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

Attendance to the Illinois and Du Quoin state fairs exceeded 1 million for the second consecutive year.

The Illinois FFA S.T.A.R. Conferences empower section officer teams through intensive, day-long training where they master their roles, build regional connections and collaborate with the major state officer team.

Market development and a new farm bill continue to be among the top priorities for the Illinois Soybean Association.

Enrollment in the Precision Conservation Management program continues to grow across four states.

The cost and commodity price squeeze continues as it nears time to plan for next year’s crop and correlating fertilizer strategy.

Whether advocating on Capitol Hill, mentoring campers or preparing for the Illinois State Fair, the Illinois FFA state officer team is embracing every opportunity to serve.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance presented two awards recognizing outstanding farmer leaders for their contribution to sustainable and local agriculture in Illinois.

In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, Conservation World visitors during the Illinois State Fair had a chance to record their stories, memories and hopes for future generations.

A new interactive display with educational games for youngsters and adults to learn about water pollution and solutions was featured at the Illinois State Fair.

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.

Toby Behrends of Sheffield was named Grand Champion Overall Master Showman during the 2026 Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest.

The 2026 Illinois State Fair theme, “Miles of Smiles,” celebrates the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.

Each day of the Illinois State Fair, children, parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited to the Sensory Station for a special storytime hosted by the Imagination Library and local library partners.

A 3-week old calf in South Texas has been confirmed to be infected with New World screwworm.

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.

It is important for everyone to do things that fill up their mind, body and spirit.

Broadcasting legend and farmer advocate and friend Orion Samuelson died March 16, WGN Radio announced.

Auction innovations, leadership and operational strategies, state competitions, and fellowship will be featured as the Illinois State Auctioneers Association celebrates its 78th anniversary at the annual convention and trade show.

Growing up in a small town with a graduating class of 23 in 1983, Mike Kirkton wanted travel the world.

Brad Dearing checks all the life-lesson boxes from his experiences in military service, decades as a teacher and owning a farm.

Farm income concerns along with state and federal issues continue to be a focus of Illinois Farm Bureau.

A new economic impact report shows there’s more to Illinois farms than just corn, soybeans and wheat along the highways.

Since an early April low, live cattle prices took an upward turn that continued through September, but there are other concerns the industry is facing.

Attendance at the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair combined for over 1 million visitors in 2025.

There was some tar spot coming up in our corn, and we wanted to get on top of that before it moved up and gets too close to the ear.

The Parkers wrapped up a successful weekend at the Illinois State Fair livestock show and returned to their farm with ribbons in hand.

Numerous organizations sharing common goals aimed at protecting soil health and water quality joined in a “Cultivate Connections” luncheon during Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair.

The new Illinois Soybean Association chair is a firm believer in achieving goals through collaboration.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the winners of the Sale of Champions at the 2025 Illinois State Fair — the premier auction showcasing the top livestock exhibited by Illinois 4-H youth.

Sixty-five young livestock exhibitors vied for the title of “Grand Champion Overall Master Showman” during the Illinois State Fair Master Showmanship Contest.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II announced a $625,000 commitment from Compeer Financial to the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation toward ongoing upgrades to fairground buildings.

From the moment the team was elected on June 12, everything changed in the everyday lives of the six new Illinois FFA major state officers.

Several new features are on tap at this year’s Illinois State Fair, ranging from pickleball tournaments to a Dolly Parton reading program.

Illinois State Fair visitors will see updated security measures at all Grandstand entrances this year.

Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the state’s Department of Natural Resources with a variety of special displays and activities Aug. 7-17.

The theme for this year’s fair sets the tone for an unforgettable journey through all that makes the Illinois State Fair a must-see event — livestock competitions, jaw-dropping performances, thrilling carnival rides, delicious food and nonstop entertainment.

Lena Olson’s love for animals is in her DNA.

With over 90% of the business wholesale, nearly every day is delivery day for Ken Ropp. “I spend a majority of the time on the road,” said the Ropp Jersey Cheese proprietor.

Along with cattle sales, junior activities and shows, the Illinois Beef Expo included a trade show where numerous companies provided information to cattlemen at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

At a very young age, sisters Claire and Jemma Dorsey started showing cattle, which has developed into a passion and award-winning endeavor.

Strong tradition leads to strong results at the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

George Obernagel of Waterloo was the recipient of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s top award, The World of Corn.

Growing specialty crops including vegetables, pumpkins, gourds, mums and gladioli have developed into award-winning projects for Ty Steffen.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced record-breaking attendance totals for the 2024 Illinois State Fair. More than 773,000 people attended the 11-day event, the highest number on record since industry standards were enacted.

Following a successful year at the Illinois State Fair with more than 70,000 people passing through the FFA Barnyard, the major state officers kept in “fair mode” as they traveled to the Du Quoin State Fair.

One of the goals in FFA is to prepare members “for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”

Disaster assistance for producers and training new staff has been among the many focuses of the Farm Service Agency’s Illinois offices over the last several months.

The Illinois Soybean Association is observing its 60th anniversary this year that will culminate with an awards banquet in November.

For Cliff Behrmann, bacon runs in the blood. Behrmann is the owner of Behrmann Meat and Processing, a business started by his maternal grandfather and Behrmann’s father.