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.

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

Join University of Illinois Extension for a series, “Pasture Improvement: The Basics and Beyond,” that will focus on management strategies to improve pasture productivity and resilience.

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.

A duo nozzle and injection system that simultaneously provides blanket and spot applications in a single pass was revealed by Precision Planting.

University of Illinois Extension’s online-only Crop Management Conference allows more time to plan and strategize with the resources most beneficial to today’s farms from the comfort of home.

Now is the time to reform regulations that have hindered conservation efforts, strengthen protections against the spread of New World screwworm, expand foreign market access for U.S. beef and advance science-based policies that keep beef at the center of the plate.

Agriculture has never been just about acres, animals, or equipment. It’s about people. It’s about families, partnerships, neighbors and communities whose lives are tied to the land and to each other.

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.

Farmers, advisers and conservation professionals looking to sharpen their skills and further Illinois’ stewardship practices are encouraged to apply for the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s Soil Health Leadership Program which is accepting applications through March 1.

The Practical Farm Research conducted by Beck’s is aimed to make a difference and help farmers succeed.

Soy foods align closely with the Dietary Guidelines’ emphasis on nutrient-dense, plant-based protein sources. They recognize foods such as tofu and tempeh for their protein content, as well as fermented soy foods like miso, which are valuable for gut health.

An Indiana bill aimed at restricting certain food additives in school meals is moving forward, drawing concern from agricultural groups like Farm Bureau which warn that the legislation could create higher costs, regulatory confusion and other problems.

A planting system that places the seed in the optimum position to promote even germination and emergence was revealed at the annual Precision Planting winter conference.

Southern corn rust is generally considered a “tropical disease,” but there were unusually widespread reports of the fungus across Indiana and Illinois in 2025.

If ever there was a time to turn off the television — especially during the evening news hour — this is it.

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

A common practice of adding an insecticide with a fungicide application at R3 is likely missing its mark with no return-on-investment, according to researchers.

The Illinois Agri-Women organization has awarded four scholarships for females studying agriculture.

Many of the changes in the new food guidelines issued recently by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services were red meat to farmers and ranchers.

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.

Jim Henry uncovers a spooky sign that crown rot could haunt cornfields this fall.

The Illinois Soybean Association announced Karen Corrigan as the recipient of the 2026 Master Adviser Award.

The Illinois Soybean Association announced Kris Reynolds as the recipient of the 2026 Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting Award.

Despite the dynamic nature of weed communities, the discovery of new species is uncommon and can spell trouble for growers, warns Jim Henry.

Using feedback from a farmer survey, the Illinois Soybean Association is investing checkoff funds toward research to address those concerns.

Draining excess water from farm fields in Illinois is vital to food and renewable fuel production. However, the lack of adequate farm drainage is a serious problem.

An investment in farm drainage tile can boost crop yields, reduce financial risk and ultimately increase the long-term profitability of your farm.

Farm drain tiles are vitally crucial to the success of Illinois crop production. These underground drainage systems help provide good soil-based crop growing conditions by removing excess water from the soil.

Managing an adaptive grazing management system is a thinking person’s game.

January is a natural time to reflect back, think forward and set the stage for a more resilient grazing season.

Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season.

Sampling in the top U.S. corn-producing states found farmers harvested the highest quality in at least 15 years.

A documentary called “The Beck Family: A Home-Grown Legacy” has officially premiered and is available to watch for free online.

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.

A farmer and resource conservationist that are part of a Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health program team shared their experiences in a recent Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction podcast.

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.

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

Todd Jeffries, vice president, announced the winners of Seed Genetics Direct’s 2025 corn and soybean yield contests.

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.

Hopper Throttle MaxStax Soybean advanced planter box treatment copack on naked soybeans topped liquid seed treatment in the 2025 Soybean Systems Management Trial conducted by the University of Illinois.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a proposed rule revising the regulatory definition of “waters of the U.S.” intended to resolve the regulatory uncertainty regarding the scope of federal jurisdiction.

The Illinois Wheat Association invites farmers and researchers to learn best field practices and strategies from top double-crop farmers during the annual Winter Wheat Double Crop Forum.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program aimed at helping American farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality and boost long-term productivity, all while strengthening America’s food and fiber supply.

Bill Harmon, professor of agronomy at Lincoln Land Community College, recently received the Bill Johnson Excellence in Education Award at the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education ceremony.

The Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold its 81st annual meeting from 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 15 at Pontiac Elks Club, 459 Elks Club Rd.

Although the New World screwworm has been eradicated from the United States for many years, the recent movement of the pest through Central America and Mexico is a concern for Americans.

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