Farms

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey both appeared at the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable forum at Funk Farms Trust in Shirley.

A Morton farmer faces a potential $250,000 fine by the Illinois Department of Agriculture for allegedly applying pesticides on a farm near the Bethel Lutheran School while the school hosted an outdoor event.

Democratic state Sen. Dave Koehler reflects on data center regulations, the budget process, a bill regulating down coding, insurance and the farmer's estate tax laws.

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

A Morton farmer was applying pesticides on a farm near the Bethel Lutheran School, which was hosting an outdoor school event. A parent of one of the kids affected filed a compliant that the farmer did not take the proper precautions associated with high wind.

Ellie Wertz of Honey DEW Acres suggested her 5-acre farm just outside Bloomington-Normal as a spot for Nomad Theatre Company's roaming productions. Co-founder Connie Blick describes it as "kismet."

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.

The exemption rate for the estate tax of family farm operations was set at $4 million in 2013. The McLean County Farm Bureau said $6 million is a fair rate to account for inflation, but the Family Farm Preservation Act has struggled to make it through the Illinois legislature.

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.