Partners

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.