teaches Agriculture Through Games
My American Farm is a website developed by the American Farm Bureau that aims to engage kids in agriculture, through fun activities and educational experiences.
Win Free Groceries for a Year!
“Farmers Feed Us” is a sweepstakes contest that runs through Oct. 2, giving away two grand prizes of free groceries for a year ($5,000).
Wholesome Wave Prescribes New Fresh Produce Health-Care Program
The Wholesome Wave Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to increase production of and access to fresh, locally grown food, is heading to the doctor’s office with the program “Rx for Vegetables.”
How to Apply for RIMSAP
The Illinois State Medical Society and Illinois Farm Bureau’s Rural Illinois Medical Student Assistance Program (RIMSAP) have helped 800-plus would-be doctors gain admittance to the University of Illinois College of Medicine and/or educational loans. Learn more about RIMSAP here. Participants must specialize in a primary health field and practice in an approved rural Illinois community…
Rural Illinois Medical Assistance Program Fosters Caregivers
RIMSAP, founded in 1948, provides recommendations and low-interest loans for prospective rural Illinois doctors.
Department of Agriculture Gets Green Roof
The Illinois Department of Agriculture put a new spin on Springfield’s green scene by adding Illinois’ first “green” roof to its building.
Illinois Teachers Use Agriculture to Teach Core Subjects
Half million students in Illinois benefit from Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) annually.
Old Newspapers Go Digital at University of Illinois
The University of Illinois library is making history more accessible by digitizing its collection of farm newspapers from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries.
4 Women of the Illinois Ag World
Farm women are among the busiest – on and off the farm – as they have found a niche that ties in with Illinois agriculture.
Cubs Groundskeeper Plays Key Position
Roger Baird, the groundskeeper for the Chicago Cubs, takes his lawn care seriously. He knows he has a team depending on lush, green grass not to trip them up on the way to making a tough catch.
Illinois Flood Control Plans Are Flowing
It’s a system that sustains fish and wildlife, communities and commerce. It’s an integrated system where navigation, environmental stewardship, recreation and flood control all play a crucial role in its continued health and welfare.
Children’s Book: Our Generous Garden
Children’s book teaches kids where their food really comes from.
What a Shortage of Rural Veterinarians Means for Farms
A national shortage of rural veterinarians may lead to a health-care crisis for our animals.
Illinois Farms Are Tuned in to Technology
Today’s Illinois farmers are armed with crop-yield monitors and biotech hybrids.
The Power of Illinois: Wind Energy, Ethanol and Other Biofuels
From windmills to biofuels, Illinois has power to spare.
