by Carol Hays, The Strategic Collaboration Group, LLC As we all are acutely aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the frayed fabric of our nation’s food system. Since the outbreak, news of system breakdown seems to be everywhere we look. Over-reliance on repeated monocropping of largely non-food crops is leaving farmers financially underwater while […]
Planning For Stepping Back – Part II, by Art Littlefield
By Art Littlefield In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors Agribusiness Services Last month’s article, “Planning For Stepping Back – Part I”, highlighted nine topics that should be given careful consideration so you increase the likelihood of a relaxing and comfortable “retirement” while any unavoidable stress is kept to a minimum. In case you missed Part […]
Stay-at-Home Snapshots – Week 6
by The Land Connection Staff Julia I read an article this week about working from home and ways to make it work for you. The author did not reference the pandemic. These were just tips to try. This was my favorite pretend like you are actually going into the office. Set your alarm, make […]
Got Gardening Questions? Extension Has Answers!
by Ryan Pankau, University of Illinois Extension In recent months, many of us have found plenty of time around the house for new gardening ventures, which has led to an explosion of gardening activity this spring. I have been thrilled to hear from gardeners around the state who are doing everything from planting a tree […]
Edible (Native) Landscaping – Serviceberry
by Erin Harper, University of Illinois Extension Serviceberries, also known at Juneberries or Saskatoon, are native to Illinois and many of our neighboring states. There are several different varieties of serviceberry with variations in height, fruit ripening time, and fall color. The Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is a large shrub or small tree which reaches […]
Planning For Stepping Back – Part I, by Art Littlefield
By Art Littlefield In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors Agribusiness Services After last month’s article, “Effective Farm Succession Planning”, The Land Connection was contacted by a reader requesting some information on retirement planning. That being said, I do not recall ever meeting a farmer who has “fully retired” using an off-farm perspective. However, we certainly […]
