Farm Bill debate begins anew

Jan. 3, 2012
The year 2012 will be an important one for farmers in Illinois and the rest of the country, as Congress hammers out the latest Farm Bill.The Farm Bill covers everything from crop insurance to programs that help farmers limit pesticide use.

Faulty corn forecasts make for unstable market

Dec. 5, 2011
Some Illinois analysts report government forecasts on the national corn crop have become increasingly unreliable. Illinois is the second largest producer of corn in the country and more than 50,000 farmers in the state grow it.In the last few years, the U.S.

Assessing the impact of flooding on Illinois farmers

May. 4, 2011
On Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers intentionally breached the Birds Point Levee in southeast Missouri. The goal was to relieve rising flood waters in parts of southern Illinois. The breach has already lowered water levels in some parts.

Roadtrip: Conversations with Illinois voters

Oct. 25, 2010
As part of our series of conversations with voters in Illinois, Richard Steele took us to Loves Park, Ill., just outside of Rockford. Last Tuesday morning the Potato Shak was packed. But Richard found the locals were ready to chat about the election.