Natasha Lehrer Lewis said it was happenstance that she became a farmer. Her family made the unexpected move from the suburbs to an 8-acre farm in Big Rock in 2000. Over the last 23 years, she’s found her niche in fiber arts, florals and organic vegetables. “I definitely just felt like it was meant for me,” she said of her journey to agriculture.   Read more  

Members of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Carbon Team explored the Marquis Industrial Complex, home to the state’s largest dry mill ethanol plant and the future site of soy crush and sustainable aviation fuel facilities. FarmWeek’s Timothy Eggert highlights key takeaways from the visit, including emerging markets for Illinois-grown ag products.   Read more

It’s been 20 years since Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell planted their first fruit trees and purchased their first four Nubian goats. They’ve grown the goat dairy-farmstead creamery operation to 80 acres and more than 90 goats. But now, it’s time for their next chapter. Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery is on the market for $1.6 million, and the couple hopes the next generation can build on their successes.   Read more

Kevin Raber, a FarmWeek CropWatcher from Wabash County, expects an average corn crop and below-average soybean crop. He discussed the impacts of drought on his crop, current condition and harvest with RFD’s Jim Taylor. Listen here

Consumers made a swing to plant-based meats in 2020, but sales have plummeted since 2021. “Whatever their reason for purchase, plant-based offerings appear to have fallen short of consumers’ expectations in terms of either cost or performance,” said Billy Roberts, senior food and beverage economist for CoBank.   Read more

Meat demand is expected to stay strong as supplies tighten. Dan Basse, president of AgResource Co., said in addition to shrinking cattle herds, “we’re starting to see liquidation in hogs and even the poultry flock.” That’s good news for the market as consumption of protein continues to accelerate.   Read more