Tour gives farmers look at benefits of cover crops
Adding cover crops to a farming operation is one of the more common practices chosen by farmers enrolling in the Conservation Stewardship Program. “For this program, you have to pick at least one new practice,” said Abby Merriman.
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Livestock farmers worry bill could hinder ability
The space around Dereke Dunkirk is the point. When he stands outside the two wean-to-finish hog barns near his home farm, there’s open space. The nearest farm one can see with the naked eye is the farm where Dunkirk, wife Chelsea and their three children live.
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Farmer ‘accidently’ gets into grocery business
The Pulaski General Store here is probably one of the few grocery stores in Illinois that is the result of an accident. Pulaski County farmer Jerry Thurston has a heavily diversified operation. He produces crops, vegetables and livestock on 1,800 acres.
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Pulaski County offers best grain prices in Midwest
When it comes to selling grain, the price is right in Pulaski County. Adjacent river terminals operated by Consolidated Grain & Barge and Archer Daniels Midland typically offer the highest basis price for corn, soybeans and wheat.
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Latest News

‘Food morality’ movement knocking on farmhouse door

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 5:00 PM

For American farmers, food activism is hitting close to home. Farm advocate Kevin Murphy said that restaurant chains, churches and even food companies are undermining modern agriculture.

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Keep only cowherd records you plan to use

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 3:00 PM

Making better decisions with cowherd records is more important than tracking more numbers. “Your individual farm goal needs to be a part of this decision,” said Denise Schwab, Extension beef program specialist at Iowa State University.

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Using genomic tools gives cattlemen early selection benefits

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 1:00 PM

The goal is to rank animals based on their genetic merit as accurately and as early in the animal’s life as possible. “That’s where we can really take advantage of genomics in the cattle industry,” said Rod Shoenbine, cattle genetics specialist for Zoetis HD50K.

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After years of cuts, state ag agency awaits new budget

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 11:00 AM

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has seen its funding cut nearly 60 percent in five years, but could get some relief if Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget plan becomes reality.

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Macomb AgriScience Association reaches first fund goal

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 9:00 AM

Agriculture. It’s where the money is. Unfortunately for agriculture education programs in some Illinois public school districts, the opposite is true.

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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

Big data is raising big questions for farmers

If it’s new, it’s better, right? Right? Everything new and advanced is automatically better than whatever came before it. I’d add a resounding “No!” We used to have a joke in the daily newspaper newsroom.
Winter finally gives way to farmers market shopping

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has struggled with it this year. Winter is the easiest time to gain weight, and it has to be one of the worst feelings ever!
Soy protein, oil levels are now improving in Illinois

Over the past few years, the Illinois Soybean Association has been educating farmers about the importance of producing quality soybeans in order to remain competitive in a global market.
Pontiac FFA chapter takes field trip to remember

Twenty Pontiac FFA members recently took the opportunity to travel to New Jersey and New York City to learn about an agricultural industry that is a little different than in Illinois. “This is the sixth chapter exchange we’ve done,” said Jesse Faber, FFA adviser, who together with Parker Bane leads the Pontiac chapter.
Biofuels are big in Indiana

Biofuels play an important role in Indiana’s economy. I had heard about biofuels before, but when I started my job at AgriNews I learned that the ethanol industry is a big deal. Claypool, Ind., is home to the world’s largest integrated soy biodiesel plant, Louis Dreyfus. We have 13 ethanol plants total and rank fifth nationally in ethanol and corn production, according to a press release from the Indiana Soybean Alliance.