Schools represented were from Lawrence to Massac counties.

The bill creates the Farmland Transition Commission within the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

The self-guided event features nine farms across southern Illinois.

Participants will experience farm life through demonstrations, animal encounters, and interactive activities, including feeding animals, sampling fresh produce, and discovering how crops are grown and harvested.

Running from August 30 to September 1, the Illinois Product Expo will feature more than 15 vendors showcasing an array of goods.

Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker purchased the Grand Champion Steer for the fifth year in a row, contributing $105,000 to benefit Feeding Illinois food banks. This marked a record-setting total of $110,000 for the Grand Champion Steer.

Despite being one of the top agricultural states in the country, Illinois ranks a surprising 37th in receiving USDA conservation funds from 2018 to 2022.

Announced as part of a broader $430 million federal initiative, this funding is set to bolster Illinois' efforts in promoting sustainable farming and environmental stewardship over the next five years.

To participate, producers need to document their losses and submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) by March 3, 2025, for 2024 losses. Additionally, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) offers compensation for feed and grazing losses, with a notice of loss deadline of January 30, 2025.

The bill would ensure rural communities have a say in the approval process for solar panel projects.