Apples

October is National Farm to School Month — a time to celebrate food education, school gardens and healthy, local ingredients in school lunches.

There’s no better way to celebrate the changing seasons. Let’s enjoy the Apple Dutch Baby — a delightful treat that embodies the essence of fall while keeping your wallet happy.

The Hackman Family shared their story as Featured Farmers at the Indiana State Fair this year. Thomas and Ruth Hackman operate a 100-year-old farm with their children, Victor, Jacquelyn, Megan and Allison.

Lincoln Land Community College dedicated its newest learning space, 2.1 acres of land at 2320 West Lake Shore Drive, now known as West Lake Nature Grove.

As snow blankets our frozen fields, winter is a time of reflection for farmers. What worked well, what could we do better and what challenges will the upcoming spring bring?

Local food and specialty crop growers are joining forces for Illinois’ largest conference focused on bolstering the local food supply chain.

One question that Ryan Reeverts might be asked is how he prepared for the Illinois Farm Bureau Discussion Meet, which he won at the IFB’s annual meeting in Chicago earlier this month. A better question is — how did he find the time? “I definitely try to stay busy,” Reeverts said.

The success of fruit production hinges heavily on employee availability. When the fruit is ready, it must be picked. Sager Farms, a long-time, family-owned orchard in southern Illinois, found itself in a troublesome predicament this past fall ahead of the apple harvest.

Sitting atop Illinois’ own version of the “continental divide” is a farm that’s been providing fresh fruits to customers for decades.

If you find a few soft, bruised apples hiding behind the pickle and mayo jars in the back of your refrigerator, or discover some cast-offs at your local orchard or farmers market, consider them perfect for this activity. Peel, carve and dry them for apple-head puppets.

Following last year’s competition cancellation due to COVID restrictions, Illinois apple cider makers will again get a chance to see who makes the best cider.

From pumpkin and apple picking to chats with Santa, fall and winter is a great time to visit Fair Oaks Farms.

I’ve done something terribly wonderful. Or, wonderfully terrible. You decide. Listen to this — luscious apple pie filling, made from scratch with fresh apples, wrapped inside crispy sugary fried wontons, dipped in caramel sauce. Each miniature pie is a luscious little bite of bliss.

Fall is here — or, at least what I consider to be the first signs of fall. Corn silage chopping and apple orchards opening are here.

Another week with higher temperatures and humidity has passed. We did receive a couple pop-up showers Saturday with a combined total of a little less than 0.15 inches of rain.