When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, consumers learned that the food supply chains are fragile. The pandemic has also ignited an interest in selling directly to consumers. (Forbes)

A food crisis is worsening around the world as the coronavirus pandemic drags on. (Wall Street Journal)

Leveraging federal CARES Act funding, the state of Illinois will offer Business Interruption Grants (BIG) to livestock farms to help offset losses incurred in connection to COVID-19. Applications must be received by October 31, 2020. Learn more on our Livestock Resources page.

Lincoln Land Community College is conducting field research at its Springfield campus to test agricultural hemp production practices — the only college in Illinois doing such research. (Journal Courier

Thanks to a small group of SIU students, numerous buildings and programs were maintained despite the Carbondale campus — like most around the country — being virtually shut down this past spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Southern Illinoisan)  

Weather, trade wars and pandemics create stress and strain on the farm. Here’s what you can do about it, plus what our farm kids need right now. (Farm Progress)