Showers and thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated: March 31, 2026 @ 6:39 pm
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced on August 19 that the USDA will cease funding solar panels on productive farmland and prohibit the use of panels manufactured by foreign adversaries in USDA projects. This decision means solar farms will no longer receive federal loans or grants from the USDA, likely slowing the development of these operations. Developers will also need to source panels domestically due to the new restrictions.
In a statement, Rollins said, “It has been disheartening to see our beautiful farmland displaced by solar projects, especially in rural areas that have strong agricultural heritage. One of the largest barriers of entry for new and young farmers is access to land. Subsidized solar farms have made it more difficult for farmers to access farmland by making it more expensive and less available.”
Recent data indicates that solar farms occupy nearly 28,000 acres of land in Illinois, suggesting that many local farmers may welcome this announcement. However, the decision may not be favorable for everyone, as some view solar farms as a valuable source of clean energy that supports local economies.
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