Big-city chefs connect with Illinois family farms
The Taste of Chicago each July is touted as the world largest food festival, but visitors to the Windy City’s finest restaurants can enjoy a taste of Livingston County year-round thanks to a group of local farmers.
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Rolling prairie transforms from ‘frogs’ to crops
Livingston County was once called the “Land of the Frogs” by outsiders due to its marshy landscape and all but ignored by early Illinois settlers seeking a more prosperous life.
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USDA prepares to implement new farm bill
Now that the long-debated and much-anticipated farm bill has been approved, the process of implementing the new law has begun. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack gave an update on the farm bill’s implementation in San Antonio at the Commodity Classic.
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Illinoisan receives top American Agri-Women honor
Penny Lauritzen joined the Illinois Agri-Women and the American Agri-Women organizations more than 30 years ago to develop her leadership skills and to get directly involved with agricultural issues.
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Latest News

Ag sector health remains strong despite income drop

Thursday, March 06, 2014 5:00 PM

With crop prices anticipated to return to pre-2011 levels and a sharp drop in government payments, net farm income is expected to decline in 2014. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service forecast net farm income to be $95.8 billion in 2014.

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Outlook 2014: More beans, less corn

Thursday, March 06, 2014 3:00 PM

The prospective planting estimates will be released late this month, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief economist provided a glimpse of what might be during the recent Agricultural Outlook Forum.

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Improved margins, export strength brighten livestock outlook

Thursday, March 06, 2014 1:00 PM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief economist foresees improved market prospects for the animal sector in 2014.

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Delayed pedestrian bridge to get rails, lights

Thursday, March 06, 2014 11:00 AM

A long-delayed pedestrian and bicycling bridge that will link southern Indiana with Kentucky could open in May if handrails and lights are installed in time, according to local officials.

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Purdue discovery boosts gene research

Thursday, March 06, 2014 9:00 AM

Yeast can quickly adapt to changes in its environment with the help of molecules known as long non-coding RNAs, a Purdue study shows.

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Rural Voices

Farmland assessments for Indiana property taxes rise

At the end of December, Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance calculated the base rate assessment for farmland to be used for taxes in 2015. Predictably, the base rate increased to $2,050 per acre. That’s a 16 percent increase over the pay-2014 value.
Build financial 'dashboard' of working capital for farm

If margins tighten as ag economists are warning, it’s going to be important to consider the potential impacts on your operation. Making sure that your farm is going to be financially healthy in what could be tougher times may set you up in a good position.
Indiana agriculture needs a farm bill as fast as possible

This fall, Congress has an important opportunity to create jobs and grow the economy by passing a long-term, comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. The farm bill impacts every American every day by providing a wide range of programs that strengthen our nation.
Thanks given to heroes that serve in military and farming

I would like to take a moment and say thank you to all of the heroes that have served and are currently serving this country. I know there are some common threads in farmers and soldiers, and oftentimes young farmers become soldiers.
Harvest work wrapped up at family farm in central Indiana

Just as one season comes to a close, time to start thinking about the next — winter shop projects, equipment maintenance and field projects. Before you know it, it will be time to pull the planter out again.

Field Editor Blogs

Agriculture's message must engage, not confuse people

There, their, they’re. Why did the actual Olympic events start before the opening ceremonies? If you laughed at the first one, scratched your head at the second one, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger.
Farmers should be an inspiration to all of us

There are so many job titles we aspire to as children. Teacher, doctor, firefighter — at a young age we dream of becoming these people. Growing up, my future job title changed every day. One day I was an architect, and one day I was an artist. One day, I would be a baker.
Program gets students involved in their health

At a recent event at the Pulaski International School in Chicago, several groups pledged their support for the future of children across the nation by providing $250 million. I have a difficult time understanding a number that big. However, it means the Fuel Up to Play 60 program will continue five more years.
Conservation programs are important piece of farm bill

The Chesapeake Bay region has been scrutinized in efforts to reduce nutrient and sediment losses from farm land. A recent multiyear study found efforts are working.
Community's friendly spirit provides warmth in winter

This year I have had a new hometown to spend the holiday season in. After getting married in September, I packed a carload of things and moved in with my husband in northern Indiana.