Clean water is essential for every farmer and rancher; we depend on it every day. That’s why we’re encouraged to see the new proposed rule from the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.

For over three decades, David Loos was on the frontlines advocating for the develop and expansion of the ethanol industry in Illinois.

Whiskey Acres Distilling Company, where the corn is grown, harvested and distilled on-site, once again earned top honors at the Heartland Whiskey Competition as Best-in-State for Illinois.

Illinois Soybean Association is excited to celebrate outstanding individuals in agriculture through its annual Achievement Awards.

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.

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

At the 2025 Indiana Ag Gathering held at the French Lick Springs Resort, the Indiana Farm Bureau delegate body reelected INFB Vice President Kendell Culp of Jasper County.

“The Pie that Molly Grew” is the 2026 Book of the Year for Indiana Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program.

Baby New Year can grow up fast. The baby pictured here is already shaving.

The sinus of your heart has nothing to do with your nose as you might guess; it’s a structure in the right atrium where blood flows into the heart from the venae cavae.

Before you start taking supplements, talk to your doctor.

Expanding demand to bring profitability back to corn farmers while being “at the table” working with legislators remains top priorities for the National Corn Growers Association.

When Stacy Howard started in the business over 40 years ago, the integration of electronic controls and automation, allowing for precise monitoring and adjustments during the grain drying process, was in its infancy.

They say you never know what you have until it’s gone. I agree. My years as the resident barn owl at Wonderland Farms have taught me that many take what they have for granted.

There’s something magical about Christmas on the farm. The stars in the sky reflecting off of a snowy field, the quiet hum of a heater in the barn office and that sense of peace that comes from being surrounded by open space and loved ones.

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.

In addition to growing food organically, Marty Travis works with numerous Illinois farmers to provide marketing and distribution services that connect them to numerous buyers.

The Illinois Beef Association hosted a Cattlemen’s Gala celebration to raise money and mark the 10th anniversary of the Illinois Beef Foundation.

Honeycomb is gloriously simple, ridiculously inexpensive and one of the most impressive homemade holiday gifts you can whip up with nothing more than sugar, baking soda and 10 brave minutes.

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

If people invested even a fraction of the money they pour into massive animal “rights” organizations into helping children in this country, the impact could be nothing short of transformative.

The way Beck’s Hybrids approaches its business and makes decisions is different than publicly traded companies.

Jim Henry expects $12 billion relief package to make an immediate impact by providing a lifeline for farmers who work to ensure a healthy, safe and abundant food supply.

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.

What can we learn from this year to help us in the next one?

Holiday entertaining does not have to feel like auditioning for a cooking competition.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a common problem and may be associated with panic attacks and sometimes depression, as well.

When it comes to contemporary glass, the highest prices usually go to sculptural, avant-garde pieces made with unconventional techniques. Simpler, more traditional pieces can be bargains.

Each year during the holiday season, I sit down and make a list of things for which I am truly thankful. Some entries never change. These constants anchor my list, reminding me of the steady gifts that shape my life.

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.

The older I get the more I realize some of life truths have to be understood and honored.

We have been going hard with AI synchronization and breeding, both cows and heifers.

Philip Nelson is looking forward to getting to work after delegates at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting elected him president to lead the organization for the next two years.

Former GROWMARK President John Reifsteck was named recipient of the 2025 Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his lifetime of leadership and service to the agriculture industry.

Mark Gebhards, retired Illinois Farm Bureau executive director of governmental affairs and commodities division and chief strategy officer and adviser to the IFB president, was honored with the IFB 2025 Eagle Award for Excellence.

The Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee elected Garrett Williams of Richland County as its 2026 chair and Michael Bernhard of Kendall-Grundy as vice chair.

Eighty-four percent of Christmas tree growers say they anticipate no increase in wholesale prices this year, according to the Real Christmas Tree Board.

There are plenty of options for those wanting to pick their own Christmas tree.

Christmas Nights of Lights, a drive-thru light show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, is returning through Dec. 31 this year.

Both colds and influenza, the “flu,” are respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses. Both can cause a fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat. However, the flu often causes muscle aches, which can be severe.

The Social Security Administration’s annual cost-of-living adjustment will go up by 2.8% in 2026, but some seniors say the new COLA won’t help much in their ability to pay for their daily expenses.

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

If the holiday season had a signature cookie, biscotti wouldn’t be it. However, it would be this cookie’s elegant cousin who shows up beautifully dressed, stays cheerful for weeks and never crumbles under pressure.

With its rings of holly branches, this majolica platter carries the spirit of Christmas. It’s certainly something to celebrate, but a closer look shows its symbols are a little different from the decorations most of us may be used to.

A new information hub was launched this fall to highlight the importance of women in agriculture.

If you’re shopping for a new family pet this holiday season, beware of scams.

Biofuels, like E15, are boosting farm businesses, improving the environment and reducing costs at the pump.

With harvest complete and cover crops planted, work at Riskedal Farms is focusing on repairing machinery and deciding what changes they will make for the 2026 growing season.

Mark Bunselmeyer was elected president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association for 2025-2026 at its annual re-organizational meeting.