WATERMAN, Ill. (CBS) – Illinois is the top grower of soybeans in the U.S., most of which is used to feed the chicken and beef eaten by consumers, but climate change is affecting local farmers and may end up affecting what shoppers pay at the store.

About an hour west of Chicago, the pace is a little slower in DeKalb County, where Ryan Frieders, a seventh-generation farmer, and his family grow crops on about 2,400 acres, an area about 10 times the size of Millennium Park.

“We have some of the best soils in the world,” Frieders said.

And no one watches the weather more closely than a farmer.

“Honestly, I think I have five different weather apps on my phone, and I probably check them over a dozen times a day,” he said.

The land has been in the Frieders’ family for 60 years, and Ryan’s father, Ronald, lives just a few miles down the road.

“I graduated in 1970 and basically walked out of high school and started farming with my folks,” said Ronald Frieders.

The elder Frieders said that weather has “always been a challenge,” but it seems that challenge is getting more extreme.

“Everything’s changing it seems like, the temperatures are getting hotter than normal, the water levels are lower than normal,” Ronald said.

Ryan added they’re faced with longer periods of a lack of rain, or what might be called a “flash drought.” Sometimes, they’re faced with more rain than usual, which could delay the planting of their crops.

“It affects our entire year of the farm,” Ryan said.

The changes are all consistent with the Fifth National Climate Assessment’s expectations for Midwest agriculture in a warming world, which include:

• “Excessive spring rain delaying planting.”
• “Rapid transitions between flood and drought.”
• “Warmer temperatures stressing crops.”

Ronald said 2021 was the most difficult harvest that he’s ever experienced.

“Our crops were flattened,” he said.

That came about due to worsening thunderstorm wind damage, which is also linked to climate change in a new study. Ryan said the changes in weather patterns and their effect on crops also has an affect on the farm’s income.

Michael Langemeier, a professor of agriculture economics at Purdue University, said the weather changes are something farmers are discussing more and more.

“I don’t know if it’s directly impacting what the consumers pay to a large degree, yet,” Langemeier said.

He and his team have surveyed 400 farmers nationwide. He asked farmers about how worried they were about the changing weather patterns, and about 25% said they were either “very worried” or “fairly worried.”

“I thought that was a relatively high percent,” Langemeier said.

He added the farmers didn’t talk much about what those changes might be attributed to, “They just talk about it as different, and we’ve got to think about how we’re going to respond to these changes.”

Ryan said it might be difficult to understand how glaciers melting at the earth’s poles affect their farm, “but then you see things happening that aren’t the same as they used to be, and you tend to wonder if the things are more related than you ever thought they were.”

The Frieders farm installed solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and has made changes to their operation in response to the changes in the weather.

Data from the Illinois Soybean Association show that crop yield has not changed significantly over the last decade.

AVA, Ill. – According to the New York Times, one of the best pizza spots in the country is right in our viewing area.

Located in a town of 545 people, Scratch Brewing sits just miles away from Shawnee National Forest.

“It was incredibly gratifying to be included on the list. Most people know us for our beer, but our kitchen follows the same ethos, sourcing everything as locally as possible,” owner Marika Josephson said.

The brewery features a handmade brick oven for wood-fired pizza on weekends. All their pizzas are nearly entirely locally sourced from local farmers, mills, or right on their property.

“Like our beer, we think our pizza is a special representation of the land around us. We grow all the tomatoes and basil we put on our pizza; we grind and season our own sausage. When possible, we’ll also harvest an extra helping of the wild ingredients we put into our beer—like nettle—and make a topping with them, like pesto,” Josephson explained. “It’s a place-based approach to food that mirrors our place-based approach to beer.”

Types of pizzas include fennel pesto with goat cheese, margherita, sliced potato with rosemary and sausage, and bloomsdale cheese with hearth bread.

“Our pizzas change all the time—much like our beer—but in the middle of the summer, it’s hard to beat a classic margherita made with our own tomatoes harvested directly from the garden outside. They’re so fresh and so flavorful,” Josephson said.

The location also has an ever-changing line of drinks; from elderberry and ginger to hickory, lavender, and more, there is a variety for customers’ tastes.

“It would be an understatement to call Scratch a product of its environment,” the article from the NYT said. “To say this place is worth its own road trip is another understatement.”

Ava is located an hour and a half southeast of St. Louis. For more information on Scratch, click here.

While Chicago is undeniably the most famous destination in Illinois, drawing in millions of tourists annually, the state offers countless lower-profile getaways showcasing a rare side of the Prairie State. Beyond the hustle of the big city lies a range of distinct communities and locales perfect for mini-breaks to escape bustling crowds. 2024 encourages opportunities to veer off the major highways and uncover the true heart of Illinois during a relaxed weekend trip in the overlooked backcountry.

From historic settlements saturated in Americana to pastoral prairies blanketing millennia-old scenic views, these ideal Illinois destinations guarantee immersion in authentic Midwest charms. Over three unforgettable days, exploring off-the-beaten-path routes presents a unique glimpse of the state at a relaxing pace. Those who appreciate quality over quantity should consider venturing along picturesque backroads to recharge in these intimate countryside delights.

Oglesby

Spend a fabulous weekend surrounded by picturesque natural beauty and small-town charm in this adorable village of LaSalle County. Oglesby is the famous home of Starved Rock State Park, one of Illinois’s most unique wilderness areas. Straddling the Illinois River, it boasts wooded trails, sandstone canyons, and seasonal waterfalls that promise adventurers endless recreational opportunities. Enthusiasts come from across the state to hike, camp, fish, kayak, and watch wildlife across its 2,600-acre territory. The town further offers Matthiessen State Park, which offers additional space for outdoor adventures and a great alternative if you want to escape the crowding in Starved Rock State Park.

After a fulfilling adventure in the great outdoors, guests can relax and unwind with a cocktail while listening to music in the cozy atmosphere of Lizzie’s Lounge. Afterwards, they can sleep a comforting night and experience delightful accommodation that won’t break the bank.

Macomb

A rich mix of attractions in this bustling college town in McDonough County promises tourists a jam-packed long weekend in the fringes of Illinois. Home to Western Illinois University, this harbors a lively art scene that welcomes newcomers for a unique visual art experience at the WIU Art Gallery. The recognized exhibits diverse works by regional and national artists featuring various art forms. History lovers get insight into the town’s past by touring the Western Illinois Museum. Inside, a diverse artifact collection with archives and memorabilia paints a vivid picture of McDonough County’s colorful history.

A wide array of nature spaces ensure outdoorsy travelers are spoilt for choice when stepping into the open. The Malcomb Park District enriches the tourist experience with acres of recreation opportunities. Options remain just as abundant when it comes to accommodation, although the Hampton Inn is definitely among the best local hotels.

Woodstock

From its popular annual festivals to its charming historic district and its beautiful outdoor spots, Woodstock has something for everyone. A weekend escape during the Woodstock Folk Festival is the perfect way to experience the rich cultural vibes in this adorable McHenry County community. However, there is plenty of fun for those visiting outside the festival period. Woodstock boasts a quaint historic district with an incredible display of old-world architecture, perfect for exploring at a snail’s pace. Strolling down its quiet streets reveals iconic landmarks like the Woodstock Opera House. The historic venue is housed in an 1880s building and provides moving live art performances for the public’s amusement.

Meanwhile, one of the best times to be downtown is during the Woodstock Farmers Market. The atmosphere is consistently energetic on Tuesdays and Saturdays as vendors bring out their fresh produce and traditional crafts. For accommodation, consider staying at the Quality Inn & Suites.

Casey

A small town with a “big” profile, this quiet community boasts a fair share of Guinness Book of World records that never fail to delight first-timers. These constitute quirky roadside attractions that stand out for their extraordinary size, including the 46,000-pound World’s Largest Rocking Chair and the 12-meter-long World’s Largest Wind Chime. Collectively, they are charismatic landmarks enticing tourists with fantastic photo opportunities. When not checking off the list of “World’s Biggest” attractions in Casey, you can revel in its serene natural scenery at Fairview Park. This riverfront oasis encourages tourists to enjoy the ultimate outdoor experience with its multiple campsites.

While discovering the different points of interest lining the downtown corridors, remember to stop by Wildflour Bakery & Candy Co. to indulge your sweet tooth with delicious chocolates, gourmet candy, and novelty baked goods. With this, staying at Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover keeps you at a central location in the town for easy exploration.

Freeport

Rich history naturally blends with bustling arts in this lovely town along the Pecatonica River in Stephenson County. Freeport hosts a fair share of historical markers, notably the actual site of the second Lincoln-Douglas debate. You can witness the landmark location at the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square. The site features lush park surroundings, with the focal point being life-size statues of the two great men of history. Furthermore, there is even more detailed history to uncover at Silver Creek Museum. This magnificent facility harbors diverse artifacts that hint at the town’s and country’s heritage.

Freeport is renowned for its lively arts community, and newcomers can join locals inside the Winneshiek Playhouse to enjoy entertaining and family-friendly performances. Additionally, you can book a room at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson for luxurious accommodation without compromising your budget.

Galena

If you are up for an immersive trip down memory lane during your weekend retreat, Galena is one of the ideal Illinois destinations for this. Boasting a heritage dating back to the 1820s, the town’s rustic charm shines through a classic display of old-world architecture throughout its historic downtown district. You can discover some of its most treasured gems through taking the narrated Galena Trolley Tours, which highlights the individual landmarks in the site-rich neighborhood. Consider touring the U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site to uncover rich American history. The storied legacy of the 18th president of the United States comes alive in the modest Italianate building.

You will also want to check out the bustling craft brewery and distillery scene in Galena, where you can taste freshly crafted beers and spirits at establishments like the Galena Brewing Company. Finally, cap off your day with a unique, yet comfortable, accommodation experience at the historic DeSoto House Hotel.

Pomona

This isolated community in the Shawnee National Forest promises tourists a laid-back short vacation where they can revel in Mother Nature’s majesty. Pomona presents plenty of natural wonders perfect for exploration, notably the Pomona Natural Bridge. This hidden treasure stretches around 30 meters and is the ideal hiking trail for adventurers who prefer quiet and secluded routes. The Little Grand Canyon is another scenic hiking opportunity, spoiling tourists with dramatic canyon vistas along the Big Muddy River.

Pomona lies in the Shawnee Hills wine country region and houses several wineries where oenophiles can sample tasty local crafts. Tourists have the chance to visit establishments like Pomona Winery and Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. While there aren’t many B&Bs in Pomona, you can find decent accommodation in nearby small towns, such as Makanda Inn, which is about 20 minutes away.

Litchfield

Located south of Springfield, this south-central Illinois gem is a major highway stop that welcomes many in-transit visitors. Litchfield is enveloped by lush landscapes offering a pleasant outdoor escape, with access to a lovely swimming lake. Milnot is popular during the summer, with locals and tourists flocking to its sandy shores to enjoy a cool dip and sunbathe. Those who enjoy good-natured social encounters will love the atmosphere at Litchfield Pickers Market. Bustling with spirited vendors and buyers, it is a hub for souvenir hunters with various antiques, primitives, and collectibles.

However, historically inclined travelers may gravitate towards the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. This fantastic facility preserves the community’s historic artifacts in a premier venue along Route 66. Multiple hotels and inns, including Baymont by Wyndham Litchfield, provide lodging services to the many people passing through Litchfield.

Savanna

This Mississippi River town near the Iowa border delights tourists with 19th-century charm and relaxed rural scenery. Outdoors enthusiasts can look forward to exciting adventures in Savanna thanks to Mississippi Palisades State Park. Covering over 2,500 acres, this recreation hub beckons campers, picnickers, hikers, and bird watchers to discover its spellbinding river bluffs and dramatic rock formations. Besides the beautiful outdoors, Savanna interests the indoor inclined at the Savanna Museum and Heritage Center. Inside, a vast collection of archives, artifacts, and relics tell the unique story of Savanna through the years.

Alternatively, visitors can catch the latest Hollywood installations at Savanna Times Theater. The family-friendly venue screens classic and new movies at very reasonably priced tickets. You don’t have to search too long for a hotel in Savanna, with top options like Savanna Inn & Suites available.

Wrapping Up

Illinois’ unbeatable charms come from the authentic experiences in its lesser-known small towns. From the historic riverfront settlement of Freeport to the dynamic communities of Macomb, these hidden gems offer a genuine taste of prairie living. Whether simply relaxing on picturesque courthouse squares, hiking diverse trails, or enjoying parades and festivals with locals, visitors gain notable insight into the true heartland character shaping the state outside its large cities. For those seeking to fill limited time with quality cultural immersion, any of the above ideal Illinois destinations will be an excellent choice.