The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation announced the selection of its Leadership Program Class of 2028.

To ensure volunteer emergency response departments are equipped with technology and tools to effectively respond to rural emergencies, Compeer Financial awarded 48 departments in Illinois grants totaling $330,982.

The unique challenges of farming that is an isolating job with economic and generational pressures can lead to mental health problems.

Through its Compeer Giving program, Compeer Financial awarded $19,750 to 20 Illinois farmers markets.

Demonstrating its commitment to rural vitality, Compeer Financial has committed more than $1.4 million to 14 foundations across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin through its Rural Collaboration Project.

Compeer Financial selected 35 high school seniors from Illinois to each receive a scholarship worth $2,000 toward the pursuit of a degree related to agriculture.

Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Hometown Consulting LLC, in partnership with Compeer Financial, announced the 2026 Strong Communities Initiative awardees.

The current economic environment for farmers is challenging with tighter margins and more volatility.

Compeer Financial has refreshed its corporate philanthropic program under Compeer Giving.

The Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter in Glasford is the Illinois recipient of $2,500 from Compeer Financial’s Giving Tuesday contest.

Starting Dec. 15, graduating high school seniors across Compeer Financial’s 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin can apply for scholarships each worth $2,000.

Fifty-three emergency response departments supporting rural communities across Illinois received up to $4,000 — for a total of $202,878 — to fund much needed equipment and technology upgrades.

Dan Sanderson is the recipient of the 2025 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II announced a $625,000 commitment from Compeer Financial to the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation toward ongoing upgrades to fairground buildings.

Southeast Livingston County Ambulance Service received a $2,500 gift from Compeer Home in recognition of its crew members’ selfless service to others.

Compeer Financial, through its Fund for Rural America, announced a transformative gift of $500,000 to the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal in support of its upcoming exhibit, “From the Farm to a Healthy Me.”

Compeer Financial announced 22 middle and high schools across Illinois will receive up to $4,000 each to support agricultural education programs and equipment through its Agriculture Education and Classroom Equipment Grant Program.

Financing health care facilities can be an enormous challenge for rural areas, and Farm Credit institutions and community banks are helping meet that challenge.

What happens globally can impact the profitability of U.S. farmers.

As farmers develop a financial plan for their operation it is important they determine where they are, where they want to go and accurate numbers about their business.

Sharing long-term goals with financial professionals can help farmers take advantage of opportunities for their operations.

The Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial’s corporate giving program, is offering 123 scholarships to students this spring.

Agriculture educators play a crucial role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry.

Richard Lyons of Harvel is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

Three central Illinois farm families were honored for their conservation agriculture efforts.

Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, is supporting county fairs with grants to improve facilities and experiences offered to rural communities across the Upper Midwest.

A trio of farmers tackled issues ranging from soil management to grain marketing during a panel discussion at the Illinois Soybean Association’s Soybean Summit.

Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, has awarded 34 General Use Grants, totaling $190,975.

Compeer Financial introduced its upcoming webinar series, “Navigating the Dairy Industry Today,” designed to equip professionals with strategies to thrive in the constantly evolving dairy landscape.

Students in Illinois will be learning about the wide variety of careers available in food, agriculture and conservation through the AGNITOR virtual platform.

The volatility of commodity markets makes it difficult for some farmers to make marketing decisions.

People who integrate play into their lives are more energized and able to complete their work. “The secret superpower of success is play, not working harder,” said Kelly McDonald at the Women’s Seminar organized by Compeer Financial.

A good accounting system sets the foundation for a successful farm business. Cathy Kulig, certified public accountant, shared advice during a webinar hosted by Compeer Financial.

Dan Legner received the highest honor from the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers during the group’s recent annual meeting.

Agricultural educators across the nation are devoted to making meaningful connections and encouraging the development of their students.

Heartland Community College kicked off the construction of a 29,500-square-foot-facility and outside growing labs which will support agriculture programs and the next generation of ag students.

Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, is supporting county fairs with grants to improve facilities and experiences offered to rural communities across the Upper Midwest.

Fifteen breed champions vied for the Grand Champion Heifer title at the 2022 Illinois Beef Expo.

Ten breed champions vied for the Grand Champion Market Animal title at the 2022 Illinois Beef Expo. Kade Gensini of Hennepin led his Champion Crossbred Steer to the banner in both rings.

A life-changing 4-H experience deeply moved Libby Larkin to take it to the next level and help others in need.

World Dairy Expo has named Laura Herschleb as the WDE general manager. Herschleb will begin her duties on Feb. 28 as current General Manager Scott Bentley prepares to retire.

Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, has awarded 34 General Use Grants, totaling $199,179.

Tillable Inc. and Compeer Financial have partnered to launch an online loan application, enabling anyone to purchase or refinance farmland directly from a smartphone.

Tunnel ventilation of the freestall barns at Hunter Haven Farms provides improved airflow for the cows throughout the year.

There are many opportunities for challenging times in agriculture, but for Kevin and Julie Ochsner, no business is worth ruining family relationships.

Confidence is a muscle that is built over time. “Confidence is not a light switch, but if you make it something you practice, you will start to build new habits,” said Leanne Pottinger, coach and facilitator for neuroSHIFT, a company that offers leadership development programs.