Agriculture
Good gourd! These Midwesterners are raising giant pumpkins that weigh as much as a car
Giant pumpkins can top the scales at more than 2,000 pounds – and caring for these behemoths is often a full-time job. But for some growers in the central U.S., the dream of raising a world record-setting pumpkin is a tantalizing prospect.
Trump wants to import beef from Argentina. Republicans and ag groups say, what about America?
Ranchers, lawmakers and farmers’ unions are sounding the alarm over a Trump administration plan to increase beef imports from Argentina.
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs.
Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That’s a big problem for farmers
Farmers rely on the Mississippi River to ship grain and bring them imported fertilizer and other critical inputs. But another year of low river levels means barge travel will be more expensive.
Corn, but shorter: Why Midwest farmers are experimenting with smaller varieties
Scientists and seed companies are working on shrinking corn. The subtle difference in height has led to some big changes in how shorter corn can be planted and managed in the Corn Belt.
Americans are drinking less. What does that mean for winemakers in the Heartland?
The American Heartland has experienced a boom in wineries over the last three decades. But with U.S. wine sales trending down since 2019, some producers are feeling the effects more than others.
Farmers caught in Trump’s trade war wait for bailout. But many call it a temporary fix
The Trump administration is promising billions in a bailout for farmers. This harvest season the trade war with China has added to the farm economy’s woes, as producers deal with lower crop prices and high costs.
U of I’s Soybean Innovation Lab expects $1.5M grant will help address food insecurity across Africa
The Soybean Innovation Lab is awaiting final approval for a $1.5 million grant from a research foundation. The money will help expand their efforts to combat global food insecurity and poverty by increasing the number of soybean varieties available to 28 African nations.
USDA will no longer track hunger among Americans. That concerns food advocates
People working to address hunger say the canceled report is a main resource to understand where and how people are experiencing food insecurity across the country.
Trump plans aid package for US soybean farmers while seeking trade deal with China
Farmers are struggling as China orders soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. They prefer trade over aid, hoping for a deal soon.
China won’t buy American soybeans anymore, leaving farmers with limited options
China typically buys close to half of the soybeans grown in the U.S. But the ongoing trade war means farmers in the Midwest must consider other options — and none are as profitable.
Central Illinois farmers face severe drought with low yields for harvest season
Rainfall has been below average in recent months, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford.