Dairy enthusiast writes books on state’s creameries
Milk bottles fill the basement shelves at John Cleland’s home in Indianapolis. The bottles ranging in sizes, shapes and designs represent countless dairies across Indiana, as well as out of state.
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Stewardship covers gloves to garbage disposal
Applying farm chemicals, from fungicides to herbicides to pesticides, doesn’t require formal attire. But there is one ensemble that Bob Magee would prefer not to see.
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Researchers seek ways to boost soybean yields
Researchers continue to search for ways to unlock the secret to higher soybean yields. “We’re trying various things, but we haven’t found the right key for that lock,” said Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois Extension crop production specialist and professor.
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Soybean fungus can be found in any field
Septoria brown spot is a disease that can be easily found in soybean fields. “I can go out to any of your soybean fields and find this disease,” said Carl Bradley, University of Illinois Extension plant pathology specialist and associate professor.
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Latest News

Position your farm for the future

Friday, July 25, 2014 3:00 PM

Farmers can’t predict the future, but they can plan for different scenarios. It’s important to plan ahead and be ready for changing economic situations.

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10 ways to improve your operation

Friday, July 25, 2014 2:00 PM

As agriculture enters a period of income moderation, farmers may need to fine-tune their management practices. They learned keys to successfully managing their farms at Purdue University’s Top Farmer Conference.

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Wet hay may cause barn fire

Friday, July 25, 2014 1:00 PM

Hay that is baled and stored at a moisture level higher than recommended could heat up enough to start a barn fire, a Purdue Extension forage specialist warns.

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Forage-based dairy diet can be profitable with right management

Friday, July 25, 2014 11:00 AM

Grazing dairy cattle can be profitable, as long as the producer has the “right stuff” — including attitude. That’s the message of David Jones, who discussed the pluses and minuses of a forage-based dairy at the Illinois Forage Expo here. Adapting a grazing-heavy system requires commitment.

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Many options available in quest for year-round grazing

Friday, July 25, 2014 9:00 AM

Since grazing is the most economical means of feeding livestock, it makes sense to keep cows on pasture as long as possible. That may be common sense, but producers interested in taking advantage of their fields are faced with a multitude of issues along with opportunities.

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From The Fields

Jared Finegan

If we could have controlled the weather for the Iroquois County Fair, we wouldn’t have made it as perfect as it was. I cannot remember a year where it didn’t rain at all, and I don’t think it has ever been as comfortably cool as it was this year.
Ted Mottaz

Week 12 of our growing season observations is basically more of the same. Corn and soybeans are still progressing very well. As I stated last week, I spent the past week in Washington, D.C., and I basically got this week’s update from one of my neighbors.
Grant Noland

For the first time in six weeks, I’m providing an update without measurable rainfall for our area. Even without rain, the cooler-than-average temperatures have allowed for adequate subsoil moisture to remain present beneath the canopy, and crop conditions are very good.
David Droste

This past week saw cooler-than-normal temps, which were enjoyed by everyone. The corn crop especially benefited while most of it was finishing its pollination period.
Darren Frye

On the farm, we use plenty of filters; think of all the engine filters in your equipment. Having the right filters in place ensures that any impurities will be filtered out of the oil before it reaches the engine.

Field Editor Blogs

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.
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.