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.