Agriculture

President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” severely impacted two of Illinois’ most economically vulnerable groups: the hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food assistance this year and the small farmers who are losing them as customers.

A year fraught with trade wars and global oil shocks is testing whether Illinois’ long-running investment in biodiesel is paying off.

High gas prices are having ripple effects throughout the economy. Trucking, flying and farming are all trying to ride out the current price spikes.

Farmers in the U.S. face one of the highest suicide rate of any occupation. Federal data shows suicide rates in rural communities tend to be higher than in urban areas.

The "farmer-led movement" aims to shape the agricultural landscape by strengthening soils and building community.

The House passed a bill to allow the year-round sale of E15 – a priority in farm states – following infighting among Republicans.

“They’re going to try to give us anything to look at other than the gas approaching $5 a gallon,” U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said during a visit to Normal this week.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin doesn't think the current version of the Farm Bill will fly. During a news conference in Normal, he said the House version will not get his vote.

The farm bureau said renovations will take place over the next three years. Funding will go toward upgrades, maintenance and new improvements to keep the fairgrounds in good condition.

For those looking to continue their family legacy, there is a hefty estate tax associated with taking over the business and the land. But there’s also a sense of some in the older generation not wanting to pass the torch, and because of improved equipment quality, they don’t have to just yet.