Saluki Reporting Network

One Illinois man’s decadeslong fight to convert his fields into rice paddies demonstrates how it’s possible to bring diversity to the Corn Belt, but improbable so long as federal farm policy remains focused on soybeans and corn.

Some farmers keep growing in flood- and drought-prone fields because subsidies soften the losses, while federal programs meant to help them change course have been underfunded and mired in bureaucracy. Under Trump, those programs may weaken further.

Despite Illinois' plan to reduce poverty in the state, financial problems are worsening for many downstate families as pandemic-era enhanced benefits sunset in the face of rising inflation.