Representatives from state and federal agencies met with urban growers in Chicago to discuss the future of urban agriculture. Land and water access, interagency communication practices and the new USDA Urban Ag Center were among the chief topics of discussion.   Read more

 Little did she know, her skills would take her from building electronics with her dad to working for the Federal Aviation Administration to growing garlic in Kane County. Learn how a pig led to her decision to move to a microfarm and the parallels she sees between her job with the FAA and growing garlic.   Read more

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has requested dispute consultations with Mexico over its policies to ban U.S. imports of genetically modified corn and reject biotech seed traits. The consultations must run for 75 days. If no resolution is reached, then officials can call for a third-party dispute panel Read more

Congress advanced the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which will suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling until January 2025 and limit discretionary spending on government programs. The agreement would prevent a first-ever default on the nation’s debt, but also have implications for food aid and other ag-related programs. Read more

Three-quarters of the state is on the map, but not for a good reason. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s June 1 report rated 77% of Illinois as abnormally dry to a drought. “Without significant rain in the next week, conditions will likely worsen and more drought impacts may occur,” said Trent Ford, state climatologist at the Illinois State Water Survey. Read more  

The Wooden Shoes reeled in a total of 19 pounds, 3 ounces in the IHSA state bass fishing tournament. Coach Derrick Gaddis explains the team’s approach to the tournament and the town’s culture of embracing outdoor activities.     Read more