For our U.S. cattle and sheep industries, do you want free markets or competitive markets? That’s not a trick question as there’s presently significant political tension between these two goals.

Farmland prices are expected to decrease from 1% to 5% this year, according to Illinois professional farm managers.

The Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers’ comprehensive annual farmland values report also includes various tidbits of interest.

Farmers plan to plant less corn and more soybeans in 2026 than last year, reports Jim Henry, as the Iran war drives up fertilizer and fuel prices in the latest blow to the struggling agricultural sector.

An overwhelming majority of America’s farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year.

For generations, farmers and ranchers have been the backbone of rural communities and a driving force in our nation’s economy.

Farmer sentiment about the ag economy improved in March despite rising input cost concerns, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.

A bipartisan bill passed in 2022 to promote the use of higher biodiesel blends is making a significant impact once again in 2026.

University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the State Capitol to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased state investment at its inaugural Extension Day at the Capitol.

Farmland values remain resilient in spite of a cooling agricultural economy, according to the latest installment of the Maximizing Your Farmland Series presented by Halderman.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the Renewable Fuel Standard “Set 2” ruling that locks in the highest-ever Renewable Volume Obligations.

According to the latest Feeding the Economy report, agriculture and food industries are a huge part of the U.S. economy.

Whether you farm five acres or 5,000, you’re part of something bigger than your own farm. You’re helping support jobs, strengthen communities and power an economy that reaches every corner of this country.

During her 30 years as a veterinarian and in academic research, Lisa Freeman learned some lessons that she’s carried throughout her career.

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

The latest federal farm income forecast reinforces the difficult reality for U.S. agriculture.

American agriculture depends on a stable and affordable supply of fertilizer to remain productive and competitive.

Farmers are watching disruptions to global shipping routes with growing concern about what it could mean for fertilizer supplies as we head into spring planting season.

We must ensure strong market opportunities here at home to keep family farms in business.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has now sharply lowered its 2025 farm income outlook by $25 billion, reinforcing that this downturn is deeper and more persistent than many anticipated.

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is encouraging farmers, food businesses, cooperatives and community organizations across the state to apply now for the fiscal year 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant program, with the enrollment period open through March 27.

Many families are facing the difficult decision to sell land, limit production or close their farm altogether, reports Jim Henry.

Markup of the new farm bill is underway and Illinois pork producers got a first-hand account of the legislation by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee chair.

While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act made an important investment in strengthening the farm safety net, it did not replace the need for a new, modernized farm bill.

The United Soybean Board welcomed 19 new members and 21 returning farmer-leaders appointed by the U.S. secretary of agriculture.

Illinois Farm Bureau will host five Nutrient Stewardship Field Days this spring for farmers and industry partners to collaborate and discuss ongoing research and innovative approaches to nutrient stewardship.

Gov. Mike Braun proclaimed Feb. 23-27 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Indiana.

When it comes to highly pathogenic avian influenza, biosecurity is the key to mitigating the risk of disease spread.

One of the few bright spots in the agricultural economy has been beef cattle, as smaller cattle supplies paired with strong consumer demand for beef has driven up prices for both cattle and beef, reports Jim Henry.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program support.

Illinois soybean farmers are once again the top producers of soybeans in the United States.

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 Illinois Department of Agriculture announced plans to distribute $3.6 million in fiscal year 2026 at the recent Everything Local Conference.

From buffalo wings and pizza to chips, queso, guacamole and salsa, farmers and ranchers across the country supply the ingredients that end up on millions of Super Bowl watch party tables, says Jim Henry.

The surprising 1.3 million harvested corn acre jump from the November to the Jan. 12 U.S. Department of Agriculture crop production reports, combined with record quarterly stocks inventories, drew more questions than answers.

A word of caution: Do not get between reality and political forces in Congress when Republicans and Democrats agree to spend more money on farm programs rather than reform the very programs that are failing farmers and rural America.

Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch broke ground on a new egg processing plant in Kendallville in northeast Indiana.

With cattle herds at historic lows and input costs high, Jim Henry predicts beef prices will remain elevated for the foreseeable future.

With lower grain prices, higher interest rates and increased production costs, some farms are facing a challenging financial situation.

The president didn’t return much affection to rural voters in 2025. Farm inputs, health care and food costs continued to rise; yo-yo tariff policies sliced ag exports; and cuts to several federal farm and rural programs clipped rural communities.

The current economic environment for farmers is challenging with tighter margins and more volatility.

Per-acre payment specifics for the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program were released on New Year’s Eve.

The Illinois Alternative Protein Innovation Task Force recently released its groundbreaking findings, revealing how the state can bolster its position as a national agricultural and biomanufacturing powerhouse.

Farmers say they are grateful to President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop, or shuttering a family farm.

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

Farmer Tyler Everett had the ultimate “seat at the table” with President Donald Trump.

A $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program to help farmers offset trade disruptions and increased production costs was announced by the Trump administration.

A new initiative designed to bridge the gap between farmers and partner companies who need their input will be rolled out in early 2026.

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.

Financial stress is severe and persistent across farm country, according to a new Market Intel report from the American Farm Bureau Federation.