sustainable agriculture

The Corn Belt Windbreak Project is studying decades-old windbreak trees and shrubs to measure their economic and environmental value. Experts say farmers have been removing them to gain acreage, but that costs them money. Researchers at the University of Illinois will work with farmers to evaluate windbreak impacts on yields, soil, and water quality, and develop strategies to help farmers use them profitably now and in the future

Business and out-of-state ownership of Illinois farmland has surged since 2005, driving up rent prices and limiting conservation practices. Unlike neighboring states, Illinois has no restrictions on corporate land purchases, raising concerns about rising costs, soil health, and long-term food security.

Chemical runoff from Midwest farms pollutes waterways and poisons communities, according to environmental advocates. One Illinois farmer is speaking out about the dilemma he and others face when trying to implement more climate-friendly farming practices.

A bipartisan push in Congress could bring new hope to young farmers in Missouri and beyond. A newly introduced bill would launch a U.S. Department of Agriculture pilot program to help the next generation of producers overcome key barriers such as affording land, accessing capital, and reaching markets.

Farmers face plenty of risk, including the unknowns of weather, global markets and the more predictable expenses of taxes and equipment costs.Federal…

Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for foods they believe were sustainably produced, like free-range chicken, fair-trade coffee and…