CHANGING FACE OF RURAL #ILLINOIS

Some of Illinois’ rural counties have been losing population since long before the state’s budget crisis began, and the trend has big implications for agriculture and the rural economy. Before the state’s budget crisis, Illinois gained population overall from 2000 to 2010, but 54 of 66 rural counties lost population. “A healthy farm economy needs a healthy rural economy,” said Chris Merrett, director of the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs. (FarmWeekNow.com)