McLean County Farm Bureau

Some of the state’s oldest family-operated farms, top producers of biofuels and leaders in ag tech are concentrated in the boomerang-shaped stretch from the Metro East to Urbana-Champaign.

 But Illinois’ 13th Congressional District also shows signs of food insecurity and an evolving renewable energy industry. Freshman U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, wants to be a “strong advocate” for addressing that contrast and “deliver on the things that matter.” She discussed her work from her first month in office and priorities moving forward with FarmWeek.