I’m getting way behind on cultivating, and the corn — and weeds — aren’t waiting.

Indiana Pork sponsored Indianapolis Tenderloin Week, a celebration of one of the Hoosier state’s most beloved culinary traditions: the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.

With a mandatory July 1 deadline for the trilateral joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement approaching, an economic study detailed the trade pact’s overall impact on U.S. agriculture.

For most of my life, I assumed everyone’s dad worked as hard as mine. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized what I witnessed growing up wasn’t something everyone experienced.

Few special ag interests today slide on more lard than the nation’s highly integrated pork giants.

Agricultural conditions were unchanged or declined in most of the Federal Reserve Districts, while cost pressures intensified from fuel and fertilizer spikes.

As I walked through the exhibits and visited with producers, industry leaders and exhibitors at the 2026 World Pork Expo, I couldn’t help but reflect on how dramatically pork production has evolved over the years.

Over the next several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will conduct the June agricultural survey by contacting over 90,000 producers across the nation to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1.

Exceptional FFA members from across the state who have developed extensive Supervised Agricultural Experience projects will be highlighted during the 98th annual Illinois FFA State Convention, set for June 9-11.

While no one actually says an ag trade deal with China is in trouble, many find it troublesome that China is playing the cool customer.

Illinois FFA state proficiency winners are selected based on members’ outstanding skills in recordkeeping, leadership and scholastic achievement.

Data centers create both economic opportunities and resource pressures, particularly around land, water and energy.

USDA is forecasting a rise in U.S. consumption of beef, pork and chicken in 2026 — all staples for summertime cookouts, says Jim Henry.

With corn and soybean planting finished, Chad Bell is focusing on evaluating the stands and completing tissue sampling and soil testing.

Red meat consumption in Argentina — historically one of the world’s biggest consumers of beef — has fallen to its lowest level in two decades amid economic austerity measures imposed by libertarian President Javier Milei.

Farmers are constantly looking for better ways to care for our crops, protect our animals and keep our farms sustainable for the next generation.

An after-school program is teaching students about the versatility and nutritional value of pork.

From conferences to convention to contests, this month the Illinois FFA major state officers have been busy traveling all across the state and even into Iowa.

The Indiana State Fair and Corteva announced the 2026 Featured Farmers lineup, putting the spotlight on the faces behind Indiana agriculture.

In his youth, Phil Borgic saw the dedication his parents had toward helping their community and the ag industry. He continues to carry on that tradition.

The Brookfield Aces 4-H club is like a large family where members are encouraged to help each other with their projects, community service activities and fundraisers.

Heroes don’t wear capes. They’re paged at 3 a.m. to fight a fire, the next day they’re advocating for ag on Capitol Hill and the following day pitching in for the local FFA.

Indiana Farm Bureau awarded five scholarships to incoming or current college students pursuing careers in agriculture.

Planting corn and soybeans on Bell Family Farms has started for the 2026 growing season.

Farmers and ranchers can capture more of the food dollar through value-added production, direct marketing and partnerships that move them deeper into supply chain activities.

Indiana Pork partnered with the National Pork Producers Council to host a LEADR — Leadership, Education, Advocacy Development and Resources — training at Purdue University.

Thirteen Illinois Farm Bureau members and agricultural professionals graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow program, an extensive leadership development program designed to help participants develop leadership and advocacy skills.

There’s heightened concern across the Corn Belt due to the surge in fertilizer and fuel prices, combined with a volatile commodity market.

Indiana Pork is investing in the future of the food and agriculture industry by sponsoring a hands-on meat fabrication and sausage-making labs at Ivy Tech Community College and Central Nine Career Center.

University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the State Capitol to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased state investment at its inaugural Extension Day at the Capitol.

Charlie Meier is quick to point out that had it not been for his involvement with FFA and 4-H as a youngster, he would not be a state representative.

Brush in our pastures is my nemesis and I find myself looking for every opportunity to do damage to every Russian olive and locust tree on the planet.

Chad Bell is working on a variety of projects during the transition time from winter and getting ready for the spring planting season.

St. Joseph Ag Days will be held April 10-12 this spring as a free, interactive way for families to learn about agriculture.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association is working to restore pork options on the menus of Chicago Public Schools.

The Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center has been a hub of activity for nearly two decades, hosting workshops, seminars, expos, livestock and horticulture judging, countless opportunities for students of all ages and other events.

The 2026 Indiana General Assembly wrapped up its work, which included some wins for agriculture, according to leaders at Indiana Farm Bureau.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association honored a family that has contributed to the long-term success of the industry through leadership and pork promotion at the local and state levels.

A fifth-generation hog farmer was seated as Illinois Pork Producers Association president during its annual meeting at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Agricultural economic conditions are mostly flat since mid-January across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts, according to a survey.

The National Pork Producers Council announced the induction of Ken and Julie Maschhoff and Sam Carney into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum.

The National Pork Producers Council elected new officers and board members to lead the organization through the 2026-2027 term.

National Ag Day is March 24, with the theme, “Together We Grow.”

Markup of the new farm bill is underway and Illinois pork producers got a first-hand account of the legislation by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee chair.

The farm bill moved through the House Agriculture Committee with a 34-17 bipartisan vote, encouraging ag organizations that have been worried about the bill’s uncertain future.

Raising livestock is an important way for Chad Bell to diversify his farming operation in western Illinois.

Hoosier net farm income is projected to decline sharply in 2026 after rebounding in 2025, according to the latest Indiana Farm Outlook Report from Purdue University and the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.

For people in agriculture and rural communities, take heed: We work outside where ticks thrive, and one small bite can create a life-changing food allergy.

Western Illinois University’s Livestock Judging Team earned national recognition this season, placing in the top five at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City and being named the 2026 National Western Stock Show Senior College Champion Team in Denver.

In a key win for U.S. pork producers, President Donald Trump has finalized a beneficial trade agreement with Taiwan, a direct result of the National Pork Producers Council’s long-fought effort to secure greater market access in the Asian nation.