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State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado speaks on the House floor on Wednesday, April 15. (Capitol News Illinois phot by Peter Hancock)
IL State News
3 months ago
Latin American history, pet custody bills advance in Springfield ahead of deadline

Lawmakers moving dozens of measures as legislature enters final 6-week stretch.

Turkeys
IL State News
3 months ago
Illinois youth turkey hunters get record harvest

That data, along with a participation rate of 30 percent, “reflect strong youth interest in turkey hunting, excellent hunting opportunities, and a robust statewide turkey population,” said a news release.

A farmer works into the evening hours in Macon County, Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Muirhead Farms)
Agriculture
3 months ago
For young people looking to take over Illinois farms, the costs can be steep

High input costs, a hefty estate tax and an older generation reluctant to retire are among the barriers young farmers face.

Soybeans from last year's harvest are loaded into a truck at Doug Bartek's farm near Wahoo, Neb., on Monday, April 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Agriculture
3 months ago
Already under financial pressure, Midwest soybean farmers are squeezed further by tariffs, Iran war

“Our biggest struggles are our inputs, be it fertilizer, seed, chemical, parts,” Bartek said.

The sun sets over a field of corn in Douglas County. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Agriculture
3 months ago
Illinois farmers ease critical labor shortages through this agricultural visa program

The H-2A visa has become a lifeline for farmers who can’t find enough domestic workers

Agriculture
3 months ago
IL Ag Director Jerry Costello hopes Congress passes yearlong E15 bill

“Whatever is transported, from food to clothes across the gamut, all the prices go up when fuel prices go up,” Costello said.

Gasoline climbed at $4.29 a gallon at many retail stations across Illinois. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
Agriculture
3 months ago
Pritzker calls for year-round E15 gasoline in letter to Congress

Governor says war in Iran has elevated urgency for cheaper, higher-ethanol fuel.

A farmer applies fertilizer to his field.
Agriculture
4 months ago
Rising fertilizer costs could negatively effect local famers

If prices continue to rise, this could cause a problem in next year’s growing season.

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference following his 2026 budget address. Pritzker joined six other Midwestern governors in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging an emergency waiver on the use of E15 ethanol gasoline this summer. (Medill Illinois News Bureau photo by George Alexandrakis).
Agriculture
4 months ago
Yearslong ethanol policy standoff could cost Illinois drivers at the pump yet again

Illinois retailers say they need to know soon whether to purchase ethanol-infused E15 gasoline for summer use.

Cows on the Little Brown Cow Dairy farm in Delavan. (Provided by Terry Hoerbert, Little Brown Cow Dairy)
Agriculture
4 months ago
Raw milk proponents push for fewer restrictions on Illinois sales despite state health warnings

As federal support wavers, Illinois farmers and lawmakers face hurdles with their agenda.