Food & Farming

Chapters of FFA, once called Future Farmers of America, are becoming more common in city schools. Program advisors say students are learning skills that can help them work in a wide range of industries — from biotech to cosmetology.

Though McLean County is not currently considering any proposals for large-scale AI data centers, the county board will consider a zoning amendment at its next meeting to clarify language and application requirements for any future proposal.

OSHA said Alliance Grain Co. violated safety standards by not properly guarding a sump hole, contributing to a seasonal laborer becoming injured. Alliance has not yet responded to the penalties, which total $276,407. The company said it's reviewing the citations.

The Trump administration's federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock. It's creating longer wait times for farmers seeking federal services and programs, people working in agriculture say.

A Lexington area farmer says Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the Trump administration's tariff policies will provide long-term benefit but more short-term uncertainty.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood has concerns about tariffs, but not enough to break with President Trump in a largely symbolic House vote against them.

Congressman Darin LaHood is not breaking entirely with the Trump administration on the vaccine question — even while acknowledging he now has more than just concerns.

The Documentation Project presented an informational meeting on the impact of Trump administration funding cuts Tuesday at Heartland Community College.

For six generations, the Ropp family has made dairy products in Normal, including two decades producing cheese. The store and farm will close early next month.

Illinois farmers feel the impacts of tariffs, inflation and more competition. The federal government introduced bridge payments, but these payments are not enough to offset the cost of farming.

In 2025, the actions of President Donald Trump’s second term saw significant cuts of various funding sources for McLean County programs. A new community advocacy group wants to document the totality of these cuts in their initiative known as The Documentation Project.

In an unprecedented move, former Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan has declined to resign from his seat as chair of the Country Mutual Insurance board. A legal dispute involving Country's Farm Bureau ties helped lead to Duncan's ouster.