Illinois Filling Potholes
By Gary Scott on May 14, 2025 at 11:08am

Illinois state transportation workers have begun the lengthy and onerous task of filling potholes on Illinois highways. Illinois spent $19-million last year to fill the holes on the interstate system, and other highways. Paul Wappel of the state transportation department says you can expect more of the same this year. He says crews on on […]
Agrichemicals Collection Service
By Gary Scott on May 5, 2025 at 11:50am

The Illinois Department of agriculture has set up free agrichemical containers recycling program at several locations in west central Illinois. One of the permanent sites is at Logan Agri Service in Griggsville. One day drop offs have also been set up July 22nd M and M Service in Girard, July 24th at Prairieland FS in […]
April Weather
By Gary Scott on May 3, 2025 at 9:10am

Last month’s weather was a tad warmer, and a tad dryer than normal. The average temperature in April was 54 and a half degrees. That a full two degrees warmer than normal. A typical day last month saw the mercury rise to a little more than 66 degrees, and fall to 42 and a half […]
Farm-to-School Cafeteria Movement Expanding in Central Illinois
By Benjamin Cox on November 26, 2024 at 6:15am

Three counties’ schools in Central Illinois may see more locally-produced food in their cafeterias. The Sangamon County Board approved $40,000 in funding this month to support a program expansion at the U of I Extension office that covers Sangamon, Menard and Logan counties to serve more locally sourced, scratch-cooked meals in local institutions. The new […]
Schuyler Co. Farm Bureau: White Tail Deer Destroying More Crops
By Benjamin Cox on August 19, 2024 at 12:24pm

The state’s white tailed deer population is becoming an increasing nuisance for farmers in West Central Illinois, particularly corn growers. West Central Illinois is known nationwide for being a prime hunting spot for deer. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, more than $2.1 billion in tourism dollars are spent on hunting and […]
Menard Co. Farm Bureau Makes Connection With West Side of Chicago With Adopt A Legislator Program
By Benjamin Cox on August 7, 2024 at 6:19am

A Central Illinois county farm bureau recently completed a successful “Adopt A Legislator” event in Chicago. The Illinois Farm Bureau program has been ongoing since 2001. The purpose of the program is to building long-term personal relationships between urban state legislators and farmers from across Illinois. The goal of the program is to educate urban […]
Grab ‘N’ Grow Greenhouse Concept Continues to Spread
By Benjamin Cox on July 23, 2024 at 6:17am

A little store in Riggston continues to have a big impact in the area and in Springfield. WGEM reports that the Grab n Grow Greenhouse was the recent recipient of a $3,000 Illinois Farm Bureau Rural Development grant to help grow the business. Owner Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall says she is looking to expand the business with […]
Curry Named IL Agri-Women Outstanding Woman Farmer 2023
By Benjamin Cox on July 19, 2024 at 12:10pm

A Pike County farmer has been named the Illinois Agri-Women Outstanding Woman Farmer for 2023. Lynn Curry, who farms alongside her husband Kim Curry with their beef and farm operations in Pike County was recognized for her work both on and off the family farm. Curry was recognized for her organization efforts of the entire […]
Bland Family Farms Receives Grant, Hopes to Expand Seasonal Produce Tours
By Benjamin Cox on June 17, 2024 at 12:02pm

A rural Jacksonville specialty farm has received a major national grant award. Bland Family Farm was awarded up to $15,000 by the Frontera Farmer Foundation to buy a conveyor-driven brush wash system equipped with a sorting turntable tailored for root vegetables. The farm recently employed a new oscillating harvester to help with the labor-intensive root […]
New Berlin Area Farmer Lands in Top 3 For Annual Corn Yield Contest
By Benjamin Cox on April 7, 2024 at 9:40am

A New Berlin-area farmer was recently named the state’s winner for corn yield in a national contest. The National Corn Growers Association’s 59th annual Corn Yield Contest recently released its results. Gary Reavis of New Berlin, Illinois, placed third in state in the D: No-Till Non-Irrigated Class with yield of over 298 bushels per acre. […]