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The sun beats down over a partially harvested cornfield with two combines and a white pick up truck in foreground.
Read article: Landowner Series - Using a Flexible Cash Farm Lease
Landowner Series - Using a Flexible Cash Farm Lease
A flexible cash lease is an alternative to a straight cash lease. The flexible cash leash protects the farmer and landowner from economic loss. This...
An old red barn sits in a partially flooded corn field while gray clouds loom overhead.
Read article: Farm Drainage Series – Part 3: A Tile Main Multi-Farm Project
Farm Drainage Series – Part 3: A Tile Main Multi-Farm Project
Draining excess water from farm fields in Illinois is vital to food and renewable fuel production. However, the lack of adequate farm drainage is a...
Old skeleton key hangs on a nail against barnboard while sun sets in the background.
Read article: Farmland Owner Series: Terminating a Farm Lease in Illinois
Farmland Owner Series: Terminating a Farm Lease in Illinois
The following article is not to be construed as legal advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Information in this article comes in...
huge pile of heads of broccoli
Read article: Grit, grandkids and garden rows: Growing vegetables and values in Central Illinois
Grit, grandkids and garden rows: Growing vegetables and values in Central Illinois
During a recent visit to the Bloomington farmers market, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. It was a perfectly formed, large, yellow...

News Releases

an old red barn in a field with water surrounding it
Farm Drainage Series – Part 3:  A tile main multi-farm project
HAVANA, Ill. - Draining excess water from farm fields in Illinois is vital to food and renewable fuel production. However, the lack of adequate farm drainage is a serious problem. Many older farm drainage systems are still in place but are past their viable economic use value due to being...
Collage featuring youth waving at a truck from the street, a group of 4-H members holding a sign that reads thank you farmers in front of a grain elevator, and a top down shot of some backed goods with a sticker that reads 'Your Work Matters Thank You'
With Harvest 2025 underway, local youth say thanks
MORRIS, Ill. – With the 2025 harvest well underway, local youth spent their school holiday showing appreciation for the farmers who keep their communities thriving. Members of University of Illinois Extension 4-H,...
iron rusty fence with stone and stone pathway
Explore diverse farms during the Ogle County Farm Stroll on Oct. 12
OREGON, Ill.— On Sunday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the University of Illinois Extension will host the annual Ogle County Farm Stroll, a self-guided driving tour of highly diversified family farms open to the public on one big day. There will be farm tours, demonstrations, and fresh...
round bale of hay
2025 Illinois Forage Expo Slated for July 30
DAVIS, Ill.--Demonstrations, equipment, and education will be the features of the July 30, 2025, Illinois Forage Expo.  The event will be co-hosted by the Don Brown Farm and the Eric Stiegler Farm and held at Eric Stiegler’s Farm, 9776 Il Route 75 E, Davis, Il, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m....

Videos

From Local Ingredients to Hearty Meals: Supporting Veterans with IL-EATS

The Joseph Center is a transitional living facility that empowers veterans to achieve self-sufficiency. With support from the IL-EATS program, chefs at The Joseph Center turn local ingredients into hearty, home-cooked meals that nourish veterans and support their journey toward independence....

IL-EATS Delivers Dignity, Local Food, and an Applesauce Surprise

At the Collinsville food pantry, Director Stacy Jones makes sure every client is treated with dignity. With help from IL-EATS, they’re able to provide high-quality, locally sourced food that aligns with their mission. One client loved the applesauce—and received a heartwarming surprise when she...

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