Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson has spent the months since his election meeting with members across the state.

On-farm tile monitoring provides data to researchers that shows losses of nutrients is not simply an overapplication of fertilizer.

Rick Bieber considers a shovel as one of his most important tools.

With numerous cover crop species available, farmers have a lot of opportunities to add diversity to row-crop systems.

Content-creating moms and their families from the Chicagoland area visited farms to learn directly from farmers about how they raise livestock and grow crops on their operations.

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.

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.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy stressed the need for more certainty from Capitol Hill for farmers.

Cattlemen develop rotational grazing systems for many reasons, including parasite control.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture tent not only offers thirst-quenching treats, but also educates state fair visitors on the diversity of locally-grown products the Prairie State offers.

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.

Dennis Neuhaus was elected the new board president of Growmark during the cooperative’s annual meeting.

The Senate’s version of a new farm bill stalled in the Agriculture Committee, and its members will reconvene next month for another vote on the package.

Farmers across the Midwest are dealing with a new problem — black vultures are attacking livestock. This scavenger species didn't live in the area previously; however, warming temperatures have expanded its range.

Illinois Farm Bureau recently accepted Grace Pollitt and Emma Frank into the Illinois Veterinary Student Loan Program, which aims to support the next generation of veterinarians focusing on caring for food animals.

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

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.

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

Illinois Farm Bureau secured statewide black vulture depredation permits through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Dec. 31.

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

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.

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.

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.

From charter signings to banquets and everything in between, the Illinois FFA major state officers this past month have participated in a wide variety of events across the state, along with extensive convention preparation.

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.

Thirteen Illinois Farm Bureau members traveled to Mexico to strengthen agricultural ties and gather insight on trade ahead of the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

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.

Results of the third annual Illinois Ag Retail Survey found conservation practices are gradually increasing across the Prairie State.

As president of Illinois Farm Bureau, Philip Nelson aims to provide impactful advocacy for farmers in the state.

University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are partnering for a series to help farmers and landowners build, sustain and share their farm’s legacy.

Before heading out for the holidays, the major state officer team spent time training and then preparing for the 98th Illinois FFA State Convention.

Committed to protecting Illinois’ resources and the environment through farmer-led, locally-developed programs, Illinois Farm Bureau is awarding a record 34 grants for nutrient stewardship and pollinator projects to county Farm Bureaus across the state.

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.

From holidays to “Harvesting Success,” the Illinois FFA major state officer team has been busy in the city and making an impact on members all across the state.

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.

Kade Hill of Livingston County, a former agriculture teacher and past FFA president who works in agribusiness, was named the 2025 Young Leader Discussion Meet winner during Illinois Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Illinois young farmers and leaders were recognized for their outstanding achievements and programs during the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

A school principal and two teachers were honored by the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program for their efforts.

Ten Illinois 4-H members who exemplified outstanding leadership in the agricultural industry and demonstrate a desire to remain engaged were recently recognized as 2025-2026 Illinois Sustaining the Future Award recipients.