In a press release yesterday, the USDA announced a new campaign titled "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food". The goal is to begin a national conversation to help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity. To launch the initiative, Secretary Vilsack recorded a video to invite Americans to join the discussion and share their ideas for ways to support local agriculture. The video, one of many means by which USDA will engage in this conversation, can be viewed at USDA's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/usda . Producers and consumers can comment on the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' YouTube playlist, as well as submit videos or provide comments on this initiative by e-mailing KnowYourFarmer@usda.gov.

Fall in Illinois is a great time to visit a local farm. Even though the weather has had its ups and downs, the fall harvest is plentiful.