From progress on the farm bill to new trade agreements and growing momentum for year-round E15, there’s been meaningful movement that shows agriculture’s priorities are being heard.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture tipped the hat to female farmers at its winter policy conference.

Growing winter forage can improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, add organic matter, break up compaction and provide livestock feed.

We’ve had several inquiries by folks wanting to get started since these sky-high prices, both beef and lamb, have shown the benefit of diversifying from the corn and bean doldrums.

Getting cows off to a good start at the beginning of lactation can sometimes be a struggle. Hypocalcemia, also known as milk fever, is often the culprit, triggered by a drop in blood calcium levels.

Farmland values increased 2% in the last quarter of 2025 and were up 6% year-over-year in the 7th Federal Reserve District.

For people in agriculture and rural communities, take heed: We work outside where ticks thrive, and one small bite can create a life-changing food allergy.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for a joint review July 1 — a critical moment that will determine whether the free trade agreement continues or terminates.

The deadline for producers to sign up for the Dairy Margin Coverage program is Feb. 26.

The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to near cyclical highs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, but there are still some gaps.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is not a dairy-specific virus. It is the same virus that can infect poultry and other species.

After his first year as state veterinarian, Kyle Shipman is proud of the work done by the state Board of Animal Health in 2025.

A joint research project by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and the University of Minnesota presented new findings on the genetic basis of lameness in dairy cows at the World Dairy Expo.

Agricultural economic conditions are largely unchanged from mid-November through early January, according to surveys conducted across Federal Reserve Districts in the Corn Belt.

Midwest Dairy announced it is now seeking students to apply for the Illinois division educational scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic school year.

President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, allowing schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, 2% milk and flavored and unflavored options.

After over 20 years in business, Ropp Jersey Cheese made its final batch of cheese Jan. 26 and will close its retail store Feb. 7.

As farmers, we’re proud of the role we play in feeding America. All we ask is that nutrition policy recognizes the full picture — and that lawmakers remember you can’t build a healthy diet without a strong farm economy to support it.

Five students at Purdue University have been selected to serve as Indiana’s newest dairy ambassadors, representing the industry at community events and outreach efforts throughout the year.

Newborn beef on dairy calves are highly dependent on maternal antibodies much like Holstein calves.

The Bacon Bar and Brunch is the annual legislative breakfast for the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Membership and Policy Committee.

The stage is set for tighter and potentially more volatile milk markets ahead, reports Jim Henry.

Better health begins on your plate — the Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer a flexible, affordable and attainable framework meant to guide better choices, not dictate exact meals or drain a budget.

Today’s rock-bottom feed prices cancel out payments that would otherwise help us get through the struggles that too-low milk prices bring with them.

World Dairy Expo announced the eight individuals selected to serve as associate judges of the expo’s 2026 Dairy Cattle Show.

Managing an adaptive grazing management system is a thinking person’s game.

Dairy farmers are invited to the 2026 Indiana Dairy Producers regional meetings this winter.

Dairy calves are an investment in the future of the dairy operation and the treatment they receive early in life impacts their future milk production.

Today’s dry-off challenges look different than those of the past. More cows are entering the dry period at higher production levels — a sign of progress, but one that brings added considerations for cow comfort and mastitis risk.

The Illinois Milk Producers Association recently recognized Amy Hildebrandt and Tony, Walt and Bobby Graves for their leadership, stewardship and excellence in the dairy industry during the organization’s 2025 annual awards program.

Working with a new administration during 2025 has been fast-paced and challenging for those dealing with regulatory and legislative policies.

People don’t buy into what you do or how you do it. They buy into why you do it.

The long days, unpredictable weather, volatile markets and rising input costs rarely factor into conversations at the grocery store or the checkout line.

It’s fair to say that 2025 has been a year of meaningful progress for agriculture, on top of some very big challenges. Farm Bureau helped farmers and ranchers across the country navigate the roller coaster ride.

Illinois Milk Producers Association and University of Illinois Extension are excited to highlight sustainability and technology during the upcoming Illinois Dairy Summit.

World Dairy Expo is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Recognition Awards through Feb. 15.

Agricultural conditions remained strained but slightly improved over the last six weeks, according to a survey across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts.

This Christmas column, first published in 1994, remains the most-requested column ever written by Alan Guebert. Maybe that’s because its lesson is both timely and timeless or perhaps it’s just a warm tale well told.

With Christmas just around the corner, Ken Ropp and his staff were busy filling numerous cheese orders for delivery or shipping.

The judges tasked with evaluating the Showmanship Contest and Fitting Contest at World Dairy Expo 2026 have been confirmed.

The goal of the Building a Better Cow project is to improve dairy cow productivity, profitability and wellness.

High-quality colostrum intake by dairy calves is an essential component for healthy animals.

Farm families need lasting certainty, and we appreciate our partners in Washington for taking this important first step by delivering a $12 billion package. But the need is far greater.

On the southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth, we marked seasons by the work more than by the month.

More than a decade after U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations banned whole milk from school menus, Congress is considering a comeback.

Powerful anti-vaccine advocates and people selling potentially harmful goods such as raw milk are profiting from the push to write anti-science policies into law across the United States.

Clay Geyer celebrated the end of another successful year on his farm in northern Indiana.

The past few years have tested even the most seasoned farmers. Facing rising input costs, unpredictable market access and many other challenges, farmers and ranchers are working harder while margins grow thinner.

Farmland values were unchanged from the second to third quarter of 2025 in the Seventh Federal Reserve District and up 3% year-over-year.