Farmers, ranchers and others living in rural America don’t have time for partisan games. That is why I believe the new Rural Health Transformation Program deserves a closer look.

While my father and mother were far from apolitical, neither allowed any signs on our dairy farm. The reason was “the land’s for crops, the barns for cows and politics is for politicians.”

Imports make up more than 22% of U.S. beef consumption — more than double what it was just over a generation ago.

Following the written contract and Illinois statutes is essential even when the termination is on friendly terms.

We are looking for innovative ideas to strengthen our communities and bring the next generation to the farm to ensure our nation continues to have a safe, healthy food supply.

The sobering reality is that many farmers are hurting. Talk to any farmer who grows row crops, and he or she will tell you they’re struggling with the lowest prices in almost 20 years.

Even though the White House remains up while farmers are decidedly down, some farm groups are starting to recognize that down isn’t up anymore.

This week is National Farm Safety and Health Week, but let’s be honest — every week should be.

It takes a lot to shake a farmer or rancher. The definition of their worst day is oftentimes the type of day that would bring anyone to their knees and maybe even keep them down.

Sending the nation’s dwindling number of farmers ever-bigger federal checks isn’t a solution. It is, in fact, an admission of failure.

Anyone who’s worked the land or run a small-town business knows luck might play a role, but it never works alone.

Foreign imports are gutting U.S. ranching. The American Beef Labeling Act would finally let shoppers choose American beef.

From driving the tractor to cleaning the barns, and from keeping the books to checking the fences, everyone on the farm has an important role to play.

It’s time for Congress to act now to make critical biofuels available year-round.

There’s no doubt that an introduction of New World screwworm, which is advancing northward from Central America and through Mexico, would have a devastating impact on America’s livestock, wildlife and people.

How did we get to the point where we need a “Make America Healthy Again” campaign? Here’s one career dairyman’s perspective.

I think we can all agree that the goal of improving health outcomes is a worthy goal — and it is supported by America’s farmers and ranchers.

I can’t control what others say — but I can choose to speak up, share facts and encourage curiosity over fear.

After years of rising input costs and volatile markets, Illinois farmers finally have updated farm policy that reflects their needs in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” landmark legislation that delivers real, meaningful wins for Illinois farmers.

September usually marks a turning point. Summer turns to fall, vacation turns to school and the green hope and promise of growing crops turns into the yellow and gold of harvest. This month feels different, though.

Autumn is just around the corner, and it’s a busy season on the farm and in Farm Bureau. Harvest is well underway, Congress is heading back into session, and Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy is shaping up for the new year.

A recent change in climate policy by the Trump administration threatens to change everything on earth — from the fast-warming planet itself to all the life on it.

This year’s Farm Progress Show was all about the future — autonomy, efficiency and sustainability were on full display.

Brazilian beef imports are accelerating the ongoing contraction of the U.S. cattle industry by displacing domestic cattle producers, their cattle and domestic feedlots — and this is weakening America’s ability to be self-reliant in beef production.

Trump political appointees are pushing an unprecedented restructuring on all U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.

Now in its second year, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence honors a veteran or service member for outstanding contributions to agriculture and local communities.

Fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers are quite popular these days, but there’s still a need for a full-size SUV that can carry up to eight passengers and tow a heavy load.

There’s something deeply gratifying about reporting on 4-H and FFA members who are raising animals, showing livestock and learning responsibility through hands-on work.

Over the years we’ve explored the environmental and economic benefits of adjusting management practices to include conservation.

Whether organic or conventional, my dad wanted me to understand how my food was grown and to appreciate the men and women who grew it.

On the southern Illinois farm of my youth, August always meant heat, humidity and the best food of the year.

If “America First” is the goal, then the American Beef Labeling Act is an integral component. You simply can’t say you’re putting America first when you’re catering to the self-interests of global corporations.

U.S. farmers and ranchers are committed to growing high-quality agricultural products and safe, nutritious food for families near and far.

This year’s U.S. corn exports show just how upside down the ag export picture is for farmers and ranchers.

A diverse cover crop mix helps build soil organic matter, increase soil water-holding capacity and infiltration, and improve nutrient use efficiency.

In small towns and rural communities across America, hunger often hides in plain sight.

From the moment the team was elected on June 12, everything changed in the everyday lives of the six new Illinois FFA major state officers.

In the case of biological crop inputs, there are many handling, storage and management considerations regarding on-farm implementation. Fortunately, farmers do have resources to help navigate the novelty of biologicals.

Many of us know the importance of road safety during planting and harvest seasons. However, less may realize that road safety is critical during the growing season, too, specifically at intersections.

One of the great honors of my role as American Farm Bureau Federation president is sharing the stories of farmers and ranchers from across this country with leaders who are making decisions that directly impact our work, our families and our livelihoods.

Last year, about this time, I wrote a column about putting things in perspective and understanding the national debt. The number that was the focus of my writing was 35 trillion. But, alas, a year has passed, and a new number has taken its place.

Last week’s column moved a reader to ask: "What fraction of the food assistance to low-income families has been spent in red districts in the past and what fraction of the population is in red districts?"

U.S. cattle producers with an interest in strengthening the economic position of their individual farms and ranches and in ensuring the health and safety of their livestock herd would not knowingly support policies that conflict with their own interests and goals.

Many of us grew up in homes where words like “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” were as routine as brushing your teeth. These were not just phrases. They were signs of character.

“Why would federal policy favor legal fictional entities over individual family farms?” That’s a great question, and it was asked — and answered — by Jonathan Coppess, an associate professor of law and policy at the University of Illinois.

August recess is a prime time for Farm Bureau’s grassroots members to make their voices heard and share their stories.

In an apparent lightning strike of insight, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins offered her solution to what she and her GOP colleagues see as one of America’s biggest problems: agriculture’s one million or so undocumented workers.

I recently watched a PBS segment about the Lenape tribe of Native Americans, and one line in particular stuck with me. While sharing a traditional meal, an elder said, “Food anchors a community.”

Farm drones can be valuable in helping farmers keep an eye on their crops through the growing season.

Studies have shown that fewer than 20% of farm families have an effective estate plan to roadmap what happens to the family farm when dad and mom retire or pass away.