Farming

Solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity in the U.S., but some new solar installations are taking over productive farm ground. Scientists are trying to develop ways to get both calories and kilowatts from the same land, but it's not as easy as it might seem.

SEED St. Louis is helping immigrants and refugees plant and grow fruits and vegetables from their homeland on an urban farm. Immigrant farmers say the farm helps them feel connected to the land they left.

Many Illinois measures will now head to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, including a bill that changes how damages accrue under Illinois’ first-in-the-nation biometric data privacy law.

Tosha Phonix says gardens and farms empower Black communities in St. Louis.

The U.S. Farm Bureau agreed not to support right to repair legislation in exchange for consumer repair diagnostics. Farmers and repair advocates say the tools fall short.

The flu has been found in cows for the first time, but most cattle seem to be showing only mild symptoms and recovering from the illness. Officials say the pasteurization process means milk remains safe.

Student membership in the agriculture organization FFA is at an all-time high, yet the average age of farmers is rising and there are fewer farms in the U.S. than ever before. What do these shifting populations say about the future of agriculture?

Small nonfarm companies in the St. Louis region that have lost agricultural business due to the recent drought can apply for low-interest federal loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering 30-year max economic injury loans at a 4% interest rate for businesses and 3.25% for nonprofits.

The annual markets outlook from the Food & Agricultural Policy Research Institute anticipates declining farm income, higher costs for producers.

Grants were awarded to farms across Illinois — including Saint Jacob-based DeMange Family Farms, which will use $106,000 to build an energy-efficient produce packing and storage building.