Local Ag News

A local Congressman is honoring a Mercer County farmer retiring from the Illinois Farm Bureau. Jeff Kirwan of New Windsor is retiring after 10 years of service on the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors. [FULL STORY]

A Mercer County farmer is retiring after 10 years of service on the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Jeff Kirwan of New Windsor started on the IFB Board of Directors in 2015. Kirwan also [FULL STORY]

A local project aimed at highlighting mental health resources for farmers has garnered national attention. The “Mercer County Farmer Dudoir Calendar” features local farmers and is raising money for the Southern Illinois University School of [FULL STORY]

Work is underway to restore Floral Hall at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. The building, which was constructed in 1882, was decommissioned and set to be demolished in 2023 before a donor came forward to save [FULL STORY]

The Cambridge Middle School FFA Chapter in Henry County was honored with the Middle School Model of Excellence national chapter award at this year’s National FFA Convention. Haley Gruber is the school’s FFA advisor. There [FULL STORY]

The Rockridge and Sherrard FFA chapters are hosting events this weekend. The Rockridge FFA chapter is holding a fall market at Rockridge High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Rockridge FFA president [FULL STORY]

The Bushels for Hunger program’s 16th year of area farmers helping local families is in full swing. The 2025 Bushels for Hunger program opened Sept. 1, and farmers can donate bushels of grain at participating [FULL STORY]

The Mercer County Farm Bureau is highlighting both physical and mental health awareness for farmers as part of National Farm Safety Week. Mercer County Farm Bureau Manager Jenna Preston says it’s important for people working [FULL STORY]

Local State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) is promoting farm safety during National Farm Safety and Health Week. Swanson farms in Henry County. National Farm Safety and Health Week runs through Sunday.