In an attempt to help agritourism operations, Illinois is offering a liability insurance tax credit. “We’re wanting to spread the word,” said Hannah McGee, a grant administrator with Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Marketing, Promotion and Grants. As of Jan. 25, 40 applications had already been approved for a tax credit in 2022. Read details on eligibility criteria and tips for applying.   READ MORE

Looking for ways to bring in additional income and build loyalty with consumers? Farm-to-table dinners may be the answer. Eric Fuchs-Stengel, founder and former executive director of MEVO Fresh Roots Farm, shared seven years of experience with successful farm-to-table dinners. “It’s the highlight of the year,” he said of the farm’s event.   READ MORE

It’s hard to find an open piece of ground on Jason and Jennifer Duensing’s 12-acre Illinois Country Harvest farm. The Randolph County Farm Bureau members have filled the land with diverse beds of native and heirloom flowers and herbs, heritage crops and livestock. Visitors take a step back in time when visiting the farm, which utilizes old-fashioned farming practices. Photography sessions and educational events also fill the calendar for the Duesenings. Learn how their agritourism destination is involved in the history and future of the region.   READ MORE

With over 60% of the American West, Southwest and Central Plains categorized as D1 (moderate) drought or higher, AFBF conducted a fourth round of its survey to evaluate drought’s continued impact on farm and ranch businesses. This Farm Bureau Market Intel analyses the results of the fall 2022 survey, which offers a window into operational-level hurdles farmers and ranchers face.   Read More

The future of a right to repair class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of 16 farms against John Deere is in the hands of a federal judge, who is considering a motion by the company that could lead to dismissal of the case. Deere alleges the farmer plaintiffs lack legal standing to sue, fail to identify a “plausible relevant market” to base their claims.   Read More

Nebraska-based Navigator CO2 Ventures, the company seeking to build the 1,300-mile Heartland Greenway Pipeline System, has withdrawn its application with the ICC. It plans to file an expanded project with additional sequestration locations in Illinois. FarmWeek’s Timothy Eggert and Illinois Farm Bureau’s Bill Bodine share details of the project and how the re-filing process works.   Read More