Tractor donation brings learning, earning to school
The donation of a vintage John Deere tractor gave some Freeport FFA students the opportunity to learn and help their programs earn some cash at the same time.
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2 Illinois students honored at Commodity Classic
Ten students, including two from Illinois, were recognized with scholarships at the Commodity Classic in Phoenix.
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Reallocation deadline extended
If you haven’t updated your information with the Farm Service Agency, you now have a little more time.
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‘Head owl’ urges FFA members to stay focused on ag
What do football and FFA have in common, besides starting with the same letter? For Steve Brown, National FFA adviser, it is a high school football play called the “bread and butter."
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Latest News

Seed group eyes GMO labeling, property taxes

Thursday, March 05, 2015 5:00 PM

The Indiana Seed Trade Association is monitoring several bills moving through the Indiana House and Senate. Farmers and association members chatted with legislators Feb. 25 during a meet and greet at the Statehouse.

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Vilsack: President needs trade authority

Thursday, March 05, 2015 3:00 PM

Trade promotion authority is vital to U.S exports, including dairy, pork, beef and other farm products, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stressed. He and former agriculture secretaries joined together to urge Congress to give President Barack Obama the ability to negotiate trade deals.

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PEDV conquered — for now

Thursday, March 05, 2015 1:00 PM

It’s not often that anyone connected to the U.S. pork industry will call PEDV “fantastic.” But Dr. Jim Lowe did just that. “PEDV was fantastic because there were not trade implications to it,” he said.

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Vet: PEDV taught U.S. industry tough lessons

Thursday, March 05, 2015 11:00 AM

The way that most hogs are raised today in the United States, indoors, has its benefits, to hog health, to production efficiency and worker safety.

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Research, funding lacking to battle catastrophic outbreak

Thursday, March 05, 2015 9:00 AM

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus outbreak taught the U.S. pork industry that the hog herd sometimes can heal itself. The industry also learned that in spite of biosecurity upgrades, work still needs to be done to prevent the spread of disease.

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Rural Voices

Focus on what's most important for farm operation

Have you ever attempted to find one person in a large crowd of people? Imagine that you aren’t sure which direction they are coming from, or which way they are heading now. You must find them only by listening for the sound of their voice in the crowd.
Blue FFA jacket celebrates birthday

Do you know someone who wore the internationally known blue corduroy jacket of FFA members? Was it a close family member, distant relative or friend? Did you wear one yourself?
Darren Frye

It’s summer, and if you have a grain operation, you’re keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. At times, the weekly forecast seems to change almost every day. Wouldn’t it be frustrating if your production plans changed as often as the weather forecast does?
Jared Finegan

This has had to be the most comfortable summer weather we have had in my adult life. Hope everyone has enjoyed all the fun summer activities this year. This cool weather has not been the best for the crops, however.
Ted Mottaz

The growing season continues to amaze me and my fellow area farmers. Just as we were starting to get a little dry with yards showing some stress, we got about 2 inches of rain for the week. The corn potential is fairly well set.

Field Editor Blogs

New coliseum dominates Indiana State Fair

Every summer a different commodity is highlighted at the Indiana State Fair. There’s been “Year of the Corn,” “Year of the Dairy Cow” and many other themes, but this year is unlike anything we’ve seen.
Spring: Farmers hard at work keeping world fed

Finally, it’s here. Spring. Warmer weather. This past week, I spent mostly on the road, traveling to five different farms in northern and north-central Illinois.
U.S grain quality top-notch for export

The U.S. Grains Council recently released a report that serves as an important piece of the competitive global market in promoting our corn.
Farmers should take time to take care of bodies, mind

Farmers are some of the hardest working people out there. Constant lifting, pushing, fixing and running between fields, balanced with maintaining a family life, they often push their bodies to the limit.
Farm stories need to be told

I’ve been told that, for a long time, farmers and ag businesses were quiet when it came to telling their stories. Stories of hard work, integrity and progress. Things to be proud of. I’m glad that I’ve heard so many of these stories over the years — even before I worked in the agriculture industry.

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Flider bids farewell to county fair officials

Demand remains high for corn, soybeans

Upcoming Events

Weather forecast shows trend corn yield 'tough target to hit'

Long-term farmland value outlook remains positive

Flider bids farewell to county fair officials