Gov. JB Pritzker’s career as a venture capitalist and philanthropist from Chicago seems far-removed from agriculture, yet they parallel one another, according to the two-term governor.

Running on a platform of affordability, safety and education, Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey gave his stance on issues during the recent Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable.

Illinois Milk Producers Association is calling for nominations of individuals to receive formal recognition in 2026 for their outstanding contributions to the dairy industry through leadership, stewardship and overall excellence.

A new egg building and pig barn were added to Little Hands on the Farm — a popular Indiana State Fair experience that helps children learn where their food comes from.

What makes a state fair so unique is it provides multiple, wide-ranging experiences within the same day.

A phone call from a friend changed Debbie Ruff’s career trajectory 35 years ago, and she’s “still having fun” as ag literacy coordinator.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Agricultural Robotics Club accomplished an impressive feat in its first international competition.

Results of a new study about women in agriculture were unveiled by American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee.

Joe Steffen received the Golden Owl Award and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Newark Community High School’s agricultural education efforts during the 2026 IAVAT Conference.

Presented by industry experts during World Dairy Expo, Dairy Forage Seminars are centered around cutting-edge research and information regarding forage quality, harvest and storage.

With optimism for the cattle business remaining strong, nearly 700 cattle producers from across the country gathered in Colorado, for the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting.

The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition wrapped up the 2026 Heart of America Grazing Conference by recognizing three Illinois producers with the Master Grazier Award: Rick Adams, Terry Becherer and Perry Hottes.

Blue skies and sunshine marked the perfect weather for Southern Illinois University’s Ag Field Day where a drone and artificial intelligence, some of the latest technology to sweep the farming industry, were among the star performers.

It was a memorable day for a select group of women who attended Girls Who Grill, an exclusive event designed to build confidence around grilling.

Indiana brought a piece of Hoosier pride to the National Mall for the Great American State Fair.

Led by its 77 farmer-leaders, United Soybean Board approved a $122.5 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year, strategically allocating funds across vital research, promotion and education investments.

Applications are now open for Indiana Farm Bureau’s new grant opportunity to assist with the growth and development of women’s agriculture-related small businesses.

The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association announced the appointment of Jenny Webb as president.

Lake County Farm Bureau has invited elected officials, school representatives and their families to attend the annual Evening on the Farm event July 24 at Kleine Dairy Farm.

The Illinois Division of Midwest Dairy announced that five Illinois students will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their education at an accredited college or university this fall.

Students from the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture earned multiple team and individual honors at the 2026 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference.

Three historic milestones will be observed July 9-12 during this year’s Historic Farm Days.

The FFA journey for Claire Woeppel is a legacy.

The 97th Indiana FFA State Convention wrapped up with an impressive showing of leadership, skill and community impact.

Four Indiana FFA members were named Stars over Indiana at the state convention, an honor for their had work in and outside of the classroom.

Natalie Pratt, the 2025-2026 Illinois FFA state president, closed the book on her year serving in that post with an emotional farewell address.

Bryer Nelson is excited for the opportunities he will be given and the opportunities he will be sharing with FFA members during the upcoming year as the president of the Illinois Association FFA.

Illinois FFA state proficiency winners are selected based on members’ outstanding skills in recordkeeping, leadership and scholastic achievement.

Rural Investment to Protect our Environment welcomed the Illinois Soybean Association to its Steering Committee.

Illinois Farm Bureau will host 14 Nutrient Stewardship Field Days this summer for farmers and industry partners to collaborate and discuss ongoing research and innovative approaches to nutrient stewardship.

Mark Read has been involved in his community in a variety of roles over the years, and after retiring from farming, he was able to expand his volunteer work to well beyond north-central Illinois.

“Giving back to the community” isn’t just a cliché. It’s a lifestyle for folks like Matt Rush and his family.

At a time when many high school students are generations removed from farm life, Indian Creek Ag Teacher Joe Dunn is showing them the importance of agriculture.

Watching high school students become successful in their careers has been a highlight for Joe Steffen as the agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Newark Community High School.

Big changes will be happening over the summer for the agricultural rooms at Heyworth High School.

Illinois Farm Bureau has named Southern Illinois University Collegiate Farm Bureau as the Outstanding Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Through its Compeer Giving program, Compeer Financial awarded $19,750 to 20 Illinois farmers markets.

Indiana Pork partnered with the National Pork Producers Council to host a LEADR — Leadership, Education, Advocacy Development and Resources — training at Purdue University.

Demonstrating its commitment to rural vitality, Compeer Financial has committed more than $1.4 million to 14 foundations across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin through its Rural Collaboration Project.

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.

Compeer Financial selected 35 high school seniors from Illinois to each receive a scholarship worth $2,000 toward the pursuit of a degree related to agriculture.

The Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center has been a hub of activity for nearly two decades, hosting workshops, seminars, expos, livestock and horticulture judging, countless opportunities for students of all ages and other events.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association honored a family that has contributed to the long-term success of the industry through leadership and pork promotion at the local and state levels.

A fifth-generation hog farmer was seated as Illinois Pork Producers Association president during its annual meeting at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

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.

In an effort to elevate rural communities, Illinois Farm Bureau partnered with county Farm Bureaus to award 30 Rural Development Grants totaling $120,000 to support local projects across the state.

The annual Innovate and Grow Conference was held to provide education and networking for Indiana Farm Bureau members under age 40.

National Ag Day is March 24, with the theme, “Together We Grow.”

Did you know that farmers can donate land, grain or equipment directly to their local community foundation?

Raices Latinas: Agriculture in McHenry County is screening a sneak preview of the documentary, “Nuestras Historias,” on March 31 at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren Street, Woodstock.