USDA will distribute relief payments in a two-phase process for farmers who experienced losses from wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, winter storms, freezes, smoke exposure, excessive moisture and drought in 2020 and 2021.     Read more

The Biden administration announced Alexis Taylor will serve as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. The administration also nominated Stacy Dean for USDA Under Secretary for Food Nutrition and Consumer Services. Learn about Taylor and Dean’s qualifications.   Read more

Don’t think you have to leave the state for a unique tourism experience. I-Rural, a project from the University of Illinois Extension and the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences, is highlighting rural Illinois communities and all they have to offer. “I never thought those communities would be on my radar. I was blown away by their offerings. There are so many things for you to do,” said one new visitor.   Read more

All eyes are on soybeans, particularly from Illinois, to meet the needs across the U.S. Not only has the state been the No. 1 soy-producing state since 2016, it also offers 1,100 miles of navigable waterways with 65 gain elevators along the rivers. Read more

Talk about making a comeback. Illinois farmers planted 40% of the corn crop and 27% of soybeans from May 8-15 pushing statewide progress to 55% complete for corn and 38% for soybeans.   Read more  

The Affordable Connectivity Program will provide $30 monthly subsidies on internet service for households across the United States with limited income. According to the White House, about 48 million households qualify for the program. High-speed internet is “not a luxury any longer, it’s a necessity,” Biden said. Read more