FARMERS MARKETS l As Billy Joel sang, I don't know why I go to extremes. But on Saturday, May 2, I visited 3 outdoor markets (and received a home produce delivery)

The Liberty Prairie non-profit are holding their annual Spring Plant Sale and Farm Festival this coming Saturday. It includes a baaad-ass demo that's a shear delight

FARM AID l Local Food Forum's Bob Benenson isn't usually a fanboy, but he makes an exception for music legend and farmer advocate Willie Nelson, who just turned 93

FARM AID l Farm Aid — the non-profit advocated for family farmers and better food — will hold its annual festival on 9/26. City and venue will be announced in June.

FARMERS MARKETS l This week was the first of Chicago's region season to have non-weekend outdoor markets. Read about Lincoln Square and get the Market Tracker...

FARMS AND FARMERS l Jake's Country Meats, which pastures livestock in southwest Michigan, is building a store aimed at expanding food access & building community

FARMERS MARKETS l Shoutout to the 8 outdoor markets that dared to challenge Chicago's April weather. Now brace yourself for a big May surge, which starts next weekend

FARM DISASTER AID l A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Tulip Tree Gardens, south of Chicago, recover from major structural damage caused by a tornado...

FARMERS MARKETS l Local Food Forum guessed right that a wave of unseasonably warm weather could bring asparagus to Chicago region farmers markets extra early...

REGENERATIVE FARMING l The finale of the 2-part series on Nicolette Hahn Niman's food-and-farm-focused U.S House campaign focuses on her journey as an advocate...