US Rep. Davis Supports Cuts to Food Stamp Program
By Sean Powers, with additional reporting from The Associated Press
Republican Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville says he supports cuts to the food stamp program in the new federal farm bill.
Illinois Public Media News
Supreme Court Rules For Monsanto In Case Against Farmer
By Nina Totenberg
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that when farmers use patented seed for more than one planting in violation of their licensing agreements, they are liable for damages.
Categories:
Agriculture,
Law
USDA: Corn Plantings Have Picked Up, But Still Behind
By Jim Suhr
U.S. farmers are making the most of a respite from what has been a wet spring to get their corn crops planted. However, the pace still keeps them well behind schedule.
Congressman Davis Takes on Farm Bill
By Jeff Bossert
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee is expected to start marking up the new Farm Bill on Wednesday. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) is one of the new members of Congress working on the measure.
Big Ag Agrees to Conserve Cropland, But At What Cost?
By Allison Aubrey
Taxpayers help subsidize crop insurance premiums for farmers to the tune of about $9 billion dollars, a figure that's growing each year. These policies protect farmers from major losses, and help support their income even if there's no loss of crops.
Federal Immigration Bill Would Impact Illinois Agriculture
By Sean Powers
The immigration bill that the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to take up on Thursday includes a provision for farmworkers that shortens their waiting period for legal residency.
Bee Deaths May Have Reached a Crisis Point for Crops
By Dan Charles
According to a new survey of America's beekeepers, almost a third of the country's honeybee colonies did not make it through the winter.
Market at the Square Returns Saturday in Urbana
By Sean Powers
Last year’s drought and the later than normal snowfall this season shouldn’t have a huge impact on Urbana’s Market at the Square, which kicks off on Saturday.
Can Salmon Farming Be Sustainable? Maybe, If You Head Inland
By Alastair Bland
Is salmon farming ever sustainable?
Why An Immigration Deal Won’t Solve Farmworker Shortage
By Kirk Siegler
The Salinas Valley in Northern California grows about 80 percent of the country's lettuce, and it takes a lot of people to pick and pack it.