A new economic impact report shows there’s more to Illinois farms than just corn, soybeans and wheat along the highways.

With low commodity prices, high input costs, weather, taxes, personnel and other concerns, farmers and ranchers face a myriad of stresses in their lives – and free resources are available to help get through those tough times.

Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, will be a day with many farms to stroll around throughout Ogle County, with farmers showing their farms, practices, products and antiques to help educate visitors on food sources and the life of a hard day's work.

The pastor at a rural Sterling church is seeking to make its annual Farm Heritage Show just like how the church acts as a beacon of light to the community: helping those in need become mentally healthy and hungry.

Vendors sell their wares from 3-6 p.m. Thursdays in the Pavilion.

A “mutton busting” gave kids a chance to try to ride a sheep, and a clown and trick horse rider also entertained the crowd.

Antique farm equipment in a rainbow of colors from original rust to shiny yellow and green filled the show grounds from July 25-27, 2025, on the Bos Brothers Historical Farm, located on Springhill Road south of Erie.

The Youth In Ag Foundation presentation of scholarships and the Brownfield Ag awards will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The auction starts at 7 p.m. in the Carroll County Fairgrounds' Poultry Barn.

Read the transcript from our Talk-Line interview featuring Lee County Extension 4-H Youth Development Coordinator, Katie Baker