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.

Elections for the Midwest Dairy corporate and division boards were held during the organization’s annual meeting in Kansas City.

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.

For our U.S. cattle and sheep industries, do you want free markets or competitive markets? That’s not a trick question as there’s presently significant political tension between these two goals.

The Mexican cattle industry has been hit hard by New World screwworm fly larvae infestations, and the United States has closed the border since July to imports of cattle, bison and horses.

Livestock producers prefer to prevent rather than treat sickness. The goal is to minimize the risk of animals getting sick, thereby reducing the need for treatment.

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

Like other farmers across the nation, my work is not a job, but a calling.

Don Lamb, the director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, recently toured two ag facilities in Rush County.

United Producers Inc. announced a leadership transition at its Salem market as Maycey Crain and Mark Kleiboeker step into new roles to serve producers across the region.

Land in the Midwest is not just dirt. It’s legacy, livelihood and, increasingly, a line in the sand.

Indiana Pork is investing in the future of the food and agriculture industry by sponsoring a hands-on meat fabrication and sausage-making labs at Ivy Tech Community College and Central Nine Career Center.

Farmer sentiment about the ag economy improved in March despite rising input cost concerns, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.

With farmers capturing only a small share of the food dollar, even modest swings in commodity prices or increases in input costs can quickly strain farm finances.

I asked a friend that has a home weather station to go back 24 months and tell me do we have a plus or minus water balance. He came up with 18 inches short.

Cattle, sheep and goat prices are at record or near record levels and fundamentally should remain that way for some time to come.

If you store wool properly, it lasts a long time.

A bipartisan bill passed in 2022 to promote the use of higher biodiesel blends is making a significant impact once again in 2026.

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.

A new website called “Find-a-Vet” makes it easy for Indiana animal owners to find veterinarians in their area who are accepting new clients.

Midwest Dairy released its 2025 Annual Report, demonstrating a strong year of progress building trust and demand on behalf of dairy farmers.

Differences between pastures become more apparent each spring, largely based on how they were managed the previous 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.

Farmers and ranchers can capture more of the food dollar through value-added production, direct marketing and partnerships that move them deeper into supply chain activities.

Charlie Meier is quick to point out that had it not been for his involvement with FFA and 4-H as a youngster, he would not be a state representative.

We have continued to have a few health problems here with the insurance calves and now we have more mud.

Brush in our pastures is my nemesis and I find myself looking for every opportunity to do damage to every Russian olive and locust tree on the planet.

You drive past or in the fields and lots where we are calving and there are babies running around, enjoying their surroundings and their new playmates.

For sheep producers who have a shortage of hay stocks or are concerned about pasture conditions they should take action now to prepare for the year ahead.

Johnson County 4-H is recognizing service members this spring by featuring 4-H alumni on active duty in the U.S. military.

Indiana Dairy Producers named its 2026 award winners at its recent annual meeting.

Installing a rotary parlor is a major investment for any dairy and the startup phase is pivotal for a smooth transition and long-term efficiency.

Spring often just burst onto the southern Illinois farm of my youth. One morning you’d see a green blade of something peeking through the bare ground by the mailbox and by the time you got off the school bus a day later a brave daffodil waved, welcoming you home.

About 400 young ladies connected with professional women to learn about numerous agricultural careers during the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture event.

Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Chad Bell is working on a variety of projects during the transition time from winter and getting ready for the spring planting season.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association is working to restore pork options on the menus of Chicago Public Schools.

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

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.

As days lengthen and soil temperatures begin inching upward, cool-season forages slowly wake from dormancy.

Minerals are essential for normal function of sheep and deficiencies in any of them can negatively impact health and performance.

The dairy checkoff’s new online tool is designed to help dairy farmers and their advisers more easily identify grants and funding opportunities for conservation and on-farm improvements.

Agricultural economic conditions are mostly flat since mid-January across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts, according to a survey.

The National Pork Producers Council announced the induction of Ken and Julie Maschhoff and Sam Carney into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum.

Orion Samuelson wasn’t my formal mentor, but he didn’t have to be. His work ethic spoke louder than any lesson plan ever could.

Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The latest federal farm income forecast reinforces the difficult reality for U.S. agriculture.

I took the Bud Williams “Hand ‘n Hand” Marketing School and Stockmanship School in-person classes in southwestern Missouri and learned you must include a profit in everything you do.