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Harvest Desk: Studying Effects Of Ag Runoff
Midwest waterways are getting lots of attention this summer. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and the Environmental Protection Agency have immersed themselves in the ecology of 100 streams from Ohio to Nebraska. It’s a first-of-its kind effort to understand … Continue reading
My Farm Roots: Jackie Dougan Jackson
Jackie Dougan Jackson grew up like many farm kids. She spent sunbaked summer hours detasseling corn, tending the crops so it can be pollinated. For farm kids, detasseling is one of the ultimate chores. For the 85-year-old Jackson, those memories … Continue reading
U.S. House Rejects Farm Bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has rejected a five year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill that would have cut $2 billion annually from food stamps and let states impose broad new work requirements on those who receive them. Those cuts weren’t deep enough … Continue reading
Thomas Jefferson And The Monticello Gardens
Thomas Jefferson was more than a founding father. He was an avid gardener. We’ve learned more about Jefferson’s passion for gardening thanks to Peter Hatch and the various books he has written. Hatch is the retired Director of Gardens and … Continue reading
My Farm Roots – Lessons From The Farm Crisis
My Farm Roots, a series from WUIS and Harvest Public Media, tells Americans’ stories and memories of rural life. Because when you hail from farm country, roots run deep. Times are good on the farm right now, but that hasn’t … Continue reading
Agriculture Pushes For ‘Right To Farm’
Individual state constitutions across the nation spell out a host of guaranteed rights for their citizens. For example, same sex marriage or collective bargaining. But what about the right to farm? From the WUIS Harvest Desk, Bill Wheelhouse reports on … Continue reading
Rural Development In Farm Bill
As Congress fiddles with major farm legislation, there’s a portion of it that gets very little attention. Some say it is a difference-maker for job creation in small rural communities,and provides a boost those towns need. Our Harvest Desk takes … Continue reading
Search For “The Midwest Farmer’s Daughter”
Most people are aware that there are fewer farmers today than 30 years ago. But what about the celebrated icon of the farmer’s daughter? One man who grew up on a multi-generation farm in Iowa and watched what the years … Continue reading
Seed Companies Fight To Keep Independence
As big box stores dominated the retail landscape over the past two decades, some shoppers save found it difficult to find independent stores. It is the same out in the cornfields, where farmers have a lot fewer companies to choose … Continue reading
Budget Cuts Hit Overseas Ag Promotion
Budget problems have become the norm across most states in the Midwest. Those cuts have hit state agriculture programs. As a result, there has been some decline in support for overseas promotion of agriculture products. Bill Wheelhouse reports for the … Continue reading
Challenging Future Chefs To “Cook Local”
The way food is grown and delivered to your table isn’t just a concern of farmers. It’s also important to restaurant owners and professional chefs assembling menus for diners. Today we speak with a Springfield chef and culinary arts instructor … Continue reading
Postal Cuts Hit Rural Illinois
The U.S. Postal Service is in the midst of a major cost-cutting effort. Along with the well-publicized end of Saturday delivery that may happen this year and consolidating major mail centers, there is another move that is hitting home in … Continue reading
Monsanto President Talks About GMO Labeling
The recent announcement by grocery chain Whole Foods that it will require labeling of products containing genetically modified ingredients was greeted with excitement by consumer groups. Biotech giant Monsanto, a leader in GM technology, sees it another way. Bill Wheelhouse … Continue reading
Food Desk: A City’s Love Of “Chilli” And The Local Food Movement
It’s been 20 years since Gov. Jim Edgar signed a declaration proclaiming the city of Springfield “Chilli Capital of the Civilized World”. Sunday an event will honor the winter comfort food Springfield natives know as “chilli”. Slow Food Springfield hosts … Continue reading
Changes At WUIS Add Reporting Depth
WUIS has entered the next phase of its commitment to keep listeners informed with the creation of the WUIS Food Desk. Bill Wheelhouse will have the title of interim executive editor for the Food Desk in a move he initiated … Continue reading
Illinois Recovering from Last Summer’s Drought
Illinois has seen less snow than usual this winter. But as Chris Slaby reports, the state is still on pace to have more precipitation than in 2012. The U.S. Drought Monitor says only a third of Illinois is still in … Continue reading
Decatur To Get $180,000 In Atrazine Settlement
The city of Decatur’s share of a class-action settlement with the maker of the herbicide atrazine will total nearly $180,000. Syngenta has agreed to a $105 million settlement, which is being divided among more than 1,000 communities that have spent … Continue reading
Safety Concerns Threaten Raw Milk Cheese Market
Sales of specialty cheeses sold in US grocery stores grew 7 percent last year – in large part because of increasing demand for exotic artisanal cheeses – and even raw cheeses made from unpasteurized milk. Raw milk cheese has gathered … Continue reading
Worker Dies At ADM Plant In Decatur
Authorities in central Illinois are investigating after a 31-year-old worker died in an apparent accident at the Archer Daniels Midland Co. corn processing plant in Decatur. The Decatur Herald & Review reports that the Bodine Services employee was in the process of cleaning the … Continue reading
Slow Food, Urban Agriculture And Local Food Systems
Diners in Central Illinois may already be familiar with Slow Food Springfield’s “Snail Of Approval” adorning the entrances of local restaurants. While the group is all about sourcing foods locally, the idea itself is far from domestic – it traces … Continue reading
Early Morning Explosion Shuts Down ADM’s Peoria Plant
Archer Daniels Midland has temporarily shut down operations at its corn processing plant in Peoria after an early morning explosion damaged the facility. ADM spokeswoman Jackie Anderson says a fire broke out after an explosion in the maintenance area of … Continue reading
Hostess Bankruptcy Affects Springfield Schools
The bankruptcy of Hostess, maker of Twinkies, Ho Hos, and also bread products, has affected what students in Springfield District 186 are eating. While Twinkies aren’t part of the average school lunch, bread sure is. And the district was contracting with Hostess for … Continue reading
Foodbank Move Will Help With Storage
The Central Illinois Foodbank announced recently it plans to move to the former Pepsi Bottling plant at 1937 East Cook Street. The building will be remodeled, providing more space for storage. That includes refrigeration of fresh fruit and vegetables. Kaleigh … Continue reading
Donnie’s Homespun Restaurant In Springfield, Also Serving Music
Music is returning to the Vinegar Hill Mall. There have been previous attempts to bring live performances to the spot along Lawrence Avenue, just a block from the State Capitol complex. But a new restaurant is promising national as well … Continue reading
Harvest Celebration This Weekend
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance hosts the annual Harvest Celebration this Sunday at the Inn at 835 in Springfield. Executive Director Lindsay Record spoke with WUIS’ Sean Crawford about the event and a recent controversial study on organic food: Hear mp3 … Continue reading
Illinois Finance Authority Revives Drought Loan Incentive Program
The mortgage crisis and economic upheaval have made it harder for individuals and small businesses to secure loans. Amanda Vinicky reports on an effort to help ensure that farmers affected by the drought can get one. [.mp3 – :56]
Springfield Gets New Food Truck
Food trucks have plenty of fans in big cities, where vendors sell everything from tacos, to thai food, to cupcakes. One local man is hoping the trend of mobile-food-service will gain traction in Illinois’ capital city. Rachel Otwell has that … Continue reading
Foodbank Addresses Summer Hunger
The Central Illinois Foodbank is celebrating its 30th year of collecting and distributing food in 21 counties. The Foodbank helps supply local food pantries, soup kitchens and other programs. Public relations director Kaleigh Friend says this can be a difficult … Continue reading
Farm Leaders Want Government Help For Drought
The state’s agricultural leaders say there is a role for elected officials to play during the current drought. Phil Nelson is a Lasalle County farmer. He’s also the president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, a job that keeps him busy … Continue reading
Plant A Row For The Hungry
As you plant your backyard garden this spring, the Central Illinois Foodbank is asking you to plant a row for the hungry. The nationwide program encourages gardeners to donate surplus produce to help feed those in need. WUIS’ Sean Crawford … Continue reading
Illinois Products Expo Sets Attendance Record
The two-day exposition featuring Illinois-produced food, wine and agricultural products set an attendance record this year. State officials say the Illinois Products Expo earlier this month attracted 7,718 consumers. That beats the previous two-day record of 6,566. It also tops the record of 7,681 … Continue reading
Foodbank Asks For Help
The Central Illinois Foodbank is reminding residents to help feed the hungry as more people are struggling to put food on the table. The Foodbank supplies local food pantries in 21 counties throughout Central and west Central Illinois. Spokesperson Kaleigh … Continue reading
Local Restaurant Owner Provides Free Thanksgiving Meals
Every year those who are poor or down on their luck during the holidays may have few opportunities to partake in the festivities. But a local business owner has started a tradition, offering an open invitation to the community. His … Continue reading
County Market Planned For Springfield Medical District
Springfield could be getting another grocery store. The mayor’s office has announced the parent company of County Market has requested assistance to build on a site at Second and Carpenter Streets. Mayor Mike Houston issued a statement that says a … Continue reading
Problems Faced By Migrant Workers In Illinois
Every year, thousands of migrant workers come to Illinois to detassel corn and harvest crops. Often times they do not make enough money to feed themselves and their families. As Sean Powers reports, language barriers are keeping these farm workers … Continue reading
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