Farm Focus: Soybeans
Did you know that Illinois ranks second in the nation for soybean production?
6 Common Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid some common mistakes we gardeners make that result in a lot of extra work.
Rosemary, a Versatile Winter Herb
Rosemary, a perennial evergreen shrub, can easily be grown in a home or garage during the winter months. The key is to make sure the area is cool and moist.
A Taste of History at Clinton’s Apple N’ Pork Festival
Smell the aroma of apple butter at the DeWitt County Museum Association’s Apple N’ Pork Festival.
Golconda, Illinois is Big on Shrimp
Enjoy a true taste of the South at the Golconda Shrimp Festival in September.
Farm Focus: Beef
Sure, corn is popular in Illinois, but did you know that in the Prairie State about 23 percent of farms raise beef cows? Beef up on other fun facts related to the largest segment of U.S. agriculture.
Big Bagel Bash in Mattoon
The small breakfast treat called “bagel” is recognized in a huge way each July at Bagelfest in Mattoon.
Field Corn and Sweet Corn: What’s the Difference?
Corn covers more of Illinois’ farmland than any other crop, yet you’ll need to find a backyard garden for some corn on the cob.
What Is Ethanol and Its Connection to Corn?
We all see the signs for ethanol at our gas pumps, but do you know how ethanol comes is made?
Corn by the Numbers
Learn fun facts and farmer statistics about corn, such as the size of a bushel of corn.
Dinner Dilemma: Does “Dinnertime” Mean Supper or Lunch?
Is dinner served at noon or night? I say “not at all” at our house, where lunch and supper supersede to avoid the confusion of when dinner shall be served.
The Life Cycle of a Corn Plant
Follow the Illinois corn crop through the year from planting in spring to harvesting in fall and its uses beyond.
Q&A With an Illinois Corn Farmer
Since Len Corzine began farming in 1974, the farm has reduced soil erosion, cut fertilizer use per bushel by half, and adopted satellite-guidance technology in its tractors to reduce fuel and chemical use.
Homemade Food Gifts are a Treat to Give and Receive
From kneading the silky dough to watching it rise before your eyes, making yeast breads – like those at Hodgson Mill – can be a satisfying experience.
See the Buffalo Roam at Illinois Bison Farm
Terry Lieb’s 3,400-acre corn and soybean farm in Piatt County is as modern as any in the state, with genetically modified crops, GPS mapping and other high-tech innovations.
Farm Focus: Pork
As the world’s most widely eaten meat, pork is something to celebrate – which may be why October is declared National Pork Month.
Container Garden Excitement
When your only space is a deck or patio, container gardening is for you.
Raised Beds Grow in Popularity
Try building a raised-bed garden, which is simply a garden built on top of your native soil.
Wheat Fast Facts
Wheat has long been one of the most important crops in the world, with millions of acres devoted to wheat production.
3 Ways To Preserve Tomatoes
One of summer’s tastiest gifts is a basket of juicy ripe tomatoes fresh from the vine. With a day’s work and a little know-how, you can enjoy your bounty of summer tomatoes year-round.
Lasagna Gardening Layers It On Thick
Lasagna gardening is organic, earth-friendly and most importantly, incredibly easy.
Chicago’s Many Farmers’ Markets Help You Eat Like a Locavore
Farmers’ markets encourage finding high-quality, fresh foods close to home. Chicago has 24 city-run farmers’ markets that operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Life’s a Peach at Eckert’s Country Store
The sixth and seventh generations run Eckert’s Country Store and Farms in Belleville, the largest you-pick apple and peach orchard in the nation.
Say Hello to Heirloom Tomatoes
In recent years, heirloom versions have become quite popular among gardeners and tomato lovers alike.
Growing Asparagus Takes Patience
If you’re starting asparagus in your garden this year, remember that you’ll have to wait three years after planting for your first crop.
Farm Fresh: Winter Squash
When the weather gets cold and the traditional fruits of summer are out of season, winter squash can be a delicious and healthy option.
Ropp Jersey Cheese Breaks the Mold
McLean County’s Ropp family finds a niche with its artisan cheese business.
