Beck's Hybrids tests multi-hybrid planter with Kinze
Jason Webster, Beck’s Hybrids’ central Illinois Practical Farm Research director, recently planted corn near Waco, Texas, with a new multi-hybrid planter with Kinze Manufacturing. Three of the planters will be tested in Indiana and Illinois this spring.
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Junior cattleman wins trailer through points program
The Hinshaw family works as a team when it comes to showing cattle. “It’s our whole family — we all have to come together to make it work,” Jacob Hinshaw said.
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Ottawa high school keeps FFA, ag programs alive
Members of the Ottawa Township High School FFA are used to putting on their game faces. The tension on those young faces — and on the faces of their parents — was on full display in the minutes leading up to a statement by Superintendent Matt Winchester.
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Big-city chefs connect with Illinois family farms
The Taste of Chicago each July is touted as the world largest food festival, but visitors to the Windy City’s finest restaurants can enjoy a taste of Livingston County year-round thanks to a group of local farmers.
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Latest News

El Nino warming of Pacific Ocean forecast by meteorologists

Sunday, March 09, 2014 5:00 PM

U.S. federal forecasters predict a warming of the central Pacific Ocean this year that will change weather worldwide. The warming, called an El Niño, can mean an even hotter year coming up and billions of dollars in losses for food crops.

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Farmers, shippers wary of winter’s fallout

Sunday, March 09, 2014 3:00 PM

While winter has been unforgiving to most of the Midwest, the next several months will dictate the season’s impact on all-important sectors, such as shipping and farming.

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Beginning Farmer Institute application period extended

Sunday, March 09, 2014 1:00 PM

The National Farmers Union has extended the application deadline for its 2014 Beginning Farmers Institute program to April 7 due to additional sponsorships that will allow for more participants.

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Ice cream flavor recalled from some Aldi stores

Sunday, March 09, 2014 11:00 AM

A northern Michigan ice cream maker is recalling a flavor that’s sold at many Aldi stores and may contain nuts. House of Flavors in Ludington is recalling Belmont Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream because it may contain a nut that’s not declared on the label. People allergic to nuts may be at risk.

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Environmentally friendly palm oil to be used by Kellogg

Sunday, March 09, 2014 9:00 AM

Kellogg Co. said it will buy palm oil only from companies that don’t destroy tropical rainforests to produce the additive used in many processed foods.

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Rural Voices

Ag world shift requires change in mindset

Have you ever been stuck in a routine? Maybe it’s the routine you go through each morning at the start of your workday. Or maybe you eat the same thing for lunch every day. If there isn’t any pressing reason to change, you might keep that routine.
Farmland assessments for Indiana property taxes rise

At the end of December, Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance calculated the base rate assessment for farmland to be used for taxes in 2015. Predictably, the base rate increased to $2,050 per acre. That’s a 16 percent increase over the pay-2014 value.
Build financial 'dashboard' of working capital for farm

If margins tighten as ag economists are warning, it’s going to be important to consider the potential impacts on your operation. Making sure that your farm is going to be financially healthy in what could be tougher times may set you up in a good position.
Indiana agriculture needs a farm bill as fast as possible

This fall, Congress has an important opportunity to create jobs and grow the economy by passing a long-term, comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. The farm bill impacts every American every day by providing a wide range of programs that strengthen our nation.
Thanks given to heroes that serve in military and farming

I would like to take a moment and say thank you to all of the heroes that have served and are currently serving this country. I know there are some common threads in farmers and soldiers, and oftentimes young farmers become soldiers.

Field Editor Blogs

Agriculture's message must engage, not confuse people

There, their, they’re. Why did the actual Olympic events start before the opening ceremonies? If you laughed at the first one, scratched your head at the second one, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger.
Beekeeper works to help hives survive the winter

Some Indiana beekeepers work year-round to produce honey as a source of income. Many others consider beekeeping a hobby. No matter how many hives a beekeeper has, it’s important to prepare hives for the harsh winter months.
2013 crop needs careful watching over the winter

Prospective buyers want quantity and quality, and that’s exactly what the U.S. corn suppliers have to offer going into 2014, according to a report by the U.S. Grains Council. “After a record drought last year, the world has been watching intently the 2013 U.S. corn crop,” said council President and CEO Tom Sleight.
Bees are a vital pollinating element in food production

One out of every three bites of food a person takes is the result of the work of a pollinator. I knew animal pollinators are important to food production, but I was unaware of the degree of importance until I attended a presentation at the American Seed Trade Association’s CSS 2013 and Seed Expo.
Stereotypes can limit talk among agriculture, public

As you know, this past year, in March, I bought my first home of my own in the Illinois Valley. It’s been — interesting — being a new homeowner, and I’ve learned a lot of things in the months that I’ve owned my house.