Stories about markets
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.
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.
Uber says it will invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian Automotive to help launch up to 50,000 robotaxis.
Warm and dry this early is both a bad combination and a bad omen.
Agricultural economic conditions are mostly flat since mid-January across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts, according to a survey.
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.
Farmers, researchers, academia and industry partners recently converged for the Soy Innovation Center’s second annual SpringBoard Challenge.
Consolidations from the farm gate through the entire supply chain, combined with inconsistent federal policies, have pushed agriculture toward a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
The latest federal farm income forecast reinforces the difficult reality for U.S. agriculture.
At a time when margins are already tight and input costs are at a record high, global conflicts that disrupt fertilizer supplies or raise fuel prices could increase production costs for U.S. farmers, reports Jim Henry.
In managing costs during the current economic environment, John Miller believes it really goes back to basics.
The Morrow Plots, famed in song and story, represent the oldest continuously running agricultural experiment in North America.
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.
When we drone seeded clover on the wheat last February it had just a little green, but I was hoping it would soon look better and it does.
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.
Military action in the Middle East has disrupted critical shipments of fertilizer and oil as farmers head toward planting.
As the war in Iran ratchets up, the price of crude oil has been swinging sharply.
When gas prices spike, filling up gets more painful. But consumers can do something to stretch their fuel just a little farther: Change the way they drive.
We must ensure strong market opportunities here at home to keep family farms in business.
With two potential supply and demand movers slated for the end of the month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s March 10 balance sheets were unchanged as expected.
Other than a nickel increase in the projected average wheat price and tweaks in the global supplies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop balance sheets were mostly unchanged in the March estimates.
Crude oil prices, like it or not, often shape the world’s economies and geo-politics.
Seven Indiana counties had triple-digit winter wheat yield averages in 2025.
National Ag Day is March 24, with the theme, “Together We Grow.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has now sharply lowered its 2025 farm income outlook by $25 billion, reinforcing that this downturn is deeper and more persistent than many anticipated.
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is encouraging farmers, food businesses, cooperatives and community organizations across the state to apply now for the fiscal year 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant program, with the enrollment period open through March 27.
Twelve Illinois counties averaged triple-digit wheat yields in 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The dairy checkoff has unveiled Dairy Does More, a national marketing communications platform to help grow demand by reshaping how consumers think about dairy foods.
Many families are facing the difficult decision to sell land, limit production or close their farm altogether, reports Jim Henry.
As growers prepare for the upcoming growing season against a backdrop of volatility, like shifting markets, unpredictable weather and accelerating technology, they’ll be faced with higher-stakes decisions and less room for error.
Ultimately, federal taxpayer-funded payments are not a match for the tough reality of lost demand or damaged markets.
The September-seeded rye really greened up with the rain and temperatures, so some grazing may be taking place soon.
A little moisture is all it takes to get folks thinking spring has arrived.
U.S. farmers continue to face market uncertainty and rising input costs which are being worsened by phosphate duties incurred through antidumping and countervailing investigations.
The 2026-2027 board of directors were announced at the U.S. Soybean Export Council annual meeting.
After two decades of steady grain storage capacity growth that matched production increases, on-farm and off-farm expansion has become stagnant.
Markup of the new farm bill is underway and Illinois pork producers got a first-hand account of the legislation by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee chair.
Wyffels Hybrids is expanding its footprint in western Indiana for the 2027 growing season, marking a milestone for the family-owned seed corn company as it celebrates 80 years in business.
While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act made an important investment in strengthening the farm safety net, it did not replace the need for a new, modernized farm bill.
The farm bill moved through the House Agriculture Committee with a 34-17 bipartisan vote, encouraging ag organizations that have been worried about the bill’s uncertain future.
The 2026 Indiana General Assembly wrapped up its work, which included some wins for agriculture, according to leaders at Indiana Farm Bureau.
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose three points to 116 in February.
From progress on the farm bill to new trade agreements and growing momentum for year-round E15, there’s been meaningful movement that shows agriculture’s priorities are being heard.
The Fertilizer Institute is closely monitoring developments following the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime shipping channel for global fertilizer and energy markets, amid the widening war in Iran.
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.
The United Soybean Board welcomed 19 new members and 21 returning farmer-leaders appointed by the U.S. secretary of agriculture.
The Illinois Pork Producers Association is working to restore pork options on the menus of Chicago Public Schools.
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Raising livestock is an important way for Chad Bell to diversify his farming operation in western Illinois.