While the world may sometimes overlook the hard work of farmers, those of us who care about where our food comes from know that they are the true heroes.

“Giving back to the community” isn’t just a cliché. It’s a lifestyle for folks like Matt Rush and his family.

When Alexandra Merritt saw the need for more food bank access, she took action.

Heroes don’t wear capes. They’re paged at 3 a.m. to fight a fire, the next day they’re advocating for ag on Capitol Hill and the following day pitching in for the local FFA.

Tyler Main took a temporary westward detour after graduating from Illinois State University 10 years ago this month.

Inside a greenhouse filled with herbs and vegetables, adults with intellectual disabilities are learning job skills and growing confidence through a program called Watch Us Farm.

Mark Read has been involved in his community in a variety of roles over the years, and after retiring from farming, he was able to expand his volunteer work to well beyond north-central Illinois.

In his youth, Phil Borgic saw the dedication his parents had toward helping their community and the ag industry. He continues to carry on that tradition.

The Brookfield Aces 4-H club is like a large family where members are encouraged to help each other with their projects, community service activities and fundraisers.

Watching high school students become successful in their careers has been a highlight for Joe Steffen as the agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Newark Community High School.

At a time when many high school students are generations removed from farm life, Indian Creek Ag Teacher Joe Dunn is showing them the importance of agriculture.

Bob Morton is an indispensable part of the Deam Lake State Recreation Area community and family, regularly dedicating over 100 hours a month as a volunteer.

Big changes will be happening over the summer for the agricultural rooms at Heyworth High School.