Dana Cronin
Food banks scramble to overcome snags in the supply chain and inflation
Clogged supply chains and budget-busting food prices have food banks scrambling to stock pantry shelves. That crunch comes as food banks see increased demand from
More agricultural guest workers came to the Midwest this year than ever before
The Midwest saw a record rise in the number of agricultural guest workers this year helping out on farms, in meatpacking plants and with landscaping
A giant investment firm paid a university to study one of its biggest assets — farmland
TIAA-CREF invests heavily in farmland, so it paid a university to research it. Read Part I and Part III of this series. CHAMPAIGN — In
Do you know what’s in your tap water? This database will tell you
CHAMPAIGN — Do you know what’s in your drinking water? Depending on where you live, you could be ingesting contaminants linked to cancer, brain damage
No pumpkin shortage this year, but climate change could squash Halloween harvests to come
MORTON — The great pumpkin shortage of 2021 is turning out to be as real as Linus’ Great Pumpkin. Neither ever showed. Instead, despite some
Midwest farmers are on track for a record-high harvest, despite a year of extreme weather
GIBSON CITY – In August, nine inches of rain dumped on one of Randy Aberle’s fields of corn and soybeans near Gibson City, Illinois. “We
The Midwest lost two species to extinction, and humans are largely to blame
A century ago, people throughout the Midwest could hear the high-pitched staccato call of the ivory-billed woodpecker echoing in old-growth forests throughout the Mississippi River
Fertilizer Runoff In Illinois Is Still On The Rise, Despite Program Designed To Slow It Down
When it rains on a farm here in central Illinois, the water that runs off into local streams and rivers carries with it excess nutrients
As Climate Change Ramps Up Heat, Farmers Struggle To Keep Animals Cool
RAYMOND — A pig’s ideal temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So on a 90-degree day in the middle of July, Phil Borgic keeps a close
Health Or A Paycheck: New Report Shows How Extreme Heat May Hurt Farmworkers
People who work outside increasingly risk their income, illness and even death as climate change ramps up extreme heat. That’s according to a first-of-its-kind study
New Farmer-Led Initiative Could Lead To More Fresh, Local Food In Schools, Grocery Stores, Hospitals
MOUNT PULASKI – Think about your favorite produce stand at the local farmers market, how fresh and delicious those fruits and vegetables taste. Now imagine
Lack Of Testing Means Millions Of Rural Midwesterners Risk Water Contamination
Millions of rural residents across the Midwest are at risk of nitrate contamination in their drinking water, but they might not know it. Many rural
Champaign Chief Of Police Anthony Cobb To Step Down In August
CHAMPAIGN – Champaign Chief of Police Anthony Cobb announced Thursday that he’ll step down from his position. He’s leaving the job to join the Illinois
Cover Crops Can Help Slow Climate Change, But Few Farmers Are Planting Them
Amid a push from the Biden administration for U.S. agriculture to help slow climate change, a new study shows farmers in the Corn Belt are
States Ending Their Pandemic Emergency Declarations Surrender Extra Food Stamp Money
As states like Kansas and Oklahoma let their emergency declarations run out, they effectively take a pass on extra federal help with food stamps. Nearly
New U Of I Class Aims To Dispel Myths About Cannabis
URBANA — When people think cannabis, they often think marijuana. But the cannabis plant takes many different forms, from medicinal cannabidiol (CBD) to industrial hemp.
Illinois Joins Midwestern States In Funding Farm Runoff Reduction Program
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is the latest Midwestern state to earmark funding for a program to reduce nutrient runoff from farmland into waterways. It’s the first
For Farmland Conservation, It Comes Down To Who Owns It
TOLONO — Lin Warfel puts farmland owners in central Illinois into two categories: Those with a deep connection and desire to preserve their land, and
Rural Areas Lag In Vaccination Rates, CDC Report Shows
COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower in rural counties than in urban counties, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hunger Is On The Decline After Pandemic-High, But Impacts Could Be Seen For Years
CHICAGO — The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our lives, including our ability to afford food. Rates of food insecurity skyrocketed during
Air Pollution Impacts People Of Color More Than White People, And The Problem Is Systemic
URBANA — A new study upholds what many already thought to be true: communities of color breathe dirtier air than white communities, and the issue
‘We Need To Be Concerned About This:’ New Report Details How Climate Change Will Transform Illinois
URBANA — 80 years from now, Illinois’ climate may be unrecognizable. Summers could get a lot hotter, with temperatures reaching up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit
It’s Been Six Years Since Illinois Set Out To Improve Water Quality. So Far, Farm Runoff Is Worse
BROADLANDS — When it rains on Joe Rothermel’s central Illinois farm, most of the water drains into the nearby East Branch Embarras River. There, it
Nuclear Power Proponents Speak Out To Save Two Illinois Plants
CHAMPAIGN — Proponents of nuclear power in Illinois are rallying together in hopes of preventing the decommissioning of two nuclear power plants — the Byron
With Illini Fans In Celebration Mode, Champaign County Health Officials Urge Caution
CHAMPAIGN – Champaign County health officials are urging caution ahead of the upcoming NCAA tournament, where the University of Illinois men’s basketball team will compete
‘We’re Very Grateful’: For Some Farmworkers, U.S. Work Visas Provide Opportunity For Vaccination
On a recent Saturday, white vans shuttled small groups of migrant farmworkers from the southern Illinois orchard where they work to St. Joseph’s…
One-Dose Vaccine Is Easier And Quicker For Farmworkers, But Some States Fear Backlash
Some states are saying they won’t use Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine to immunize vulnerable, harder-to-reach populations, including…
Midwest Can Tackle Farm Nitrogen Pollution Without Sacrificing Crops, Study Shows
Many researchers have looked at nitrogen pollution hotspots around the country. But a new first-of-its-kind, multi-year study from the University of…
Home Gardeners Are Driving Up Demand For Seeds, And Seed Companies Can’t Keep Up
Steve Larimore was hoping to triple the size of his garden this year. Once the seed catalog arrived at his home near Bend, Ore., Larimore excitedly got…
More Farmers Are Planting Cover Crops Thanks To State Incentive Programs
Last month, the Illinois Department of Agriculture opened applications for its second annual Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program — which provides a…
‘It Was An Incredible Experience’: U of I Professor Tapped By Biden Administration To Transition USDA
URBANA – A University of Illinois professor helped the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) transition from the Trump to the new Biden-Harris administration. Jonathan Coppess
Sen. Tammy Duckworth Asks Biden Administration To ‘Restore’ Renewable Fuel Standard
A group of senators is pushing the incoming Biden-Harris administration to “restore” the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) — a program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
A Third Of Champaign County Health Care Workers Declined The Vaccine, Health Officials Say
URBANA – Despite more Champaign County residents becoming eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, one-third of health care personnel in the county still aren’t vaccinated
Farmworkers Who Help Put Food On American Tables Struggle To Afford It Themselves
It’s been a tough year for essential workers — nurses, first responders, grocery store workers. But among the hardest hit are agricultural workers, who have
Midwest Hemp Is Still Getting Its Footing, But Growers Aren’t Giving Up Yet
Hemp is a hard crop to grow — just ask Jay Kata. “We were filthy and we were dirty and we were sweaty and it sucked and it was hot and it was miserable…
Lawsuit Alleges Farmworkers Sickened After Pesticide Exposure
In late July 2019, a group of migrant farmworkers from south Texas was working in a cornfield in DeWitt County, Ill., when suddenly a crop duster flew…
Biden’s Win Leaves Farmers Less Optimistic About The Future
In October, Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer recorded its highest-ever index, meaning farmers were at an all-time high level of optimism….
Food Insecurity Disproportionately Affects Certain Regions, U Of I Study Shows
URBANA – Before the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of food insecurity were lower than they had been in more than two decades, according to hunger relief
Food Banks Brace For Cold Weather, Holiday Season
URBANA – Since March, Eastern Illinois Foodbank has distributed almost nine million pounds of food. At this point last year, that number was just over
Farm Tools Were Designed For Men. That’s A Problem For The Increasing Number Of Female Farmers.
Dusty Spurgeon is proud to be a female farmer. She and her mother-in-law, Eloise, run Spurgeon Veggies, a small vegetable farm located in Rio, Illinois….
U Of I Preparing To Expand COVID-19 Testing To Champaign-Urbana Community
URBANA – The University of Illinois’ saliva-based COVID-19 testing program will soon be available to the larger Champaign-Urbana community, according to university officials. Currently, the
‘Incredibly Unlikely’ China Will Meet Its Trade Targets, Expert Says
It’s been almost ten months since the signing of the first phase of a trade agreement between the United States and China. In the lofty deal, China…
“Lo arriesgo todo o nada”. La necesidad de trabajar supera las COVID preocupaciones para migrantes
En las afueras de Rantoul, en el centro-este de Illinois, unos 100 trabajadores agrícolas migrantes están viviendo en un viejo hotel localizado en una…
Champaign-Urbana Hosts Only Downstate Women’s March
CHAMPAIGN – On a day when Women’s Marches took place all across the country, hundreds of people gathered at West Side Park in Champaign on
‘Either I Risk It All Or Nothing At All’: Migrant Workers’ Need To Work Outweighs COVID-19 Concerns
On the outskirts of Rantoul, in east-central Illinois, about 100 migrant farmworkers are living at an old hotel in a sleepy part of town. Every day at…
Gardening Is A ‘Silver Lining’ For Many Weary Of The Coronavirus Pandemic
In the midst of what has otherwise been a heavy, unrelenting year, many Midwesterners have found solace in the dirt. So-called “COVID gardens” have…
Farmers Are Getting Another Round Of Coronavirus Aid, But USDA Hasn’t Fully Spent The First One
At a campaign rally in Wisconsin last week, President Trump announced U.S. farmers will receive an additional $14 billion in coronavirus relief aid….
For One Food Insecure Family, The Pandemic Leaves Them With ‘No Wiggle Room’
Ja Nelle Pleasure never used to think twice about putting food on the table for her family. In fact, the Pleasure family revolved around food. One of…
New Mobile Market Aims To Alleviate Hunger In Champaign-Urbana
CHAMPAIGN – Nearly 16% of Champaign County residents struggle to afford food, according to a 2020 Feeding America study. A new bus on the streets
More Demand, Fewer Volunteers Leave Food Pantries Scrambling During Pandemic
Before the pandemic, the food pantry at St. Patrick Church in Urbana, Ill. served meals to more than 100 families per week. They operated with the help…
New Community Food Map Aims To Help Food Insecure Families
URBANA – A University of Illinois Extension team has designed a map for people to locate food resources in their zip codes. It’s tailored to
Farmers Reeling After Storm Rips Through Millions Of Acres Of Crops
Midwestern farmers are beginning to assess crop damage after a high-wind storm, known as a derecho, ripped through the region Monday. Iowa and Illinois were
Help From Uncle Sam Isn’t Reaching All Farmers
When you walk into Cyndy Ash’s barn, one of the first things you notice is a huge burlap sack, bursting at the seams with wool. “We’re sitting on about…
Ask The Newsroom: SNAP Benefits For July And Beyond
Each month throughout the pandemic, Illinois Newsroom has received questions from listeners about whether maximum SNAP benefits will be issued. To find out more about
New Study Reveals Racial Disparities Among Food Insecure Families
The number of families experiencing food insecurity has hit a record due to the pandemic, and Black and Hispanic families are disproportionately…
Local Libraries Reopen After Pandemic-Driven Closures
URBANA – With libraries allowed to reopen under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, both the Champaign Public Library and the Urbana Free Library
C-U Commemorates Juneteenth With Peace Walk, Celebration
CHAMPAIGN – Champaign-Urbana residents celebrated Juneteenth on Friday afternoon with a peaceful march and a small festival in Beardsley Park. Juneteenth is celebrated every year
USDA ‘Lacks Transparency’ In How It’s Distributing Coronavirus Aid
In the past two weeks, the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) has issued about $1.4 billion to agricultural producers to provide a boost…
Peaceful Protest In Champaign Draws Huge Crowd
CHAMPAIGN – Thousands gathered in the streets of downtown Champaign on Saturday afternoon for a peaceful march in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Struggling Rural Grocery Stores Get A Pandemic-Driven Boost
John Paul Coonrod usually recognizes most of his customers. Lately, though, he says there have been a lot of unfamiliar faces at Great Scott! Community…
County Health Officials Worry Meatpacking Plants Are Reopening Too Soon
Meatpacking plants are starting to reopen after President Trump signed an executive order intended to prevent shortages. Now, some county health…
Locally ‘Essential,’ Federally Illegal: How Cannabis Dispensaries Are Handling The Pandemic
Like many small business owners, Amy Manganelli has taken a financial hit since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. So, a few weeks ago, she decided…
C-U Outdoor Farmers Markets Will Open, But With Changes
This weekend marks the opening of Market at the Square, Urbana’s outdoor farmers market held in the Lincoln Square Mall parking lot. Although it will
Farmers Find Help Close To Home As COVID-19 Keeps Some Guest Workers Away
It’s planting season across much of the United States, and for some farmers who rely on foreign guest workers for help in the fields, the pandemic is…
Food Banks Working To Meet Heightened Demand With Less Supply
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more Illinoisans are turning to their local food pantries for help. Meanwhile, with grocery store shelves emptied out and the
Despite COVID-19, Local Farmers Markets Still Plan To Open In May
Despite Governor J.B. Pritzker’s classification of farmers markets as “essential” under his shelter-in-place mandate, the indoor farmers market in downtown Urbana has been closed for
Farmers Who Sell Directly To Consumers ‘Plan For The Worst’ Amid COVID-19
It’s become a common sight at grocery stores across the country: empty shelves , devoid of essential food and household items. Illinois, which is facing…
Corn Growers Struggle Amid Decreased Ethanol Demand
As the price of gasoline plummeted amid COVID-19 restrictions, so has the price of ethanol. And Midwestern corn farmers are beginning to feel the…
Who Can Get Tested For COVID-19 In Champaign County?
With testing kits in short supply, Champaign County health officials are limiting who meets the criteria to get tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by
Farmers Lose Out As Thieves Mistake Hemp for Marijuana
For many farmers, 2019 was the first year of growing hemp, since it became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. In addition to the normal challenges of…
For Many Hemp Farmers, The First Year Was As ‘Bad As It Can Get’
Many farmers are wrapping up a frustrating first year of growing hemp, which was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill . “It’s kind of a good way to start,…
Farmers Are Optimistic About The Economy’s Future
Farmers rounded out the year 2019 generally optimistic about the state of the economy and the future. That’s according to the Ag Economy Barometer, a
More People Returning Christmas Trees To Nature
It’s after Christmas and maybe you’re wondering what to do with the wilting, live tree in your living room. You might think about re-purposing the tree
Dept. of Natural Resources Encourages More Plants At Solar Farms
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging owners of solar energy fields to be more pollinator-friendly. Across the planet, bees and other pollinating insect
Hundreds Discuss Growing Hemp In Illinois
Hundreds of farmers, processors, and researchers gathered at the Illinois state fairgrounds on Tuesday to talk about hemp. It’s been over a year since