Agricultural History

In the early 1800s, supply chains were a lot shorter, but the lack of mechanized transportation sometimes made it tremendously difficult to bring goods to market. Yet, a regional — edging toward national — marketplace did thrive.

Two hundred years ago, Funk Farms planted its roots in the soil of McLean County. The corn, soybean and cattle farm 10 miles south of Bloomington in rural Shirley will soon celebrate its bicentennial by engaging the community and showcasing their history.

Agriculture is big business in McLean County. But it wasn't always that way. And those new to the area probably don't know how the county got where it is. As part of our ongoing Welcome Home series, WGLT dives into the history of agriculture in McLean County.

The Illinois State University Horticulture Center is literally going back to "native roots" for this year's Autumnal Festival. The center is honoring the connection to indigenous plants as part of the annual fundraiser for the center on Saturday and Sunday.

A giant of Illinois agriculture has died. Former state representative, state agriculture director and longtime 4-H booster Gordon Ropp was 87 years…

Small towns across Illinois are having a rough go to keep their culture alive. For decades rural populations have been falling. Some subside into tiny…