Farming

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.

A growing number of investors and venture capital groups are putting their money into what the John Deere Company is calling the next giant leap in agricultural technology-- fully autonomous tractors and tillage equipment.

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.

After 55 years in the field, central Illinois farmer Mike Wurmnest is preparing to make his final harvest pass at the wheel of his John Deere S670 combine.

A young Woodford County farm family is feeling grateful after an influx of volunteers helped them to harvest a two-acre food plot with the fresh produce destined for area food banks.

A pathogenic crop disease has officially arrived in central Illinois, with the potential to rival the dreaded corn rootworm as a top corn yield-robber.

This week on Food Trek, host Tory Dahlhoff explores why the number of Black farmers and the amount of farmland owned by Black farmers has dwindled significantly in not just Illinois, but all across the United States over the last century.