Rooted in Purpose: Illinois hemp farmer sews seeds for a more sustainable future

The Illinois Farm Bureau shows how hemp can regenerate the earth and boost rural economies.

With bold action and heart, one Illinois hemp farmer is changing the future of sustainable agriculture. The Illinois Farm Bureau shows how hemp can regenerate the earth and boost rural economies.

Related Stories
FarmHERs Cassie and Allie are two sisters who grew up on a farm and, as adults, have taken their love of agriculture to a whole new level with their Alabama operation, Backyard Orchards.
Visit a classroom to see how students learn about agriculture. Then, travel to an urban farm run by a university.
Losing a family member can be farm-ending. Hear the story of a mother who refused to let it happen.
California is wine country, but this FarmHer hosts olive tastings. Visit Margery Wheaton in San Miguel.
FarmHER Katharine Girone is a fifth-generation Illinois farmer and the 2018 #RootedInAg contest winner.
Visit Oregon’s Widbey Island for a coastal farming experience.
Meet Catherine Puckett, a single mom and first-generation oyster FarmHER on Block Island, RI, who balances raising two daughters with running her oyster farm, “Oyster Wench.”
Meet FarmHERs Cathy and Bailey Payne, a grandmother-granddaughter duo carrying on their family’s farming legacy at Block Island Farm in Rhode Island. They raise egg-layers and have expanded to grow fruit and herbs and cut flowers to fill community needs.
Harvest blueberries in the blueberry capital of Georgia. Meet Ann Wildes and her fields of fresh fruit.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

National FFA President Trey Myers joins Monday’s FFA Today to share his hopes and goals for the 2025-2026 year as he steps into this opportunity to lead and serve the next generation of agriculture.
Watch the special this Saturday at 6:00 PM Eastern on RFD-TV
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.