Agribusiness

The DNA of a farmer's daughter

HUME — According to Nashville-based biographer Scot England, Tara Barrett Duzan is one of the “most interesting people.” His fondness for his friend and former co-worker is one of …
Master Gardeners tackle April in Paris among a variety of other volunteer efforts 

Volunteer activities shape gardens

The Edgar County Master Gardeners are busy right now planning for April in Paris, one of their major volunteer efforts each year, as the area’s top horticulture experts.  Master …
Envirothon offers high school students a new approach to learning agriculture

PHS students prep for Envirothon 2024

Paris High School has an Envirothon team that participates in competitions every year. The team is sponsored by the Edgar County Soil and Water Conservation District in Land Use Council 7. Paris …

Expanding beyond the farmer’s market

Farm stands and stores, online sales and cooperatives are several strategies for producers to reach customers beyond farmers markets. Farmers markets can be an ideal jumping-off point for many …
Crop dusters are living their dream

Flying the corn run

Crop dusting is a way of life for many in the Midwest. Pilots from across the country take to the air year-after-year to spray corn and bean fields on what is known in the industry as, the corn run. …
Local farm grows lavender, cultivates serenity and peace

Starks create purple paradise

OAKLAND — Stark Lavender Fields, located in Oakland, is a family-run lavender farm aiming to connect and provide for their community. Ryan Stark and his wife, Niki, tend to nearly 4,500 …

Farm Credit parties for open house

Staff at the new Farm Credit Illinois (FCI) building are ready to show off their state-of-the-art facility to the community. An open house for the 8,500 square foot building at 13447 Il. Hwy. 16 …

New 4-H coordinator begins

Tiffany Cervantes began her duties as the 4-H extension program coordinator Jan. 9. She worked for the Extension office for 10 years prior to this new position. Her duties cover programs and …

Demonstrating sustainability

Agriculture and school have gone hand-in-hand for decades and in 1981 the USDA established Ag in the Classroom. Since then, each state organization addresses agriculture education in a way that best …

Looking ahead

Members of the Edgar County Farm Bureau are optimistic about the organization’s future. The 105th annual meeting Feb. 4 stressed advancements made during 2022 that augur well for this year. …