Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation encourages college students pursuing careers in the beef industry to apply for the 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded.

The earliest winter calvers were moved to corn residue closer to his home and, as mentioned last month, half of the stocker steers grazing the sorghum-sudangrass also were shipped out to a Nebraska feedlot.

I would like to find some time for some more brush control projects, but I’m concerned that the dry weather may have rendered the target plants less receptive to absorb the chemical than would be ideal and I don’t want to waste the herbicides or the time to apply them.

With the shutdown of the government, there is uncertainty in knowing when we will receive our cost-share funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The European Union’s executive arm unveiled detailed proposals to protect farmers from being undercut by imports from South America as it seeks to build support for its deal with the Mercosur trade alliance.

A new economic impact report shows there’s more to Illinois farms than just corn, soybeans and wheat along the highways.

Since an early April low, live cattle prices took an upward turn that continued through September, but there are other concerns the industry is facing.

CattleCon 2026, the largest cattle industry event of the year, is heading Feb. 3-5 to the heart of downtown Nashville.

Imports make up more than 22% of U.S. beef consumption — more than double what it was just over a generation ago.

Greg Thoren is using a virtual fencing system to graze cattle in various areas of his farm as part of his regenerative agriculture plan for his operation.

Successfully breeding cows and maintaining pregnancy is always financially beneficial.

Bovine respiratory disease is one of the greatest threats to young calves and gaining protection through vaccines isn’t always straightforward.

Farm income concerns along with state and federal issues continue to be a focus of Illinois Farm Bureau.

Taiwan intends to purchase $6.4 billion of U.S. corn and soybeans over the next four years, according to two letters of intent signed with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance.

The sobering reality is that many farmers are hurting. Talk to any farmer who grows row crops, and he or she will tell you they’re struggling with the lowest prices in almost 20 years.

It’s almost time for Mindy Orschell’s favorite view — sunsets from the combine next to a fresh-cut soybean field.

Most of our cow-calf pairs are still on pasture. However, the pasture is mostly burnt up, so we are feeding hay daily now.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has opened applications for spring 2026 semester internships in the association’s Colorado headquarters and D.C. office.

The United Soybean Board tightened its budget belt for the new fiscal year by prioritizing high-impact projects with better return on investment for farmers.

Cattle are now grazing on a field of cover crops at Riskedal Farms.

Many of us are still reeling from the recent tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. His legacy as a staunch defender of his Christian faith, as well as his defense of truth, has inspired thousands of people, young and old, around the world.

Foreign imports are gutting U.S. ranching. The American Beef Labeling Act would finally let shoppers choose American beef.

There’s no doubt that an introduction of New World screwworm, which is advancing northward from Central America and through Mexico, would have a devastating impact on America’s livestock, wildlife and people.

How did we get to the point where we need a “Make America Healthy Again” campaign? Here’s one career dairyman’s perspective.

Illinois Farm Bureau recently selected three students for the Illinois Veterinary Student Loan Program, which aims to support the next generation of veterinarians focusing on caring for food animals.

Dan Sanderson is the recipient of the 2025 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Despite all the hot weather we had in July and August, the cattle have come on well and look great. Returns on the cattle we have sold continue to show they are performing and grading very well.

Prices for every class of cattle are over-the-moon high and the only question I hear is, “When will this bubble burst?” The answer of course is, “Who knows?”

The moderate drought we are back in has hastened the row crop maturation and held back everything else needing a drink.

The Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer fell 10 points to a reading of 125 — the third month of declines.

Brazil’s government said it will buy several domestic products hit by the 50% higher U.S. tariffs, such as acai, coconut water, mangoes and Brazilian nuts — and that it will pay an “adequate” price for them.

September usually marks a turning point. Summer turns to fall, vacation turns to school and the green hope and promise of growing crops turns into the yellow and gold of harvest. This month feels different, though.

Why wouldn’t you want to farm the land in a way that builds soil biodiversity, delivers a return on investment and restores wildlife habitat?

Your data is constantly flowing — from the milking parlor to the feed bunk to the breeding pen.

Crop prices and trade policies remain among the top concerns across Corn Belt districts for the fourth straight Federal Reserve survey.

Judicious use of antibiotics is tremendously important for the future of beef and dairy production.

Brazilian beef imports are accelerating the ongoing contraction of the U.S. cattle industry by displacing domestic cattle producers, their cattle and domestic feedlots — and this is weakening America’s ability to be self-reliant in beef production.

Registration is now open for CattleCon 2026, which will be held for the first time in downtown Nashville.

The annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Graduate students pursuing careers in meat science and animal science are encouraged to apply for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program.

On the southern Illinois farm of my youth, August always meant heat, humidity and the best food of the year.

Nathaniel will be marketing his first-ever pastured organic broiler crop as his entrepreneurial debut.

The Parkers wrapped up a successful weekend at the Illinois State Fair livestock show and returned to their farm with ribbons in hand.

Sixty-five young livestock exhibitors vied for the title of “Grand Champion Overall Master Showman” during the Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest.

Champions were crowned in the Supreme Drive at the Indiana State Fair.

In a period when retail beef prices are at an all-time high and consumers are still willing to pay, South Dakota rancher Calli Williams would love to cash in. But it’s not so simple.

The United States’ suspension of live cattle imports from Mexico hit at the worst possible time for rancher Martín Ibarra Vargas, who after two years of severe drought had hoped to put his family on better footing selling his calves across the northern border.

If “America First” is the goal, then the American Beef Labeling Act is an integral component. You simply can’t say you’re putting America first when you’re catering to the self-interests of global corporations.

Becoming a trained observer of livestock can help producers evaluate the nutritional value of their pastures.