While robots and autonomous technology could make work safer and more efficient for farmers, a wide range of challenges are slowing the advancement of ag tech. A panel of government, academic and industry professionals discussed broadband access, universal terms, a safety database and common communication as a roadmap to push ag tech forward. READ MORE

Some farmers wanting to plant cover crops earlier and at a lower cost could find the solution in automation. Naveen Uppalapati, University of Illinois research scientist, demonstrated a four-wheeled EarthSense robot capable of carrying 80 pounds of cereal rye seed at the Safety for Emerging Robotics and Autonomous Agriculture Workshop. It’s just one of the projects that demonstrates the future of U of I’s I-FARM. “We try to put farmers’ needs first so they can actually benefit from the technology,” said Isabella Condotta, an engineer and professor in the animal sciences department. Learn how they’re using a $3.9 million USDA

How are rural hospitals faring as they emerge from the height of the pandemic? That’s a difficult question to answer, according to Alan Morgan, chief executive officer of the National Rural Health Association. From cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and a staffing crisis, Morgan said it’s a “tremendously difficult time for rural providers.” Federal funding helped support operations during the COVID-19 public health emergency, but much of that assistance was temporary. He discussed how policy, collaboration and innovation can improve access to care. READ MORE

But even with inflation, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, McClelland sees opportunities ahead. “A lot of them are based on the idea that we’re providing solutions to the problems we’ve experienced in the last couple of years,” he said. McClelland laid out key objectives for the future, including better utilization of base production pounds, milk price modernization, continued margin improvement, among other goals. READ MORE

The 2022 Census of Agriculture will be mailed in phases, starting with an invitation to respond online in November followed by paper questionnaires in December. “The results will be used by local organizations to support and enhance agriculture in Illinois,” said Mark Schleusener, Illinois state statistician for USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. READ MORE

Under the agreement, the state will buy produce, protein and fresh processed food at fair market value directly from underserved farmers. Regional listening sessions will be held to help a planning committee develop an implementation plan. READ MORE