U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan fielded questions on issues ranging from limitations of pesticides to E15 sales during Wednesday’s House Agriculture Committee hearing. FarmWeek’s Timothy Eggert recaps the exchanges between Regan and Illinois committee members.   Read more

As planting progresses, farmers and the driving public need to think safety first with slow-moving equipment on roadways. Kate Huffman, chair of Henry County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Health and Safety Committee, shared a close call she recently had on the road and offered safety tips for drivers. READ MORE

Ag education is finding its way into more schools across the state. Regional field advisers with Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education recently reported on districts adding or restarting ag programs and those hiring additional ag teachers. FarmWeek’s Kay Shipman breaks down where the growth is occurring.   Read more

The summer-like temps last week may have felt good, but the warmup also sent excess moisture into the Mississippi River basin. “Normally we like to see a slow warmup,” said Tom Heinold of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “There’s going to be a lot of floodwater headed our way.” Learn more about the risk of rising waters and additional flooding along the northern Mississippi River.     Read more

Two former farm kids are combining their knowledge and skills in agriculture and music and repurposing a former college building into the Midwest Agriculture and Arts Complex. The complex, opened in MacMurray Hall at the former MacMurray College in Jacksonville, combines local food and arts to grow interest in both. “I see a community of like-minded artists and growers,” said co-owner Tim Smith. “The possibilities are limitless.”   Read more

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II discusses an uptick in fieldwork, bipartisanship in the capital, the upcoming Senate Appropriations Committee, changes to the Illinois State Fair schedule and more in this interview with RFD’s Rita Frazer. LISTEN HERE