Thirteen Illinois Farm Bureau members and agricultural professionals graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow program, an extensive leadership development program designed to help participants develop leadership and advocacy skills.

Farmers and ranchers can capture more of the food dollar through value-added production, direct marketing and partnerships that move them deeper into supply chain activities.

Charlie Meier is quick to point out that had it not been for his involvement with FFA and 4-H as a youngster, he would not be a state representative.

Indiana Dairy Producers named its 2026 award winners at its recent annual meeting.

Installing a rotary parlor is a major investment for any dairy and the startup phase is pivotal for a smooth transition and long-term efficiency.

With farmers capturing only a small share of the food dollar, even modest swings in commodity prices or increases in input costs can quickly strain farm finances.

Spring often just burst onto the southern Illinois farm of my youth. One morning you’d see a green blade of something peeking through the bare ground by the mailbox and by the time you got off the school bus a day later a brave daffodil waved, welcoming you home.

St. Joseph Ag Days will be held April 10-12 this spring as a free, interactive way for families to learn about agriculture.

The 2026 Indiana General Assembly wrapped up its work, which included some wins for agriculture, according to leaders at Indiana Farm Bureau.

The dairy checkoff’s new online tool is designed to help dairy farmers and their advisers more easily identify grants and funding opportunities for conservation and on-farm improvements.

Agricultural economic conditions are mostly flat since mid-January across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts, according to a survey.

Orion Samuelson wasn’t my formal mentor, but he didn’t have to be. His work ethic spoke louder than any lesson plan ever could.

Changing feeds in dairy cow transition diets can help reduce costs.

Corn diseases can produce mycotoxins that impact the corn silage in dairy cattle rations.

From the 2026 National FFA Week to district proficiency awards, this past month has been full of successes across the state.

Applications are being accepted for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

The dairy checkoff has unveiled Dairy Does More, a national marketing communications platform to help grow demand by reshaping how consumers think about dairy foods.

Ultimately, federal taxpayer-funded payments are not a match for the tough reality of lost demand or damaged markets.

Broadcasting legend and farmer advocate and friend Orion Samuelson died March 16, WGN Radio announced.

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.

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

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.

In another move toward shaping future dairy champions, Midwest Dairy announced the 2026 Illinois Dairy Ambassadors.

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

Hoosier net farm income is projected to decline sharply in 2026 after rebounding in 2025, according to the latest Indiana Farm Outlook Report from Purdue University and the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.

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.

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 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.

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.