Agriculture

Longtime Peoria-area meteorologist Mike McClellan recently came to the Peoria County Farm Bureau building to talk to local growers about one of their favorite topics: the weather.

In an extended interview with WCBU-WGLT, Illinois Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II discussed successes achieved in the space of agriculture during Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s first term, along with Costello’s goals for his next four years at the helm of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA).

A Chicago-based group with ties to central Illinois established to promote “regenerative” organic agriculture has issued a new study showing a link between regenerative farming, soil health and human health.

Sales are so good at many locations that at least one area “you-cut” tree farm had sold its entire inventory of harvestable trees by Saturday, December 10.

Taking advantage of a green but growing industry, community colleges across Illinois are rolling out cannabis education programs that can lead to good-paying jobs at marijuana dispensaries.

Scientists at the Peoria Ag Lab have been working to develop a healthier alternative to butter. They want to replace saturated fats with plant-based and other natural oils that mimic the taste and texture of butter.

The reasons Illinois specialty farmers are slow to embrace hops production include a high risk for crop failure — no federal crop insurance is offered to cover hops production in Illinois — and an underdeveloped statewide market for their harvested crop.

Under new legislation, Illinois agritourism businesses can receive up to $1,000 back on liability insurance costs in 2022 and 2023.

John Ackerman has owned and operated Ackerman Family Farms, just outside of Morton, for 23 years.