From the Farm: Budzinski talks ag workforce during recent conference. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Farms are becoming more automated, but agriculture and agribusiness are expanding to the level that more people are needed on the farm and in agribusiness industries. From the Farm: USDA midsummer reports. Technology in agriculture has exploded to the point that an insufficient number of people are available to join the workforce. That was the focus at a conference last week hosted by Rep. Nikki Budzinski. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. ## From Our Partners.