Partners: Recent Episodes
Illinois Farm Bureau
Interested in learning more about Illinois farm, family and food related places, events and issues? The state’s largest organization of farmers, Illinois Farm Bureau, provides an in-depth look at these topics through this informative podcast.
It has been a tough weather year for farmers, including those who grow pumpkins, mums and other specialty crops. Still, pumpkin growers such as Gail Sasse with Gail's Pumpkin Patch near Beason, and John Ackerman with Ackerman Family Farms near Morton share what you might expect from a visit. And, Ashley Buzan, perennial expert with Woldhuis Farms, Sunrise Greenhouse near Grant Park, shares how this year's crop of mums have fared and offers some tips on where to plant and help keep them looking good.
Some school districts in Illinois have started to source food for breakfast and lunch meals from local farmers and have resurrected scratch cooking. Connie Crawley, Food Service Director for Lincoln School District 27, shares details on how and why her kitchens have made the transition. Chef Greg Christian, who owns and operates Beyond Green Partners in Chicago, provides details on how he and his company make it happen every day and how they help districts and schools use more locally grown food and reduce waste.
The federally-funded program Eat. Move. Save. provides food aid recipients in Illinois with community-based nutrition education. Individuals and families eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase food have access to information and activities to prevent obesity and reduce the risk of chronic disease. In recent years, the Illinois-based program underwent an evaluation. Hear what's taking place with Trinity Allison, the Senior Program Lead, SNAP Education, University of Illinois Extension, and Daylan Dufelmeier, Director of the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion, who help carry out the program.
You'll discover four dozen or so things to see and do this fall on this Illinois farm northwest of Chicago. Stade's (pronounced STAH-dees) Farm & Market near McHenry is a family affair with you-pick opportunities throughout the growing season and its "Farmtractions" park where you can have even more fun. In this episode, Vern Stade shares what the farm is all about and how you can make the most out of this and other visits to some Illinois farms that welcome visitors.
In the fourth of a series on farm-, family- and food-related places and events to discover, how about a Garage Band Night where you can bounce from garage-to-garage for great music and fun, or a fun run or walk right plus more on the historic, Route 66? Hear from Gina Willenborg and Carrie Copple with Teutopolis for Tomorrow about their town and event, along with Katie Funk and Jeff Hake with CORE McLean who share what's happening there too. Similar to several of the other communities featured in the series, these communities have participated in strategic planning with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University.
On a busy block on North Broadway in Chicago, this growing company takes Illinois soybeans and makes them into a product that has been growing double digits annually for more than a decade. In a follow-up to a Partners podcast and Partners magazine and website stories two years ago, Jenny Yang, owner and operator of Phoenix Bean, which makes tofu and food products that use tofu, discusses her expansion and how she works with Illinois farmers to supply what she needs. Harold Wilken, who farms and operates Janie's Mill an hour-and-a-half south of Chicago, discusses the soybeans he grows for Phoenix Bean and why it's important he knows his customers.
Have you been to your local farmers market lately? Despite some challenges this year posed to farmers, most markets have started to burst with a bevy of fresh, Illinois-grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and more. Hear from some of the farmers who sell at markets, such as Quen Von Bergen, Jennifer Kinney and Joe Wanda in northern Illinois. Janie Maxwell, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association, shares what's new and more too.
In the third of a series on farm- family- and food-related places and events to discover, come with us to the only Illinois county that's a peninsula known for growing peaches and other fruits, vegetables and crops. Debbie Kamp, Calhoun County farmer and owner of Hagen Family Orchard shares peach facts, figures and more. Cory Jobe, president and CEO of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, describes what else you can discover in this scenic and bountiful part of Illinois.
Summer weather extremes can be tough on gardens and yards. Might yours be in need of a rescue? Victoria Thomas, a farmer and horticulturist from southwest Illinois, shares her expertise on a unique set of plants you might want to consider for your garden and/or yard rescue. Jan Phipps, Partners website and magazine gardening writer, also provides some guidance. From her gardens, yard and farm in east-central Illinois, she discusses drought recovery, eco-dormancy, wildlife damage and some of the bizarre things that can happen to gardens and yards during extreme weather.
A survey to gauge the cost of a classic cookout showed slight relief in 2023. Yet some on the front lines of helping to ensure food security say food pantries remain busy. Hear details on the survey from Roger Cryan, Ph.D., Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau. Discover a creative program known as Partners in Produce, that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to several food pantries in Illinois, from MaryBeth Massey, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Program Coordinator in east central Illinois.
In the second part of a series on opportunities for farm- family- and food-related places and events to discover, consider these activities and destinations to put on your travel calendars. Sheila Hoffman, mayor of Durand, Faith Ackerman, president of Durand Charm, LeAnn Clark, president of Durand Area Retailers, Trades and Services (DARTS), and Kelly Giovanine, executive director of Durand Charm, share why their community is special with an event that might be worthy of checking out. Michelle Misfeldt, board secretary of Revitalize Erie, and Danae Wunderlich, events chair of Revitalize Erie, share what’s taking place there and efforts to keep their small Illinois community viable. Both of these communities have been helped by the Western Illinois University-based Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, which strives to breathe new life into small and medium-sized towns, villages and cities across the state.
This dairy power couple answers the question, "What do farmers do in summer" and a whole lot more. Meet Joshua and Emily Reinhardt, who share everything from late night and early morning trips to the barn, milk nutrition, working with family, juggling haying, chopping, mental health and more from the barn office on their Randolph County, Ill. farm.
It's the perfect time of year to find out what you can do to help strengthen the power of pollinators. Find out why and how and about a free event in Chicago with Bona Heinsohn, Director of Government Affairs and Public Relations, Cook County Farm Bureau, and Raelynn Parmely, Environmental Program Manager, Illinois Farm Bureau.
As most Illinois farmers wind down planting, these two start harvesting. The 'Stahlhut girls" of Madison County, Kim Hansen and Kris Straub, grow lavender and open their former pig and dairy farm to the general public. Hear from the two who explain all about growing lavender, why they grow it and what they do with it all.
Fans of locally raised, locally processed meats say you can taste the difference. Tom Eickman with Eickman's Meat Processing in northwest Illinois and Erica Kelsey with Country Home Processing in southeast Illinois explain why and some of the unique things they do and make for you and others to try.
In the first of a series on opportunities for farm- family- and food-related places and events to discover, consider these affordablle activities to possibly put on your travel calendar. Bob Norris helps lead Lincoln Days in western Illinois. Merri Sevey spearheads the new Freedom Fest in northwest Illinois. Both of their communities have been helped by an Illinois-based institute breathing new life into small and medium-sized Illinois towns, villages and cities.
A livestock farmer and an energy expert share their knowledge of great and safe grilling techniques. We talk cuts, foolproof ways to cook, energy use and storage. Hear from Wes Hornback, who with his family raise beef and pork, along with David Rich, Propane Marketing & Technical Services Manager, GROWMARK.
This new garden in suburban Chicago hopes its blooms benefit pollinators and vegetation cleans water from streets, parking lots, yards and fields. Learn what it's about and how you might replicate some or all of it with Beth Gehrke, Elgin area farmer and board member of the Kane County Farm Bureau, and Jonathan Koepke, president of Environmental Consultants and Planners (ENCAP), who helped design the pollinator and rain garden in the shape of Illinois.
What's taking place to have fresh, Illinois-grown-and-raised fruits, vegetables, meats and more available for school children in Illinois schools? Explore with two people helping to lead efforts to make it happen. Gary Cuneen serves as Executive Director for Seven Generations Ahead, and Mike Lewis is a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology.
Flower farming in Illinois continues to bloom, whether fields where you can roam, or on porches, in shops, and full buckets for you to select from at farmers markets. Hear from Kate Danner, Mercer County flower farmer and owner of Dandee Flowers, and Drew Groezinger, Jo Daviess County flower farmer and owner of Clara Joyce Flowers, on how and why they do it and how you can experience what they grow.
What do boots have to do with growing our food, feed for our animals and fuel for our cars and trucks? A lot, says "Farm Boots" book author Lisl Detlefsen, who along with its illustrator, Renee Kurilla, discuss what the book's all about and why you, and especially your children, grandchildren and others, might want to pick up a copy from your favorite bookstore or local library.
Illinois can have some wild and wacky weather. Helping you navigate is Don Meyer, who along with his wife Paula survived a tornado that destroyed much of their farm near Amboy in Lee County, Ill., and Zachary Yack, meteorologist with the National Weather Service serving Chicagoland out of Romeoville, Ill.
Discover an easy way for you and others to see faces, and hear voices of most of the people who own and operate Illinois farms. Lela Fausze, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) with Midwest Dairy, and Heather Dollinger, who farms with her family in northeast Illinois, share why they and others are participating in a statewide effort known as, "We are the 96%."
Three different factors have been driving the supply and cost of eggs in recent months. If you might be thinking of raising chickens yourself, this episode can help you sort out many of the factors to consider whether its right for you and your family. Ken Koelkebeck, Ph.D., University of Illinois poultry specialist, and Katie Bell, local food systems and small farms educator, both with U of I Extension, provide the expertise.
What do GMOs, food and Mexico have in common? Most corn grown in the United States has been improved using biotechnology and the Mexican government has proposed banning some of our corn exports to the country, potentially impacting demand and food security. Sorting the issue out is Lynne Finnerty, agriculture and environment communications director, Biotechnolgy Innovation Organization, and David Salmonsen, a senior director, government affairs, American Farm Bureau Federation.
Discover major findings of a series of surveys taken among 1,000 consumers on how we're coping with food prices, perceptions of the people who produce it, and some of the environmental and other policies that help keep food on our plates. Guests include Brenna Ellison, Ph.D., Associate Professor, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, and Jonathan Coppess, J.D., Associate Professor, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
We change clocks twice a year. Does it affect you? Does it matter to the people who grow our food, and the animals they raise? Explore some history, modern day challenges, the pros and cons of Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time, with Dr. Sabra Abbott, M.D., neurologist and sleep medicine physician, Northwestern Medicine, and Doug Scheider, Stephenson County dairy farmer.
What does it take to restore old buildings, let alone revitalize old main streets across Illinois to make them viable today? Brenda and Scott Haare helped do it with their building in west-central Illinois and have lived to tell about their adventure. Also featured is Chris Merrett, Ph.D., director and professor, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Western Illinois University.
Learn about Frank and Lucy McWorter and the family behind New Philadelphia, the newest unit of the National Park Service, in Illinois. Gerald McWorter, Ph.D., great-great grandson of Frank and Lucy and vice president of the New Philadelphia Association, shares some of his family history and the town's legacy. Heather Feezor, program manager for Looking for Lincoln, describes how the site fits into the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Philip Bradshaw, Pike County farmer, president of the New Philadephia Association, discusses some of the site's historical significance, along with what's to see and do there now and to come.
Want to meet and talk with the farmers who grow or raise what you're buying? Welcome to the Bull Valley Farm Country Store, located in the Chicago suburbs northwest of the city. Chris and Hannah McKee, of Rush-Mar Farms, a few miles away, along with Michele Aavang, who owns Bull Valley Farm and store, share what the new farm-to-table shopping experience is all about, what you might find and why you should consider making a visit.
A couple hundred couples have been through what's called the Strong Couples Project over the past couple years in an attempt to refresh, renew and reconnect relationships. Two partners who have been through the program, Lauren Olson and Joe Viola of Mansfield, Ill., share how they participated and what they experienced. The project's leader, Allen Barton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist in Human Development & Family Studies, University of Illinois (U of I), and Michele Crawford, Community Health Educator, U of I Extension in Cook County, explain how the program works and what it's accomplishing.
Think you can't get fresh greens, fruits, vegetables in Illinois this time of year? Think again. Michael Hatfield, who grows hundreds of pounds of food offers up information on his specialties along with Janie Maxwell, Executive Director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association, who provides details on what you can and where you can find winter freshness in Illinois.
Want to know how some food companies decide what to sell and choices we have in stores? Shedding some light on how, where, what and why they source what they offer - is Mikel Hancock, St. Director of Sustainable Food & Agriculture for Walmart, and Rob Meyers, Vice President, Sustainable Agriculture for PepsiCo.
For several years, some farmers have been advocating for the ability to fix the increasingly complex equipment they use to grow food, animal feed and fuel. Hear why, what's transpired on the issue and what might be in store in the future on the right to repair issue. Those featured include Richard Guebert Jr., Randolph County farmer and president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, Zippy Duvall, Georgia farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and David Gilmore, a senior vice president of Illinois-based John Deere.
They support farmers in your community and the vibrant Illinois farm and food sector at the local level. Listen to five specific examples of award-winning county Farm Bureau programs and why you might want to get more involved. Guests include Jill Frueh, manager of the Bureau County Farm Bureau, Bailey Conrady, assistant manager of the Champaign County Farm Bureau, Ruth Zeldenrust, Chicago Heights farmer and secretary-treasurer of the Cook County Farm Bureau, Rhodora Collins, agriculture literacy coordinator for the DeKalb County Farm Bureau and Mike Swartz, manager of the McLean County Farm Bureau.
The local foods movement in Illinois continues to evolve, with expanding fruit, vegetable and herb availability and variety, new farmers markets and places to experience Illinois agriculture. Randy Graham, a farmer who runs Curtis Orchard and serves as chairman of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA) and Raghela Scavuzzo, ISGA executive director, discuss what's happening in the sector and an opportunity for you, your towns, cities, schools and more to jump on board the local foods movement.
Come with us to count down the top five Partners podcasts according to downloads of 2022. You just might be surprised to find out what interested most subscribers and listeners. Got an idea for one ini 2023? Send it to us at partners@ilfb.org
These two women make ensuring people enjoy and have fun in our state's largest city a priority because it's their job. Joyce Fong and Debbie Sawyer both serve as concierges at major hotels in Chicago and share what you can expect from them and what's worth discovering this time of year and beyond.
These two young men heavily influenced by their fathers share what they're making and/or marketing and rather unconventional ideas for holiday gifts. Both featured on the Partners website and in the winter 2022-23 edition of Partners magazine meet and hear Nicholas Burke of Carbon Forge Design in McLeansboro and Kirk Gregory Jr., with COUNTRY Financial in Chicago.
They have fun with food in classrooms and share how agriculture could lead to great careers too. Meet Eva Manzke, Interventionist at Walker Elementary School in Bedford Park, the newest Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, along with Katrina Milton, Director of Ag Literacy for the Cook County Farm Bureau.
In the 4th part of our 4-part series on local, food-related farms and businesses, discover all you might want to know about saving some money buying meat in bulk. Hear from Brandon Klehm, University of Illinois meat judging coach, Cassie Rae, manager of Farmhouse Meats, and Kristin Huls, beef and dairy farmer.
'Tis the season to gather with family, friends - and maybe those you'd rather not be around or just want to enjoy without squabbles, conflicts, disagreements. Allen Barton, Ph.D., Asst. Professor of Human Development & Family Studies and Extension Specialist, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discusses low- to moderate-grade conflicts and how you might consider handling them during the holiday season.
We all know we're paying more for what's on our holiday tables. Roger Cryan, Chief Economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and Veronica Nigh, Senior Economist for AFBF, help sort out who gets what share, prospects for taming costs, and some ways we, and the people who grow our food, are meeting these challenges.
Meet Sandy and John Brix, whose dog Bernice serves as more than a typical farm dog. John, a retired veterinarian, and Sandy, who helped manage the veterinary practice, have had a lot of dogs, but share why Bernice made a national list of outstanding farm pooches. Cyndie Shearing, a director of communications for the American Farm Bureau, also shares the "People's Choice Pup" roster for 2022 and how you can see them all and vote for your favorite.
They all had the opportunity to do something else than farm, but farming is what they stayed with or came back to do. Ride along with us during harvest, with Earl Williams, who farms near Cherry Valley, Bart Bittner, who farms near Bloomington, and Kim Meier, who farms near the Village of Ridott, as they shed light on the adventures of farming during harvest and more.
Results have been tabulated for favorite farmers markets across the state. Did your favorite make the Top 10 in Illinois list? We share results and hear from two vendors who sell their products at the top two, Mike Biver, Terra Vitae Farms, Woodstock, and Aaron Kinney, Piscasaw Gardens Farm, Harvard, along with managers of the top two markets, Linda Wozniak, Open-Air Farmers Market+ at The Dole, and Kelly Kempf, Woodstock Farmers Market.
Some Illinois farms that welcome visitors now include such things as crop mazes and haunted trails. Hear from John Lyons, which features a "Fear on the Farm" trail at Indian Creek Farmstead, and Jess Podany, with Bomke's Patch and it's "Udderly Amazing" corn maze.
After a first-year pilot program, the farm to food bank effort continues to expand. Farmers Michelle and Wayne Sirles of Rendleman Orchards share why and how they are participating.
Autumn's not only for harvesting but planting as well, in part to protect farmland and water quality, in some cases, from the sky. Hear from Illinois farmer Joe Curless, who also co-owns and operates a flying service, and Laura Christianson, Ph.D., an agricultural and biosystems engineer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Creativity flourishes on some Illinois farms with multiple opportunities for fall fun, from live entertainment, to food trucks, to haunted corn mazes added to traditional things like apple and pumpkin picking. In Part II of our II-part series, Jenny & Scott Schroeder with The Peachbarn Winery & Cafe describe what they have to offer in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest, along with Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard at the opposite end of our state.
Many Illinois farms and orchards welcome you, and in Part I of a II-part series on places to visit, come with us to a farm that grows pumpkins and another with apples. Carolyn Brummel with The Pumpkin Wagon, and Tammy Camp with Camp's Orchard share what you might expect on your visit.
Some Illinois farmers grow mums and know how you can keep them looking great now and maybe have them return for an encore performance next year too. Jenny Matheny, who farms with her family in Fayette County, and Carl Smits, who farms with his family in Cook County, provide all the mumbo-jumbo and more on Illinois-grown mums.
Twice a year and sometimes more, you'll likely encounter big farm machinery on our roads. Two Illinois farmers, Renee Deterding, who farms on the Metro East side of St. Louis, and Andy Yarc, who farms in Chicagoland, share what they encounter. Rodney Knittel, Associate Director of Transportation & Infrastructure, Illinois Farm Bureau, provides additional perspective and tips when you might encounter farmers on the road.
Keep those grills going, especially during tailgate season. A pig farmer and grill master, Eric Bradshaw, shares some of his magic with the grill along with Brandon Klehm, University of Illinois meat expert and instructor of it's two-credit "Grilling & BBQ Science" course.
Tips and tricks on end of summer grilling, things to try in fall along with handy garden tools to use, ways to divide plants and conquer costs. Jodie Shield, registered dietitian and Partners food and recipe writer, along with Jan Phipps, Master Gardener and Partners gardening writer dish with the details.
Only 8% of U.S. farmers fall in the age 35 and under category. Meet two from Illinois, Katie King, who farms near New Berlin in Sangamon County, and Joseph Ring, who farms near Oregon in Ogle County.
What are the prospects for food supplies here in the U.S. and around the world and what might they cost in the near and distant future? Dive deeper into what we might expect with Brian Duncan, farmer and Vice President of Illinois Farm Bureau, veteran farmers Harry and Dennis Alten, and Mike Doherty, Sr. Economist with Illinois Farm Bureau.
Fairs celebrate the bounty from our fields and gardens. The mother of all fairs in Illinois, the state fair, has some new things planned for this year in addition to traditions. Listen in as Rebecca Clark, Manager of the Illinois State Fair, and Raghela Scavuzzo, Executive Director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association provide all the details for the fair that takes place August 11-21 in Springfield.
Anything eating away at your garden, yard or field? Conventionally grown or organic, pesticides remain a reality in modern food production to control pests, diseases and weeds. Take a deep dive on the issue and what you can do to continue to grow yet stay safe. We tap into expertise provided by Zachary Grant, Local Food Systems & Small Farms Educator, University of Illinois Extension, Chris Novak, President & CEO, CropLife America, and Maria Turner, Integrated Pest Management Specialist, University of Illinois Extension.
Who loves corn? Hear from a sweet corn farmer about the crop, what you might pay and best ways to prepare sweet corn, and from another farmer who grows it but also the 99% of the other corn in Illinois farmers grow and where all that goes. Norm Diehl farms in Sangamon County, and Marty Marr farms in Logan, Morgan and Sangamon Counties and serves as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association.
Practical ways exist to save some money at the fuel pump and in your home right now. Explore each with Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, and Stephanie Robinson, Energy Consultant with Ameren Illinois.
Come with us to an urban farm in Chicago where entrepreneurs hope to build a food system easily accessible and affordable to the residents and those that shop at farmers markets in the city. Hear from Stephanie Dunn, Executive Dir., Star Farm Chicago, and Mandy Moody, Executive Dir. of Green City Market, held in two Chicago neighborhoods.
In part II of our series, come with us as we go behind the numbers of what a cookout and other meals now cost and some strategies to manage them and maybe even increase your personal income. Guests include Roger Cryan, Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Veronica Nigh, AFBF Senior Economist, and Scott Jensen, Lead Financial Planner, Advanced Markets Team at COUNTRY Financial.
In the first of a two-part series on overcoming inflation, the episode zeroes in on strategies for food, with Kathy Sweedler, Consumer Economist, University of Illinois Extension, and Beth Peralta, Sr. Mgr. Digital Nutrition Education, University of Illinois Extension, both in Urbana-Champaign.
We talk efforts taking place throughout Illinois to protect pollinators and explore ways to track and help them proliferate across the state. Hear from Andre Copeland, Interpretive Programs Manager, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, and Raelynn Parmely, Environmental Program Manager, Illinois Farm Bureau.
It's street festival time in Chicago. In addition to great food and entertainment, you'll find some Illinois farmers too at the annual Taste of Randolph Street in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Find out why they'll be there and details on what this "taste" has to offer, with business owner Katalin Rodriguez-Ogren, board member, West Loop Community Organization, and Gracie Pierson, Illinois Farm Families Coalition and Illinois Farm Bureau.
These young Illinois farmers share why they remain passionate about producing this superfood. Hear from farmer Leanne Casner, author of "Daily Dose of Dairy" on social media, along with farmers Sarah and Andy Lenkaitis, who let robots do some of the work on their farm.
It's the first of its kind in some 40 years, chock full of photos from these colorful creatures from all over Illinois. Brian Metzke, State Aquatic Ecologist, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Chris Taylor, Aquatic Biologist, Curator of Fishes and Crustaceans, Illinois Natural History Survey/Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, provide all of the fishy details.
Plan now to read about, take a trip and pick Illinois-grown strawberries. This episode features strawberry farmer Melvin Repscher, who grows acres of them near Taylorville, and Shannon Anderson, author of the new book, "I Love Strawberries," for youngsters and the young at heart.
In the second part of our two-part series on an Illinois-based food company, find out about how two Fortune 500 companies want to partner with some Illinois and other farmers to increase climate-smart farming. You’ll hear from Andrew Utterback, Sr. Mgr. of Sustainability for Chicago-area based Ingredion, and Margaret Henry, Sr. Dir. of Sustainable Agriculture with a company that sells sodas, juices, breakfast cereals, couscous, quinoa and more.
In the first of a two-part series, this episode explores an Illinois food company with a farmer that grows for it, a teacher that explores about it with her students, and a representative of the company that has called Illinois home for more than a century. Hear from Joe White, Elburn farmer and president of the Kane County Farm Bureau, Andrew Utterback, Sr. Mgr., Sustainability for Ingredion and Eva Manzke, Teacher, Walker Elementary in Bedford Park.
In the 1st of a 4-part continuing series, we focus on Illinois-grown, Illinois-made food and the communities and neighborhoods they call home and serve. Part I features Ill. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton; Ill. Dept. of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II; Michael Turley, Bond County farmer at Rolling Lawns Farm and owner of The Milk House in Greenville; Karen Sisulak, special events and marketing specialist, Harvest Market in Springfield.
87, 88, 89, 93, B11, B20, E-15, E-85 - so many choices at fuel pumps these days. How do you know what to select? In this episode, we sort them all out with Robert White, vice-president, industry relations, Renewable Fuels Association, and Ron Kindred, Illinois farmer and vice-chair, Illinois Soybean Association.
Eden Place Farms on Chicago's South Side grows fresh produce along with a heaping helping of hope for residents of its Fuller Park neighborhood. Hear from Michael and Amelia Howard about the crops and partnerships they've grown over several decades.
A new federal panel hopes to shed greater light on the growing interest in producing more food in cities and suburbs. Hear about what's taking place and what could in the future, with Angela Mason, Chicago Botanic Garden and member of the USDA Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production, and Ivan Dozier, Illinois State Office, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, which oversees current USDA efforts to support urban agriculture in Illinois.
Another step toward increasing access to fresh fruits, vegetables and more at food pantries across Illinois kicks off soon. Hear what it's all about from Steve Ericson, Executive Director of Feeding Illinois, and Matt Klein, Kane County farmer and Farm to Food Bank participant.
This spring gardening preview features Jan Phipps, Partners gardening writer, and Candice Hart, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener specialist, on what you need to do to get growing and become a Master Gardener.
As the seasons change and we recognize National Agriculture Day, two Illinois farmers reflect on current times and challenges they face during one of the busiest periods of the year on Illinois farms. Hear from Richard Guebert Jr., president of the Illinois Farm Bureau and a Randolph County farmer, and Cheryl Walsh, "The Pig Lady" featured in the spring edition of Partners magazine, and vice-president/treasurer of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.
Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time, which do you prefer? Illinois-native Jeff Jenkins, Ph.D. , University of Southern California, and Thomas Gray, Ph.D., University of Texas-Dallas, have conducted research on time change. In this episode, they help sort out the pros, cons, twists, turns as we continue the biannual ritual of springing forward and falling back.
It's that time of year to prepare for more wacky weather as peak season for severe events is upon us. Brian VanVickle, sheriff of Ogle County, shares his personal story surrounding the April 2017 tornado that tore through his community, and Chris Yates, chief meteorologist with WMBD-TV offers some advice on hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
Check out these food options for what remains of winter, start spring in a healthful way and discover a unique way to wrap them all up. Jodie Shield, a registered dietitian and Partners food and recipe author, along with Colleen Flinn, who owns and runs Nothing Fancy Supply - an all natural food wrap maker - help us out with the change of seasons.
Head with us to a different part of Illinois, where a community winter farmers market breathes new life into an available, heated space. Plus, learn how winter farmers markets fit in with Live Local, Shop Local in Illinois and what things such as high tunnels, low tunnels and cold weather crops do to keep fresh vegetables coming. This episode features Karen Jensen-Britton, Manager of the Carbondale, Ill. farmers market, and Raghela Scavuzzo, Associate Dir. of Food Systems Development, Illinois Farm Bureau.
How do you find local, farmers-market quality fruits and vegetables this time of year? Go to one or more of the growing indoor, winter farmers markets. In the first of a two-part series, hear from Nilda Esparza, market manager of the Logan Square Farmers Market in Chicago, and one of its farmer-vendors, Kyle Jacobson, with Jacobson Family Farms.
Did you notice a new label showing up on some food? Hear from Leia Flure, RN, LDN, University of Illinois Extension, known as the "Moderation Maven," explain what they do and don't mean. Sarah Gallo, Vice President of Agriculture and Environment, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), provides an update on the technology behind the acronyms BE, GE and GMO.
Artificial intelligence has made its way into agriculture too, and this Ph.D. candidate wants us to know what it might mean when it comes to what is grown, who grows it, and how we grow our food. Explore the topic with Monica Sziron, a doctoral candidate at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Frigid temperatures merit a watchful eye on farm animals to ensure they receive the care they need to survive and thrive. Hear what's required, and what options exist from Tasha Bunting, a livestock farmer who also serves as Asst. Dir. of Commodities & Livestock Programs, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Sarah Ison, Ph.D., also a livestock farmer who sells her family's beef, pork and poultry online.
What does it mean to be sustainable, it's impact on climate, and what are the farming and food sectors doing to make it happen? From the 103rd convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation, hear from Roxi Beck, Dir. of Consumer Engagement, Center for Food Integrity; Jennifer Crall, Global Head Partnerships, Bayer Crop Science; Callie Eideberg, Dir. of Govt. Relations, Environmental Defense Fund; Wayne Gehrke, Illinois farmer; Jon Iverson, Oregon farmer; and Justin Ransom, Sr. Dir., Sustainable Food Strategy, Tyson Foods.
After three decades of creating custom ice creams and other dairy products, Prairie Farms Chef Rob Lagerlof hangs up his scoop and other test kitchen gadgets and will be off soon to Iceland. Find out why.
The Top 5 Partners podcasts of 2021 feature many diverse farm, family and food-related places, events and people across the state but they all share one thing in common. Each tells a story of Illinois farmers and about the food, feed and/or fuel they raise. Count them down with us.
New traditions and old abound will greet you with a visit to Chicago and in particular, The Loop, which includes State St., Millennium Park and more. Michael Edwards, president and CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance, and Nancy Villafranca-Guzman, deputy commissioner of programing, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, share what you can expect yet this year and next.
The world's largest museum has a traveling exhibit on tour in Illinois, and you can see it now and into the new year. Explaining Voices and Votes: Democracy in America includes Matt Meacham, program manager, statewide engagement, Illinois Humanities; Bobbi Perryman, executive dir., Vespasian Warner Public Library in Clinton; Dave Blanchette, bd. chairman, Jacksonville Area Museum.
The most populous county in Illinois also includes a thriving food and farming sector. Cook County Farm Bureau president Janet McCabe, a farmer from Orland Park, and Ruth Zeldenrust, the organization's secretary-treasurer and farmer from Chicago Heights, share some of their farming adventures in county with more than five million people.
There's a green, winter blanket appearing in some farm fields across Illinois this time of year. Illinois farmers Clint Robinson and Lucas Roney share what's green before farm fields might soon turn white and what - what's out there - do for them, and us.
These two sisters help run one of the last remaining family-owned turkey farms in the nation that raise, process and sell turkeys right from their farm. Kayla and Nicole Kauffman share everything you might want to know about raising this holiday favorite.
Go behind the headlines and take a deeper dive into Thanksgiving meal costs and other items like ingredient availability, how to defrost, menu options, leftovers, and ways to avoid a big binge. Veronica Nigh, senior economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, Nick Fitch, supermarket director, Steve Promenschenkel, chef and Brook Rush, registered dietitian, all with Hyvee.
Like a modern-day barn-raising, community harvests bring the farming community together to lend a hand for those in need. Come inside this community harvest and hear why some Illinois farmers organized it, what took place, and from the farm family that welcomed friends and others from two states to help them wrap up harvest.
An area representing one-third of the value of food produced in the United States remains mired in drought, including a stubborn area of Illinois that has pulled through with some surprising results this growing season. Hear from farmers Julie and Marshall Newhouse, along with Brad Pugh, meteorologist with the Climate Prediction Center in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Many farmers and other vendors have capacity to store or can still grow and offer locally-grown fruits, vegetables and other products at indoor farmers markets. Hear how and what you might expect from Raghela Scavuzzo, the Assoc. Dir. of Food Systems Development for Illinois Farm Bureau. Two farmers market-vendors, Carolyn Waldee, and Valeriy Bianco, share how they'll juggle cheeses and mushrooms along with others, indoors.
Involved in one of the most dangerous and risky of all businesses, those that produce food use some innovative ways to manage both successfully. Jeff Kirwan, a farmer from western Illinois, shares what he's dealt with in recent years and how he manages. Doug Yoder, crop agency manager with COUNTRY Financial, provides details on how one tool to manage risk has evolved and how it works.
Built by a Chicago grain merchant, this historic site and non-profit arts park now hosts a farmers market, fast proving the place to be each Sunday in the Chicago suburbs. Volunteer Sharon LeCoque, and farmers and market vendors Mike Biver with Terra Vitae Farms, and Colin Raclawski with Von Bergen's Country Market, share what it's all about.
With harvest in full-swing, Marty and Andy Dole take you to one of their farm fields and inside their combine as they harvest this year's crops. Marty shares what's taking place, and Andy how he has built an audience for his farming adventures online.
More Illinois farmers have started selling products they raise and grow directly to you, many right from their Illinois farms. Hear from three that do so, Wanda Farm, Hephzibah Farms, Inc., and Cody’s Farm & Orchard, and about an event that allowed visitors to learn about what they, and several other Illinois farmers have to offer directly to you.
To clean or not to clean, should you soil test, how to put tree leaves to work for you and more. Hear from Jan Phipps, Partners gardening writer, and Duane Friend, a University of Illinois Environment & Energy Stewardship Extension Educator, on what you might consider to keep your gardens and lawns growing and flourishing in the future.
Take a deeper dive into the cost and availability of what's in our current and future salad bowls. Bob Young, president of Agricultural Prospects and former chief economist with the American Farm Bureau sorts it out, and Jamie Johansson, California farmer and president of the California Farm Bureau who has details on the drought and wildfires impacting what some call our nation's salad bowl.
In addition to harvesting crops, these Illinois farmers have a wedding and new child arrival plans this fall. Iroquois County farmer Krista Lottinville and Gallatin County farmer Blake Luckett share details on this year's crops and how they'll juggle family and other changes on their farms.
In Part II of a two-part series on autumn adventures in Illinois, find out what’s new with fall-favorite chrysanthemums, how to care for them, keep them coming back, Mumfest and more with farmers Greg and Mariah Anderson.
In Part I of a two-part series on autumn adventures in Illinois, learn what's new on this Illinois apple orchard and some others this fall. Raoul, Jodie and Brandon Bergersen, a family-run orchard growing apples and several different fruits.
Small, medium, large, whatever the size of animals, significant demand exists for doctors of veterinary medicine or DVMs. Dr. James Lowe, an educator, adviser, researcher, farmer and associate professor at the University of Illinois (U of I), Sydney Leib, a second-year student in the U of I College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Chelsea Ballinger, a vet-med school graduate who has established a mobile veterinary practice all share what it takes, costs, and more.
What’s your favorite fair food? Three of the largest fairs in Illinois have returned this year, and offer the conventional, unusual and healthy options. Hear from Partners Prairie State Perspective author Joanie Stiers on her family’s take, and from Raghela Scavuzzo, executive director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, on how this group offers fresh, locally-grown food and more at the Illinois State Fair.
What EF means when it comes to tornadoes, longer seasons, what’s a snow drought; in part II of our two-part series on weather and climate, National Weather Service-Chicago Meteorologist Rafal Ogorek, and State Climatologist Trent Ford discuss our roller-coaster weather year thus far, the numbers they collect and look at and weather and climate research taking place.
The National Weather Service (NWS) plans some changes when it comes to weather advisories. An assessment of what climate change means to Illinois recently received an update. In the first of a two-part series, find out what both mean to you, with NWS Meteorologist Rafal Ogorek, and Illinois State Climatologist, Trent Ford, Ph.D.
Opportunities abound to explore the heritage behind the food we and the farms that grew and grow it. In this episode, learn about the American Farm Heritage Museum and the historic Marbold Farmstead, both in Illinois with regular hours and special events.
What's in season, and what are some great ways to prepare fresh Illinois-grown fruits and vegetables? University of Illinois Extension Educator Elizabeth Wahle, Ph.D., shares what's coming from the fields, and Partners food writer Jodie Shield shares four quick ways to put them to work.
As we enter peak fresh fruits and vegetables season, how can we be ensured what we select, prepare and eat remains clean and safe to eat? Raghela Scavuzzo, Associate Director of Food Systems Development for the Illinois Farm Bureau, and Brenda Foos, director of the federal USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services Monitoring Programs Division, share what’s taking place to ensure food safety and offer tips on common sense food preparation practices.
Take a closer look at what’s driving the supplies and costs of some favorite foods that make up the classic American cookout with Veronica Nigh, acting chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, and Lynn Martz, a Dekalb County crops and livestock farmer.
Partners gardening writer and master gardener Jan Phipps shares what you might want to watch for and do now to keep you gardens growing and producing. Olga Arias, president of the Rainbow Beach Community Garden, the oldest in the Chicago Park District community garden system, describes how their plots are proceeding, a new Cookfresh® grant recently secured from Cook County Farm Bureau, and what it’s like to garden next to the second largest Great Lake.
One of the first coast-to-coast highways to accommodate automobiles takes a scenic and historic route through Illinois. Kay Shelton Kozak, national president and Illinois chapter state director of the Lincoln Highway Association, shares what you’ll experience on the road across Illinois. Jodie Binkley, co-owner of Harner’s Bakeries and Restaurant, shares why you might want to put one of its locations on your list of places to stop during your Illinois Lincoln Highway adventure.
With three young children and twins on the way, this farm family didn’t quite know what the future held when their barn burned three years ago. Illinois farmers David and Katie Vanderstappen share their story on why they were determined to rebuild and what had to take place to be able to welcome their dairy cows back to the home farm.
Shocked about some of the prices you’re paying? The former chief economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, Bob Young, examines what we’re paying now and what we might pay in the weeks and months ahead. He’s joined by farmer Brian Duncan, vice president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, who provides some perspective on factors impacting what he and other farmers grow and produce for our plates.
Popularity of locally-grown, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and more trended upward even before the pandemic. Find out how farmer Natasha Lewis has kept up with demand from her family’s Big Rock Organics farm in northeast Illinois, along with Cassie Rae, general manager of Farmhouse Meat Company in western Illinois, who talks how to go whole-hog or whole-cow.
USDA figures show women make up almost 25% of those who qualify as “farmers” in Illinois. Flower, fruit and vegetable farmer Jenny Kinney counts as one, and she, along with spouse Aaron and their nine children have made their growing business, like many Illinois farms, a family affair. Hear about what they grow, where they sell, and how they do it.
In the second part of our two-part series, what you might expect when you visit Illinois farms to pick fresh fruits and vegetables this year. Raghela Scavuzzo with Illinois Farm Bureau explains what’s available now. Illinois farmers Greg McLaughlin, Chris Eckert along with Amy and Michael Harris share you-pick protocols and why you and your family should come out to their farms.
Picking season in some parts of Illinois has begun as some perennial and so-called cold-season crops have matured enough for us to enjoy. In the first of a two-part series, hear from Amy and Michael Harris of Rising Sun Family Farm, Chris Eckert of Eckert’s, about the fruit and vegetable growing season thus far, along with Raghela Scavuzzo, associate director of food systems development for the Illinois Farm Bureau, on what you might expect when visiting you-pick farms and farmers markets this year.
There’s nothing quite like the taste of real butter. What’s it like producing the milk that’s turned into butter – and some of the science behind this dairy food? Come with us to Don and Rita Mackinson’s Illinois dairy farm and hear from the so-called, “fat guy,” Adam Lock, Ph.D., of Michigan State University, for a taste of dairy farming and butter.
Additional learning programs to help meet demand for locally-grown food and places to experience the farming sector continue to increase in Illinois. Find out how and why with Sheri Doyel, director of the Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College (MCC), Jenny Kinney, a local farmer among a group helping to advise the program, and MCC students Israel Sandoval, Amanda Story, and Kitt Garmisch.
Illinois farmers Jenny Mennenga and David Wessel share why they plant what they do, what goes into how they decide what to plant, how it impacts our environment, and other variables and adventures taking place on many farms each spring across Illinois.
In addition to humans, Renold Bleem added animals to his chiropractic practice. Hear why, what results, how it changed him, his wife Melanie, their family and his practice.
A national forest, multitude of state parks, wine trail, world’s largest attractions, fire breathing dragon, and best of all, warmer climes and closer by, consider exploring southern Illinois. Illinois South Tourism’s Andy Waterman and Southernmost Illinois Tourism’s Carol Hoffman share what’s especially unique at this time of year.
Many of us reconnected with or increased our appetites for fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables and other home-grown products last year, which, along with public health measures, required many farmers, farmers markets and you to adjust. With a preview of what we might expect in 2021, hear from Jenny Kinney, president of the Illinois Vegetable Growers Association, who farms with her family on Piscasaw Gardens Farms, and Janie Maxwell, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association.
Come with us to an Illinois maple farm to explore sap harvest for syrup along with exploring the craze for this special kind of yogurt made with milk from Illinois dairy farms. Mike Funk with Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, along with Jodie Shield, R.D., and Partners food writer explore these two home-grown, tasty ingredients.
Home cooking has taken on some new dimensions for many of us over the last year. Whether you live in the city, suburbs or country, hear from This Farm Girl Cooks food blogger Deanne Frieders, who has a husband, four children, substitute teaching, a crop plus cattle farm and cooking up a storm all on her life’s plate.
We have more options than ever, most which are grown, raised or made in Illinois. Mark Messina, Ph.D., Soy Nutrition Institute, Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., Myriah Johnson, Ph.D., both with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Tasha Bunting, Illinois Farm Bureau, provide perspectives to help you make educated and tasty choices.
The federal government recently released figures on greenhouse gas emissions, while at nearly the same time, a coalition of food and farm sector groups and companies offered up some ideas on ways to spur further progress on climate-related issues by the U.S. agriculture sector. Erin Fitzgerald, CEO of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action, and John Newton, Ph.D., chief economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, sort out numbers and discuss possible ways ‘green’ options could take place in the future for additional progress.
Extreme weather can result in some long days and nights for farmers raising animals. Hear how evolving technology helps keep the animals they raise well and growing with pig farmer Thomas Titus, dairy farmer Sarah Lenkaitis, and sheep farmer Brad Temple.
These are busy days and weeks for flower farmers. They share how to keep your bouquets looking great longer, what to expect this year when it comes to floral prices, more on bouquet subscriptions, floral designer trends, what happened to flower fragrance, and how to get the best deal. Sharing their expertise is Candice Hart, owner of Pollen & Pastry and President of the Illinois State Florists’ Association, and Stacey Shanks, owner of Locust Creek Flower Farm.
Illinois communities and businesses such as restaurants have adopted innovative ways to connect with you, like as offering new ways to buy groceries, creating bonfire brunches and other outdoor eating events, even songwriting contests. It’s been a tough year for a sector that at one time, supplied half or more of our meals. Hudson Riehle with the National Restaurant Association and Neil Russell with Sysco share statistics on the impact the pandemic has had on restaurants. Nick Povalitis, with the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, shares what’s taking place in this Illinois community and one of its restaurants, featured in a recent edition of Partners magazine.
Cure winter and quarantine boredom by planning your new vegetable and flower gardens. Partners gardening writer and Illinois Master Gardener Jan Phipps, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Kelly Allsup, and Extension Local Foods & Small Farms Educator Nicholas Frillman, fill you in on key things to get you off to a good start.
Hear from Partners magazine food writer, Jodie Shield, RD, and Jenny Yang, who owns and operates Phoenix Bean in Chicago, on all things you might want to know about tofu. Shield provides details on how to warm up with this tasty protein, and Yang shares specifics on where she sources her soybeans, how tofu is made, and where you can find it in Illinois.
Some farmers and groups that represent them welcomed the opportunity to host the creative forces behind a fast-food chain’s advertising campaign that questioned food production’s impact on climate change. Hear what transpired and resulted from Michelle Miller, known as the Farm Babe on social media, and Fernando Machado, chief marketing officer for Restaurant Brands International, which owns and operates Burger King.
Might you, your spouse or partner be looking to strengthen or maybe salvage your relationship? A program exists right here in Illinois, it’s free, and you can participate right in your own home. Find out about Illinois Strong Couples with Allen Barton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, University of Illinois; Karla Belzer and Tessa Hobbs-Curley, University of Illinois Extension Family Life Educators. They help implement this new, statewide relationship education program.
What do farmers markets, snowmobiling, sharing the road, young and new people growing our food all have in common? They represent Illinois farm, family and food-related places, events and issues-related topics featured among the Top 5 Partners podcasts over the last year based on downloads. Rewind – and unwind with us once more in this episode.
What gadgets did we buy this year? What mood foods did we try out? Have our attitudes toward food availability changed? Hear from Susan Schwallie, executive director for food and beverage consumption, NPD Group, Kevin Ryan, Ph.D., founder, CEO of Malachite Strategy & Research, and Brian Duncan, farmer, vice-president, Illinois Farm Bureau.
What do health tests and vaccines have to do with growing food? Both have benefited from science that has helped lead to COVID-19 tests and vaccines and potentially more climate-smart, nutritious foods and other products. Fan-Li Chou, vice president, scientific affairs and policy for the American Seed Trade Association, and Clint Nesbitt, senior director, science and regulatory affairs for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, shed some light on the topic.
Whether you’re still on the hunt to cut your own real Christmas tree or find a precut one at an Illinois tree farm or nursery, there are some simple things you can do to keep it looking great for weeks. Hear from Illinois Christmas tree farmer Janie Dollinger, and University of Illinois Extension Educator Ryan Pankau, a forester and arborist, on this year’s tree market, tips you can use, and even where you might find a recipe for hot, holiday apple cider.
Rivers, rails, unrivaled interstates and international air hubs at both ends help make Illinois a prime location to supply all kinds of food to all kinds of places across the state, country and world. Throw in some of the best land to grow food and farmers that grow it and some say it’s the food capital of the country. Hear from Tom Welge, whose Illinois-based food company employs more than 3,000 people, and Tyler Strom, managing director of the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance, to see how the state’s food sector has weathered the pandemic storm and where it might be going.
Yes, you, your family and friends do have several options to get out and have some fun this holiday season while staying safe. Discover details on a Chicagoland arboretum featuring multi-colored trees and landscapes, a north-central Illinois town with its light-filled park lanes, and dozens of other light shows, Christmas tree farms and even drive-in movie theaters hosting holiday movie marathons worthy of your visits. Hear from Morton Arboretum’s Tari Marshall, LaSalle Mayor Jeff Grove, and IllinoiSouth Tourism’s Andy Waterman.
Come with us for a visit to this family farm preparing to welcome customers to pick up their fresh, farm-raised turkeys. John and Kiersten Schoen of Red Barn Farm Meats share their turkey and other meat-raising and selling adventures, and John Newton, chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talks turkey and other food prices, supply and availability.
Some young Illinois farmers share what they’re trying to do to help replenish the resources of Illinois food banks and pantries. Knox County farmer Drew DeSutter and Winnebago County farmer Aaron Mitchell join the Executive Director of Feeding Illinois, Steve Ericson in discussing efforts to help keep all Illinoisans well-nourished in the weeks and months ahead.
They had to make major adjustments, but many Illinois farmers markets that have a winter season will be open for business. If you aren’t already, hear why you might want to find and visit one, with Janie Maxwell, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association, and Kayla Graven, manager of the Old Capitol Farmers Market.
What makes an outstanding farm dog and what exactly do they do? Meet Rayne, an award-winning Illinois dog that serves Illinois farmers Julie and Terry Willis well on their farm. Hear from Julie Willis and from the dog’s trainer, Lori Swanson about all of Rayne’s adventures and why she’s an important partner on this Illinois farm.
It’s time to harvest Illinois horseradish, where farmers grow the most in the United States. Farmer Barry McMillin shares why he grow’s it, distributor Dennis Diekemper explains what his company does with it, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale’s Alan Walters, Ph.D., explains why you should consider eating this power-packed, home-grown herb.
Hundreds of accidents take place every year in our state as a result of mishaps between motorists and farm machinery. Illinois farmers Dan Ziller and John Kiefner, both who farm in counties surrounding Chicago, share some of their experiences as they try to transport their farm vehicles, and offer some suggestions on how you and others can help them by sharing the road, especially at this important time of the year.
Come with us into the fields and learn how this year's crops fared as they are being harvested. Join Illinois farmers Joanie Stiers and Dave Kestel as they reflect on how harvest is progressing during a most unusual year.
For farmers that jumped into cannabis production in recent years, it’s that time of year to harvest this year's crop as well. Hear from pioneering Illinois farmer Andy Huston; the director of the alternative crops research program in the School of Agriculture at Western Illinois University, Win Phippen; the new manager of the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Cannabis Division, David Lakeman; and a commercial agriculture educator for University of Illinois Agriculture Extension, Phillip Alberti, on the twists and turns this new industry continues to take in Illinois.
Hear from a farm involved in and the leader behind this statewide effort that promotes fresh, locally-grown food. Leslie Cooperband, who co-manages Prairie Fruits Farms & Creamery, and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton share some of what has resulted, and what might be in store for Cultivating Our Communities.
Most orchards, pumpkin patches and even some haunted corn mazes welcome your fresh-air visits this fall. Hear from Austin Flamm about his family’s fruits and cream store and Partners food author Jodie Shield on how to put fresh Illinois fruits and vegetables to healthier work for you and your family.
Trees, vines, plants, and crops need food too, yet how can farmers maximize organic and inorganic fertilizer use and help ensure it stays in place? Hear from farm family members Mark, Jenny and Caiden Litteken, along with Andrew Margenot, Ph.D., about what they continue to learn about good farm stewardship.
When Brad Riskedal fires up his equipment to harvest crops, Joyce Riskedal fires up her candle-making business that uses some of what their Illinois farm fields grow. Meet this Illinois farm family that has many different business ventures taking place in its fifth generation of existence.
This first-generation, Illinois farm family shares their adventures in apprenticing, enduring trial and error and why they moved into Illinois to do what they love to do. Meet Nathan and Talina Ryder, along with author Celeste Huttes, who covered the story for Partners magazine.
A flurry of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables now fill farmers markets across Illinois. More and more now stay open all year. Find out what many of the farmers markets and the farmers that sell at them have done to keep the food healthy and your visits safe, with Janie Maxwell, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association.
Farm families often deal with things such as isolation, close proximity to family, and things like weather that can change their business in a split second. What can the rest of us learn? Thirtysomething farmers Drew and Adrienne DeSutter share their experiences, outlook and words of encouragement.
Learn how one small, Illinois community has made fresh, local food available once again and has created excitement among its residents that they hope spreads. Beef farmer Shaun Tyson with the new Market on the Hill and Kyle Reed, who manages Hilltop Community Gardens that supplies the market share the enthusiasm from the central-most point in Illinois.
This episode examines how the Illinois and the rest of the U.S. farming and food sector has recovered as a result of the COVID-19 shock, and what we might expect when it comes to full or empty shelves, what food might cost, what has gone up, what went down. Hear from Ogle County farmer Brian Duncan, vice-president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, and John Newton, who crunches the numbers as chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Want to get outside to pick some fresh fruits and vegetables this summer and fall? Illinois farmers that welcome you and other visitors to pick have made adjustments to help ensure your Illinois farm experience remains fun, healthy and safe. Hear from Stephen and Lugene Miller, orchardists who run Liberty Apple Orchard, and Chris Eckert, who leads his family’s pick-your-own farms, on what you might expect when you visit these and other Illinois farms in the months ahead.
This episode examines what we’re doing differently when it comes to buying, cooking, eating and more with food as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and what might be ahead when it comes to availability, convenience, price and other factors. Hear from foodies such as Susan Schwallie, executive director of food and beverage for the NPD Group, Kevin Ryan, founder of Malachite Strategy & Research, John Dick, founder and CEO of CivicScience, and Jayson Lusk, leader of the agricultural economics department at Purdue University.
These Illinois farmers pride themselves on having some of the first, fresh, Illinois-grown sweet corn in the state. Meet Keith and Denise Boggio, who share how this year’s sweet corn crop and other fresh, locally-grown vegetables and fruits are coming along.
Some new things are growing at this food and farming exhibit at a major Midwest science center within easy driving distance. Explore what’s new with Maddie Earnest, manager of the GROW exhibit at the St. Louis Science Center.
Yes, you can take this course at one of the biggest universities in our state! Hear from its instructor, meat scientist Brandon Klehm, along with Partners magazine food writer and registered dietitian Jodie Shield, who highlights recipes for such things as grilled salad, grilled pizza and yes, grilled banana splits.
Venture south with us to learn why an Alexander County farmer has seen sales of his gourmet, high-protein rice soar, and hear from a Wayne County farmer that recently received national recognition for her family’s thriving fruit and vegetable business. This episode features Partners magazine writer Kim Hill, Cahokia Rice grower Blake Gerard, and Frey Farms founder and Women in Produce award recipient, Sarah Frey.
Hear how this organization in our state’s most-populated county helps urban farms and community gardens flourish. The episode features Tucker Kelly, lead grower for Growing Solutions Farm on Chicago’s west side, Gerry Kopping, who farms in Cook County, and Debbie Voltz, who helps manage member engagement, commodities and marketing programs for the Cook County Farm Bureau.
If you’re giving serious thought to purchasing fresh, Illinois-produced meat in bulk, you’ll want to hear from Bethany Petentler, a worker at a western Illinois custom slaughter and meat processor, and University of Illinois meat expert Brandon Klehm. Author Joanie Stiers, who wrote the story in the summer edition of Partners magazine, shares what she learned too.
Meet Partners magazine Prairie State Perspective columnist Joanie Stiers who shares her take on the county 4-H fair experience along with University of Illinois 4-H Director Lisa Diaz, Ph.D, on how county 4-H shows, exhibitions and fairs may change in 2020.
Trying times require creative ways to solve local challenges, especially in recent months. Hear from these county Farm Bureau leaders that outline specific examples of what they’ve been doing to keep food moving where it needs to be, while at the same time, supporting local farmers, businesses and engaging you and other members as we collectively flatten the COVID-19 curve. Guests include Richland County farmer Joel Gardner, Adams County farmer Ben Hugenberg, Carroll County Farm Bureau manager Chas Welch, and Richland County Farm Bureau manager Kenzie Zwilling.
Slim pickings in the meat case or other sections of the grocery have some thinking about raising their own poultry and livestock. Hear from Illinois farmer Joel Reedy, who raises crops and beef, Purdue University food and agricultural economist Jayson Lusk, and University of Illinois Extension educator Teresa Steckler for perspectives on keeping grocery shelves well stocked, what you need to consider if you want to raise your own meat, and how progress is going for Illinois farmers in planting this year’s crops.
A third of Illinoisans lived in rural areas when our last major pandemic hit. Listen to John Gooding, an Illinois farmer, share how his family lost several members to the Spanish Flu a century ago, and to some comparisons and differences explained by Dr. Sana Waqar, M.D., infectious diseases physician with Southern Illinois University Medicine in Springfield.
An Illinois farmer that raises pigs and cattle along with a veteran food and consumer analyst sort out the issues that will determine whether or not we continue to enjoy meat on our plates as usual, or if it might go the way of toilet paper aisle in grocery stores. Polo farmer Brian Duncan, who also serves as vice president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, and Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, discuss challenges facing livestock farmers, meat processors and other sectors of our food system as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
A group of Illinois young farmers and agriculture professionals stepped up and raised funds to help replenish Illinois food banks and pantries. Listen in on Aaron Mitchell, a 28-year old farmer who serves on Illinois Farm Bureau’s (IFB) Young Leader Committee, Steve Ericson, executive director of Feeding Illinois, and Raghela Scavuzzo, IFB’s director of food systems development, as they share thoughts on food availability, efforts to replenish pantry shelves, and the short and long-term future of the food and farming sector as we battle COVID-19.
Find out how some Illinois farmers have changed to meet demand for food while at the same time, ensuring the safety of their workers and the food well all want and eat. Hear from Raghela Scavuzzo, director of food systems development for the Illinois Farm Bureau, Zachary Grant, local food systems and small farms educator with University of Illinois Extension, and Michelle Sirles, whose family operates Rendleman Orchards near Carbondale.
Stay healthy by ensuring these four superfoods, easily grown here in Illinois, are on your menu and in your garden. Partners food writer Jodie Shield, a registered dietitian, reveals what they are – and discusses how she incorporated each in some of her recipes. Partners gardening writer Jan Phipps, a master gardener, shares some dos and don’ts now to get them, and other plants, shrubs and trees in your garden and yard, off to a good start.
This Illinois-based internet technology company recently took a Federal Communications Commission pledge to keep Illinoisans connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to how they are doing it, and what you can do to improve your internet connectivity, with Wisper ISP CEO Nathan Stooke, and Jesse Dunn, Wisper field technician.
Similar to farmers, Illinois food wholesalers and retailers have been deemed essential and continue to work to keep food and other products moving and shelves replenished. Hear from Rick Siemer who runs an Illinois wheat milling company, and Paul Simon, with Schnucks Markets, which has supermarkets in Illinois and four other states.
How has the global coronavirus pandemic impacted what we wear, how we power our vehicles and what we eat, and how much might it do so in the future? Hear from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, the president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia farmer Vincent “Zippy” Duvall, and Ogle County, Illinois farmer Brian Duncan, who serves as vice president of the Illinois Farm Bureau.
After one of the toughest years in memory to farm, how are the people that grow our food and other rural Illinoisans faring as we enter a new growing season? What’s being done to help ensure mental wellness throughout all of Illinois? Hear from Illinois farmers Greg St. Aubin and Drew DeSutter, along with internist Dr. Paul Pedersen, M.D., chief medical officer at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, and Courtney Cuthbertson, Ph.D., University of Illinois assistant professor and Extension specialist.
Does the recent sunshine and warmer temperatures have you itching to get out and grow? You’re not alone. With the third highest number of farmers markets in the nation – including winter farmers markets – Illinoisans have a healthy appetite for fresh, fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy grown and produced right here in our state. Find out what it means to live local, grow, buy and eat the bounty that is produced here in Illinois with Janie Maxwell, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association, and Raghela Scavuzzo, associate director of food systems development for the Illinois Farm Bureau.
In this episode, listen in on our state’s and country’s future leaders from Arrupe College, Eureka College and the University of Chicago (U of C) as they visit an Illinois farm and discuss farm and food-related topics and issues with some Illinois farmers. It was part of the U of C’s Institute of Politics program entitled, Bridging the Divide. Now in its third year, it strives to foster a deeper understanding between students from rural and urban communities.
Illinois-based MightyVine grows fresh tomatoes 365 days a year. The company recently opened its third, massive greenhouse on 7.5 acres, and will ship vine-ripened tomatoes to Chicagoland grocery stores, restaurants and other points in the Midwest. Listen to company CEO Gary Lazarski, State Rep. Tom Demmer and MightyVine’s Director of Business Development, Danny Murphy, on how, why and where they are growing more than 10-million pounds of Illinois tomatoes each year.
Over its 150 years, the National Weather Service (NWS) has kept an increasingly watchful eye on the sky that has helped protect our food supply, our property, and our lives. In this episode, Chris Miller, the NWS warning coordination meteorologist in central Illinois, discusses what to do before such things as winter storms, lightening, flash floods and tornadoes turn our world’s upside down, technology used to protect us, and what we might expect weather wise for the rest of winter and beyond.
More of the meat, milk and eggs we eat have a good chance coming from right here in Illinois. Tasha Bunting is a mom, raises livestock and oversees Illinois Farm Bureau’s efforts to help the state’s livestock farmers succeed. Hear from Bunting, along with Kay Johnson Smith, president and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, on topics such as how animal care changes with the seasons, use of antibiotics to help sick animals, nutritional value of alternative proteins and more.
Farmers, Farm Bureau and groups such as The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) can be valuable sources of information when you and others have questions about farming and food and emerging technology about both. Hear from Bill Pauling and Lisa Garrow from the DuPage County Farm Bureau and Roxi Beck, CFI’s director of consumer engagement.
Some Illinois farmers, those in other states, and the chief economist for the nation’s largest organization of farmers share thoughts on the condition of the farm economy, its impact on farmers, and their outlook for 2020. Listen to John Newton, chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, Ben Boyd, Georgia farmer, Blake Hurst, Missouri farmer, and Illinois farmers Drew and Adrienne DeSutter.
Springfield has plenty to do indoors with cultural, culinary and affordable places and events to check out. Amy Beadle with VisitSpringFieldIllinois.com and Chris Wills with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum provide details on why you should consider visiting Illinois’ capital city.
Our state serves as the gateway to an extensive network of trails for snowmobiling in the upper Midwest. Hear from snowmobiling enthusiasts that describe the trail network in Illinois, in surrounding states, and why this family fun, winter sport continues to grow.
From climate-smart farming, to small-town distilleries, to home-state parks worthy of discovery in 2020, which Partners podcast was your favorite? Listen in on segments from the top-five most listened to Partners podcast episodes over the last year, and get these Illinois farm, family and food-related places and events on your to-do list in the new year.
After a wild weather year, Illinois’ new state climatologist Trent Ford, provides an outlook for 2020 and beyond with a group of Illinois farmers from across the state.
After a half-decade of tough economic and weather conditions, some Illinois farmers and others involved in the state’s food and farming sector may need a helping hand when it comes to mental wellness. Hear what Amy Rademaker, rural health and farm safety coordinator, Carle Foundation Hospital, and Josie Rudolphi, Ph.D., assistant professor of agricultural safety and health, University of Illinois, have found across the state. You’ll also hear about a new program in Illinois designed to train individuals in mental health first aid.
Move over Taste of Chicago, Illinois farmers provided a Taste of Illinois featuring fresh food from across our state. Hear from some of the farmers that provided Illinois-grown leafy greens, peaches, bread, beef and a lot more at the event held in Chicago.
An Illinois farm couple converted a classic, old corn crib into an art studio and gallery on their farm, which attracts visitors from town and well beyond. Take an audio tour of this DeKalb County venue, learn how it happened and what it features with Valerie and John Weberpal of rural Sycamore.
Some Illinois farmers describe how they’ve maneuvered through one of the toughest years to farm in recent memory, yet still have much to be thankful for as well. Southern Illinois farmer Richard Guebert Jr., central Illinois farmer David Meiss, and northern Illinois farmer Tammy Halterman also share some of their favorite Thanksgiving memories on their farms.
A former high school on old Route 66 in downstate Illinois has been converted into a family-run destination that attracts visitors from across Illinois and around the world. Meet the owners, Dave Hammond Sr., Dave Hammond Jr., and diner manager Tonia Pickerill to find out why you don’t want to pass up the Pink Elephant not far off of I-55.
You can find sweets in virtually all shapes, sizes and maybe even flavors at the Chocolate Factory near Golconda in the heart of Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest. Find out the back story to the winter Partners magazine article and hear from business owner Linda Meherg, her daughter and co-worker Angela Bailey, story author Kim Hill and video producer Helen Dobbyn Reedy.
Locals from nearby and loyalists from afar hang out at Front Porch Soap & Gift in west-central Illinois. Owner Carolyn Hitchcock took a hobby and turned it into a thriving business. Hitchcock describes what it’s all about and why you and your family might want to visit.
2019 has shaped up to be one tough year to farm in the Prairie State. Hear from farmers John Bartman, Brian Duncan, Dennis Green and Jack Schleich from all regions of the state on how this year’s harvest has shaped up thus far in a year that included weather swings from one extreme to the other.
Some young farmers have turned to crops such as hops and certified organic grains to offer distinctive products to their customers and spur economic development in rural areas. Hear hop grower Ross Sorensen and spirits farmers Dallas and Will Glazik describe some of the unique things they have growing on their Illinois farms.
Illinois shares some common town and metro-area names with those in Canada and Mexico. We have a lot more in common too, and each stand to be impacted by the proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to improve trade among our states and countries. Mark Denzler, the president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association, provides some specifics on why USMCA matters to all of Illinois.
Dozens of artists have made downtown Bloomington a thriving art community with studios and galleries abound. This year’s 19th annual Around the Corner Art Walk takes place Fri., November 1, and, among others, features Eaton Gallery, where artists Herb and Pam Eaton celebrate the art of Illinois agriculture.
As the Kennay farm family will tell you, renovating a historic theater to house a brewery and distillery is no small feat. Hear from Rick Kennay, farmer and owner of the business, and Adam Kennay, head distiller, about how they diversified their Illinois family farm to create craft beers and spirits from home-grown grain.
Meet Paul Ackerman, whose family grows pumpkins near Morton, and Paul Siegel, whose family maintains a pumpkin patch near Lockport. The two growers will reveal the condition of this year’s crop of Illinois pumpkins and discuss opportunities for you and your family to visit the state’s many pumpkin farms and patches this fall.
Fall serves as a great time to visit Illinois state parks. On this episode of the Partners podcast, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director, Colleen Callahan, reveals hidden gems within Illinois state parks and explains why you don’t need to travel across state lines to have great family fun this season.
Expect to hear more climate change chaos talk later this month when the United Nations convenes for a “Climate Action Summit” on Monday, September 23. Hear from Erin Fitzgerald, CEO of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, and greenhouse gas expert Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., University of California-Davis, about how U.S. agriculture can be a solution when it comes to climate change.
Many Illinois orchards have opened for the season! Find out how the apple crop has fared this year and hear from orchardists of two family-run orchards in Illinois, Liberty Apple Orchard in Edwardsville, and Donnie Appleseed Orchard in LaSalle. We’ll cover orchard etiquette and hear about what you can expect when visiting these or other orchards this fall.
What kind of Illinois farm, family and food-related places, events and issues can you expect to hear about in Partners podcasts? In this episode, we provide some specific examples that make our state great.
In this episode, Illinois Farm Bureau’s Mike Orso talks with Seneca farmer Philip Nelson and Woodstock farmer Michele Aavang about the origins of “Partners,” while exploring the ties that exist between rural and urban Illinois.
Will farmers in and around Illinois have access to technology that can help ensure a sustainable food supply and protect our environment? Hear more about these challenges from science champion Alison Van Eenennaam, Ph.D., with the University of California-Davis in this episode of the Partners podcast.
In this episode, hear from two entrepreneurs that want to shake up the food and farming sector. They’re the most recent winners of a global competition known as the Food Disruption Challenge sponsored by a Chicago-based group.