Science

Farmers and ranchers have long been leaders in adopting innovation — from integrating new technology to embracing creative solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability.

March went in — and out — like a lion. Several state contests take place in spring, such as the recent dairy cattle and food science career development events, with many more on the calendar.

To paraphrase Forrest Gump, spring is like a box of chocolate — you never know what you’re going to get.

On my family’s farm, we achieve Earth Day objectives throughout the year, guided by respect for the blessings natural resources provide. We must conserve and protect natural resources to grow food and sustain our farm for future generations.

The animals are smelling green grass and are tired of eating their winter vittles. The rye looks great, but the cool temps have slowed its growth enough that I have decided to delay the usual turnout a few days.

April is a perfect time to check items off your gardening to-do list.

Twenty-five Illinois Farm Bureau members recently graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow, an extensive leadership development program designed to help participants develop leadership and advocacy skills and to become a voice for Illinois agriculture.

Plant-based and lab-grown protein products enjoyed a moment in the sun several years ago, but it didn’t take long for the free market to kick in and push these companies down a very steep decline.

Changes are happening on the labels of herbicide products that may impact the way farmers spray their crops.

Crop protection tools — including widely popular glyphosate-based herbicides — are critical for weed control and providing an ample and affordable food supply. That is the prevailing sentiment in a survey from the Modern Ag Alliance.

John Miller was walking through his cornfield 15 years ago, saw a problem and wanted to use his machinist skills to rectify it.

The Illinois Soybean Association’s new-look rainfall simulator trailer hit the road for a demonstration at a central Illinois school.

Since 2006, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has been on a mission to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through education.

Disruption is the key to adaptive grazing systems.

A team of students from Purdue University earned $20,000 for creating SoyShield — an alternative to plastic wrap designed to be used in laboratories to seal chemical containers.

Soy Straws, a lightweight, shelf-stable snack, earned the $5,000 top prize in the first-ever Student Soy Food Competition at the 31st annual Student Soybean Innovation Competition.

Farmers and ranchers are committed to stewarding the land and protecting the water we depend on. We know firsthand the importance of clean water: it’s essential to our livelihoods and instrumental in providing a safe and abundant food supply.

A ribbon-cutting celebration and open house marked the opening of Nutrien Ag Solutions’ Innovation Farm.

The peak wind speed in Illinois happens in March and April and it is the least windy in July and August.

The farming community has shifted toward planting soybeans earlier than traditionally recommended.

While observing the impacts herbivores had on plant growth 40 years ago, Ken Paige made a discovery that could transform soybean production.

Farmers and astronauts might seem like they have vastly different jobs, but they share a lot of common traits and skills.

The amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed to maximize the profitability of corn production in the Midwest has been increasing by about 1.2% per year for the past three decades, according to new Iowa State University research.

Food, feed and fuel production is a global business, but it still all comes down to finding the best solutions for individual farmers on their fields.

Economists from Purdue University discussed the role of technology in improving farm profitability at the 2025 Commodity Classic.

Farmers should be aware that overusing Bt corn can be problematic, according to an analysis of data covering 12 years and 10 U.S. Corn Belt states.

Beck’s agronomists shared best practices for growing a strong, healthy wheat crop using Practical Farm Research data during an episode of “The Dig.”

Save the date for Ag Day at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, in the Commercial Building, April 4-6.

Between the chartering of new FFA chapters, celebrations of FFA Week, announcements of District Golden Owl Award recipients, convention preparation and chapter banquets, February brought many blessings.

From issues impacting the farm economy, including record costs for labor, interest and taxes, to trade and biofuels, there a lot of challenges facing farmers today. But there also are opportunities, said Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association.

Unfertilized soybean fields with lower soil fertility should be planted earlier than high-fertility fields, according to a University of Illinois study that reevaluates longtime soil testing.

A service that provides unbiased, research-based crop disease and pest management information to farmers and agricultural personnel is now in its 10th year.

Members of Illinois Agri-Women gathered for their annual meeting to elect new officers, conduct association business and learn about several Illinois agricultural organizations.

It is a new day for agriculture, said Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins.

On-farm trial results from Yield/Profit Challenge’s plots were rolled out during the recent Midwest Ag Expo.

If corn was ever jealous of soybean’s relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, advancements in gene editing could one day even the playing field.

A professor at Purdue University is using particle science to improve grain facility safety.

There is always something to learn from a previous growing season. As the new year begins, it’s a great time for farmers to analyze results from their fields to make informed decisions for 2025.

Seed selection remains one of the most critical decisions a grower can make. The right seed, on the right acre, at the right rate, planted at the right time sets the foundation for yield potential and defense against weeds, pests and diseases.

As soybean growers evaluate input decisions for 2025, return on investment once again reigns supreme as a critical factor in a rollercoaster market.

Following reports of high disease outbreaks last year, the World Meteorological Organization is predicting a 60% chance of La Niña weather in 2025, which could lead to cooler conditions.

The Soybean Innovation Lab will close April 15 due to a federal funding stoppage for the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Red crown rot is a concerning, relatively new disease to the Midwest that more farmers are finding in their fields. The pathogen was found in Illinois in 2018 and Indiana in 2022.

There is a lot of field-to-field variability of corn rootworm populations in Illinois fields.

A collaborative effort between the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Agriculture will offer a unique educational opportunity for conservation planners.

Western Illinois University agriculture students recently showcased their skills and leadership at the Illinois Spring Postsecondary Agricultural Students competition, bringing home multiple top placements and leadership honors.

As we bid farewell to February, I find myself aching for the warmth and promise of spring in the heart of middle America.

Crop Nutrition Week 2025, a weeklong virtual learning event hosted by AgroLiquid, delivered data-driven strategies to help growers build stronger returns on their fertility investments.

Farmers may add root structure as another trait to consider when choosing corn hybrids for their operation.

Micronutrients, pet peeves, social media and common-sense agronomy were just a few of the topics at the Illinois Soybean Association Field Advisor Forum panel discussion.