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

Pick crop insurance provisions with care

Friday, March 07, 2014 5:00 PM

When it comes to crop insurance, Purdue University experts say it is not business as usual. Although there are fewer changes to crop insurance than to the farm bill, it’s important for farmers to understand what options they have when it comes to coverage.

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Suffolk farm hosts barn tour on March 22

Friday, March 07, 2014 3:00 PM

The Illinois Valley Lamb and Wool Producers will host a barn tour at 9 a.m. March 22 at Steve Ulrich’s Suffolk farm, 1310 County Road 1300 E, Eureka. Other featured speakers will be Richard Cobb, University of Illinois sheep specialist, and Jane Zeien, owner and operator of Illinois Wool and Fiber Mill.

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Beck’s Hybrids grows into Iowa and Missouri

Friday, March 07, 2014 1:00 PM

Beck’s Hybrids announced a territory expansion into two crop reporting districts in Iowa and three crop reporting districts in Missouri. Its marketing area also includes Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and southern Michigan, as well as the western two-thirds of Kentucky and Tennessee.

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Companies expand aerial imagery collaboration

Friday, March 07, 2014 11:00 AM

Beck’s Hybrids is expanding its collaboration with GeoVantage, a remote-sensing services company. The expansion will include increased operational capabilities and increased technology offerings in the seed company’s service areas.

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Multi-hybrid planting could boost yields, profits

Friday, March 07, 2014 9:00 AM

Beck’s Hybrids announced a continued collaboration with Kinze Manufacturing Inc. to conduct on-farm research by providing expertise in hybrid placement, developing spatial management zones and site-specific seeding.

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Rural Voices

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.
Harvest work wrapped up at family farm in central Indiana

Just as one season comes to a close, time to start thinking about the next — winter shop projects, equipment maintenance and field projects. Before you know it, it will be time to pull the planter out again.

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.
Farmers should be an inspiration to all of us

There are so many job titles we aspire to as children. Teacher, doctor, firefighter — at a young age we dream of becoming these people. Growing up, my future job title changed every day. One day I was an architect, and one day I was an artist. One day, I would be a baker.
Program gets students involved in their health

At a recent event at the Pulaski International School in Chicago, several groups pledged their support for the future of children across the nation by providing $250 million. I have a difficult time understanding a number that big. However, it means the Fuel Up to Play 60 program will continue five more years.
Conservation programs are important piece of farm bill

The Chesapeake Bay region has been scrutinized in efforts to reduce nutrient and sediment losses from farm land. A recent multiyear study found efforts are working.
Community's friendly spirit provides warmth in winter

This year I have had a new hometown to spend the holiday season in. After getting married in September, I packed a carload of things and moved in with my husband in northern Indiana.