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 11:00 AM

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 10:30 AM

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 10:00 AM

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 9:30 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

Farm’s financial health fosters desired future

Given the current state of the ag economy, many farmers want to get a close handle on their financials, especially break-evens.
Use questions to set up farm checklists, goals

When the work of planting season is complete, it’s time for more agronomic decision-making. Sometimes you have to make decisions about your crop quickly.
Look at numbers behind Indiana school referendums

Back on Election Day, May 6, nine out of 10 Indiana school referendums passed. Eight were tax referendums, where voters approved new taxes for school operating costs.
Three questions to ask about your operation

Chances are that your operation is pretty busy in the field right now. As the weather moves quickly, it’s so important to take advantage of the best possible windows for fieldwork.
Celebrate state’s wetlands

Here at the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Indiana, we are celebrating. Not because it is race time or that it’s finally warm enough to plant a garden, but because it is time to recognize a vital resource.

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.