Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with a cookout will find that prices at the grocery store closely reflect inflation increases over the last year, reports Jim Henry.

I am excited to invite you to join us Jan. 8-13 for the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year’s theme is “Driven to Lead. Fueled by Community.”

Data centers create both economic opportunities and resource pressures, particularly around land, water and energy.

At a time when farmers are facing the toughest economic environment we’ve seen in a generation, we need every tool available to help strengthen farm income and create new opportunities for agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in Texas and New Mexico, sounding the alarm for producers across the country to be cautious and keep an eye out for the pest.

Few special ag interests today slide on more lard than the nation’s highly integrated pork giants.

The use of AI in agriculture has potential to enhance efficiency through precision agriculture, optimize resource use and improved production.

A look at women whose contributions significantly shaped agriculture — trailblazers at the national, state or local level — is illuminating.

Deadlines are approaching for two Women in Agribusiness initiatives that recognize and support women across the ag and food value chain.

State lawmakers approved a $55.9 billion budget that included current-level funding for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Recognizing tremendous need in their communities, Illinois FFA chapters and Collegiate Farm Bureaus proudly raised a total of 68,577.85 pounds of food, volunteered 13,142.16 hours and donated $76,645.23 during the 2025-2026 Harvest for All campaign.

Deidra Roell is a fifth-generation grain farmer in Washington County in southern Indiana.

Illinois Livestock Development Group recently hired Annie Hadden of Jacksonville as the organization’s director of livestock development.

Expanding access to American-grown fuels is one more way agriculture can help keep our country moving.

It’s never been so expensive for Americans to buy a steak or hamburger, but cutting those costs requires ranchers like Stephanie Hatzenbuhler to raise more cattle — and that’s not an easy ask.

Across Oahu’s North Shore, an area famed for its big-wave surfing, the small farms that help supply the island’s food are struggling after back-to-back storms in March brought the state’s worst flooding in two decades.

An estate plan is not a one-and-done process. It is a good idea to review it from time to time.

Financial statements are like GPS for businesses.

Focusing on self-care helps farm women remain important assets for their family farming operation.

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.

The U.S. House’s passage of legislation allowing nationwide, year-round use of E15 drew mixed reactions from farm and biofuel groups.

The second annual Farm to Capitol event was held in downtown Indianapolis, celebrating the state’s rich agricultural heritage.

Smart site selection, local engagement and long-term planning can ensure rural America remains both a hub for agricultural production and a partner in responsible technological growth, reports Jim Henry.

Farming is a gamble every year when challenged by the weather and the cost of crop inputs, so there is no thought of gambling the future of the farm away at the casino.

Farm Bureau’s new Weathering the Storm checklist promotes six key practices: nourishment, movement, unplugging, pausing, connecting and sharing.

After years of economic pressure, farm families need the stability and certainty that comes with a new, modernized farm bill.

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.

In his youth, Phil Borgic saw the dedication his parents had toward helping their community and the ag industry. He continues to carry on that tradition.

Heroes don’t wear capes. They’re paged at 3 a.m. to fight a fire, the next day they’re advocating for ag on Capitol Hill and the following day pitching in for the local FFA.

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

Now in its 13th year, the Ag Innovation Challenge gives entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their innovative businesses that address challenges facing America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Top-performing and innovative FFA section presidents and 4-H members cultivated necessary leadership and professional skills during the Youth Education in Agriculture Committee’s recently held Premier 20 Leadership Conference.

The U.S. House passed a new farm bill after the agriculture industry has operated for the past eight years under the previous legislation that included three extensions.

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

Illinois Farm Bureau has named Wes Bland, of Eldred, the Outstanding Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter President for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Indiana Farm Bureau awarded five scholarships to incoming or current college students pursuing careers in agriculture.

Global disruptions have tightened fertilizer supplies and driven up costs. At the same time, fuel prices continue to rise, further tightening balance sheets.

Two leaders from the Food Safety and Inspection Service toured Old Major Market and Turchetti’s Meats to see Indiana ag in action.

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.

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

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance announced that Joe Horstman has earned the Governor Agent award and Andy Briles and his agency’s offices have earned the Governor Agency award.

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.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its fifth consecutive temporary emergency waiver to allow nationwide summer sale of E15.

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

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.

Tennessee farmer Todd Littleton expects to pay $100,000 more for fertilizer this season, a 40% spike from his bill last year thanks to the war in Iran — and he is scrambling to cover that extra cost.

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.