In response to recent dust storms in central Illinois and across the Midwest, in-field research is underway focusing on soil conservation and production.

Scouting emerging corn and soybeans provides both a chance to determine that crop’s current needs as well as guidance to correct any mistakes next year.

Fertilizer shipment disruptions in the Persian Gulf due to the Iran conflict pushed prices to levels not seen since another war began four years ago.

When Jay Whalen was hired as a seed specialist 17 years ago, he began using his farm for testing the company’s various products.

Mark Bacon’s on-farm research is paying off by taking significant nitrogen cost out of production for corn in 2026.

Planting corn and soybeans on Bell Family Farms has started for the 2026 growing season.

A new nitrogen insurance tool could help farmers boost profitability and improve environmental health, according to researchers at Purdue University.

Southern Illinois planters began rolling in the latter half of March after an extended stretch of warm, dry conditions.

A garden is a structure, and like any structure, it requires a good foundation. That’s where soil health comes in.

With prices for many things creeping up this year, gardeners shopping for supplies might be looking to tighten their tool belts.

An overwhelming majority of America’s farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year.

A “From Field Tile to Tap” tour demonstrated what farmers can do on their farms to protect drinking water sources downstream.

In managing costs during the current economic environment, John Miller believes it really goes back to basics.

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.

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

American agriculture depends on a stable and affordable supply of fertilizer to remain productive and competitive.

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.

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.

Crude oil prices, like it or not, often shape the world’s economies and geo-politics.

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.

Initial results of the Illinois Soybean Association On-Farm Trial Network’s first sulfur trials on 17 locations across the state were revealed at the recent Field Advisor Forum.

Maximizing ROI isn’t just about how much you apply — it’s about understanding the science behind nutrient efficiency from application to uptake.

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

Corn bred with genes from wild relatives can reshape soil microbial communities and reduce nitrogen loss — with no yield reduction, according to new research from the University of Illinois.

Growing winter forage can improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, add organic matter, break up compaction and provide livestock feed.

While winter grazing can work, understanding the physiological stress it places on forage plants — and planning for recovery — is critical to long-term pasture health.

The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association’s interim president got his start with the organization as an intern collecting biomass samples in cover crop fields, as well as coordinating nitrogen rate trials and anhydrous safety training.

Heirloom and ancient grains are grown on Hazzard Free Farm without any chemical pesticides.

Regenerative agriculture is about mimicking nature’s principles, designs and patterns.

Nick Seiter, University of Illinois Extension entomologist, said populations of both northern and western corn rootworms have developed resistance to all available Bt traits.

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.

The current economic environment for farmers is challenging with tighter margins and more volatility.

A program designed to encourage farmer-to-farmer networks to improve soil health and protect water quality within Illinois’ priority watersheds enters its second year.

Beck’s Hybrids published its 2025 Practical Farm Research findings, available for free online.

With season-average corn and soybeans prices in the new year projected to remain at current levels, agronomists recommend prioritizing nutrient management to improve the bottom line.

A new initiative designed to bridge the gap between farmers and partner companies who need their input will be rolled out in early 2026.

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.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association and Precision Conservation Management presented the 2026 Randy Stauffer Stewardship Award to Whalen Farms.

The Precision Conservation Management program is wrapping up its 10th year of providing free technical assistance to identify solutions for the environment and farmers’ bottom lines.

With the warm, dry conditions, harvest is almost complete at Riskedal Farms, where some corn and sunflowers remain to be picked.

With the harvest near the finish line, corn growers turn toward their nitrogen plans for the 2026 growing season that may include a fall application.

A company that offers an ocean-sourced limestone replacement is expanding into the Midwest for farmers.

For over two decades, the Beck’s Practical Farm Research program has provided data-driven information to help farmers make agronomic decisions on their own farms.

Technology solutions are providing Case IH customers the ability to improve the efficiency of their farming operations.

Jim Henry reviews the ways to get the most bang out of your nitrogen dollars.

It’s almost time for Mindy Orschell’s favorite view — sunsets from the combine next to a fresh-cut soybean field.

Cattle are now grazing on a field of cover crops at Riskedal Farms.

As corn yields continue to climb, residue management will become increasingly important.

Over the years we’ve explored the environmental and economic benefits of adjusting management practices to include conservation.