Jim Henry expects $12 billion relief package to make an immediate impact by providing a lifeline for farmers who work to ensure a healthy, safe and abundant food supply.

Today’s dry-off challenges look different than those of the past. More cows are entering the dry period at higher production levels — a sign of progress, but one that brings added considerations for cow comfort and mastitis risk.

The Illinois Milk Producers Association recently recognized Amy Hildebrandt and Tony, Walt and Bobby Graves for their leadership, stewardship and excellence in the dairy industry during the organization’s 2025 annual awards program.

What can we learn from this year to help us in the next one?

Holiday entertaining does not have to feel like auditioning for a cooking competition.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a common problem and may be associated with panic attacks and sometimes depression, as well.

When it comes to contemporary glass, the highest prices usually go to sculptural, avant-garde pieces made with unconventional techniques. Simpler, more traditional pieces can be bargains.

Each year during the holiday season, I sit down and make a list of things for which I am truly thankful. Some entries never change. These constants anchor my list, reminding me of the steady gifts that shape my life.

Farm families need lasting certainty, and we appreciate our partners in Washington for taking this important first step by delivering a $12 billion package. But the need is far greater.

The older I get the more I realize some of life truths have to be understood and honored.

We have been going hard with AI synchronization and breeding, both cows and heifers.

Farmer Tyler Everett had the ultimate “seat at the table” with President Donald Trump.

Philip Nelson is looking forward to getting to work after delegates at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting elected him president to lead the organization for the next two years.

Former GROWMARK President John Reifsteck was named recipient of the 2025 Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his lifetime of leadership and service to the agriculture industry.

Mark Gebhards, retired Illinois Farm Bureau executive director of governmental affairs and commodities division and chief strategy officer and adviser to the IFB president, was honored with the IFB 2025 Eagle Award for Excellence.

The Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee elected Garrett Williams of Richland County as its 2026 chair and Michael Bernhard of Kendall-Grundy as vice chair.

Eighty-four percent of Christmas tree growers say they anticipate no increase in wholesale prices this year, according to the Real Christmas Tree Board.

There are plenty of options for those wanting to pick their own Christmas tree.

Christmas Nights of Lights, a drive-thru light show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, is returning through Dec. 31 this year.

Both colds and influenza, the “flu,” are respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses. Both can cause a fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat. However, the flu often causes muscle aches, which can be severe.

The Social Security Administration’s annual cost-of-living adjustment will go up by 2.8% in 2026, but some seniors say the new COLA won’t help much in their ability to pay for their daily expenses.

On the southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth, we marked seasons by the work more than by the month.

If the holiday season had a signature cookie, biscotti wouldn’t be it. However, it would be this cookie’s elegant cousin who shows up beautifully dressed, stays cheerful for weeks and never crumbles under pressure.

With its rings of holly branches, this majolica platter carries the spirit of Christmas. It’s certainly something to celebrate, but a closer look shows its symbols are a little different from the decorations most of us may be used to.

A new information hub was launched this fall to highlight the importance of women in agriculture.

If you’re shopping for a new family pet this holiday season, beware of scams.

Biofuels, like E15, are boosting farm businesses, improving the environment and reducing costs at the pump.

With harvest complete and cover crops planted, work at Riskedal Farms is focusing on repairing machinery and deciding what changes they will make for the 2026 growing season.

Mark Bunselmeyer was elected president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association for 2025-2026 at its annual re-organizational meeting.

Several individuals and a family were honored for their contributions in promoting and supporting corn farmers during the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s annual meeting.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association’s prestigious World of Corn Award was presented to Mark Schneidewind, honoring four decades of agricultural leadership with Farm Bureau.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association announced that Laura Lant, an agronomist at Midwest Grass & Forage in Macomb, received the Mike Plumer Environmental Excellence Award at the organization’s annual meeting.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association and Precision Conservation Management presented the 2026 Randy Stauffer Stewardship Award to Whalen Farms.

With lower grain prices, higher interest rates and increased production costs, some farms are facing a challenging financial situation.

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland urged Congress and the administration to take immediate action to reduce farm production costs and prevent additional family farm closures.

There are three main components of cow’s milk that can lead people to having a bad reaction.

This is a new scam, but then it’s what we expect from thieves — yet another way to steal from us. This one involves our innocent-seeming bank debit card, a scammer and a pair of scissors.

Even if you’re not a fan of the commercialization of the holidays, store displays can be works of art. But collectors of antique advertising have known this for a long time.

Illinois Soybean Association is excited to celebrate outstanding individuals in agriculture through its annual Achievement Awards.

The way Beck’s Hybrids approaches its business and makes decisions is different than publicly traded companies.

Clay Geyer celebrated the end of another successful year on his farm in northern Indiana.

The past few years have tested even the most seasoned farmers. Facing rising input costs, unpredictable market access and many other challenges, farmers and ranchers are working harder while margins grow thinner.

At Farm Bureau, we believe that strength is not measured in bushels or bales. It’s measured in our willingness to look out for one another.

Jim Henry gives thanks that the price of a classic Thanksgiving dinner has dropped for the third consecutive year, according to a Farm Bureau survey.

Together, we can help farms of all sizes succeed to ensure America’s ability to be food independent long into the future.

A favorable fall weather pattern provided the Henert family the ability to complete harvest and fall fieldwork in a timely manner.

The Rural Firefighters Delivering Agriculture Safety and Health online course is now live.

The Illinois Soybean Association has hired Kevin “KJ” Johnson as the new director of government relations and strategy.

There’s no wrong way to love your Thanksgiving leftovers. But if you want to do something unbelievably right this year, make this.

Throughout the long history of its use, saffron has always been, and still is, expensive. At some points in history, it has been worth its weight in gold, or even more.