Seed

GDM, a global plant genetics company committed to empowering farmers and advancing global agriculture, announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in AgReliant Genetics, a leading North American provider of corn and soybean seeds.

Timing sure was tricky this year and continues to be an issue with spraying and sidedressing the crops.

Understanding the environment of a field can help farmers choose the best soybean variety, as well as make management decisions.

Entries are being accepted for the World Forage Analysis Superbowl, which is open to all forage producers across North America.

Sidedressing anhydrous ammonia and herbicide applications are the focus for the Henert family now that they are almost done with planting.

Drone technology offers a fast, reliable way to assess crop stands — one of the most important factors influencing yield potential, according to Pioneer District Sales Manager Jesse Moch.

This is the second in a series of columns featuring conversations with state Farm Bureau presidents about current issues in agriculture.

The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition has worked successfully through the tension of whether it would still have grant funds for events after the days of DOGE.

The recently released MAHA report was the work product of the commission established by President Donald Trump’s executive order to “Make America Healthy Again.”

In an effort to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture plans to distribute more than $679,000 over a three-year period.

Beck’s announced that it is extending its partnership with the National Tractor Pullers Association through 2027.

Most of the crops are planted in the northern two-thirds of Illinois, but multiple bouts of heavy rains in the southern part of the state have slowed many farmers to a standstill.

Farmer Dan Glessing isn’t ready to get too upset over President Donald Trump’s trade wars.

Founders Pledge announced a $1.02 million gift from an anonymous donor to fund the Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois for another year.

Students at Grant Park learned how to “bend don’t break” during a project developed by the Grant Park FFA Chapter that focused on mental health.

Corn and soybeans are planted at the same time on the Henert farm.

Planting season is quickly approaching, and much of the country is experiencing erratic weather patterns.

Spring planting is just getting started, so hopefully we will not see any major breakdowns.

On any given day, Dan Parker could be advocating for agriculture with legislators, helping his daughters with 4-H projects, supporting the local FFA chapter, selling seed, or working on the farm.

Beck’s announced that construction is underway for a new 96,000-square-foot facility in south-central Minnesota, in addition to the existing research and breeding program base.

We’re delivering seed today. We have a couple nice days here at the beginning of the week before it rains again.

Agricultural operations in Illinois have been significantly impacted by recent severe weather, tornadoes and flooding.

To paraphrase Forrest Gump, spring is like a box of chocolate — you never know what you’re going to get.

Acres of plants including cacti, succulents, bedding plants, perennials and orchids are growing in greenhouses at Altman Plants.

April is a perfect time to check items off your gardening to-do list.

Grass will be ready for turnout soon. It is hard to hold out, but so important to give grass a fair start.

Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15 to revise elections and sign contracts.

A ribbon-cutting celebration and open house marked the opening of Nutrien Ag Solutions’ Innovation Farm.

The farming community has shifted toward planting soybeans earlier than traditionally recommended.

While observing the impacts herbivores had on plant growth 40 years ago, Ken Paige made a discovery that could transform soybean production.

Beck’s acquired Gro Alliance’s corn seed production facility in Howe in northern Indiana and its soybean seed production and corn drying facilities in Mt. Pulaski in central Illinois.

Food, feed and fuel production is a global business, but it still all comes down to finding the best solutions for individual farmers on their fields.

This year is shaping up to be another difficult year for corn and soybean growers. When production budgets don’t pencil out, it may be time to investigate interest-slashing financing offers.

Farmers should be aware that overusing Bt corn can be problematic, according to an analysis of data covering 12 years and 10 U.S. Corn Belt states.

Uncertainty in both commodity prices and input prices is making farmers’ already tough job even more difficult.

The Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers honored two individuals for their contributions to agriculture and the profession at the group’s recent annual meeting.

A professor at Purdue University is using particle science to improve grain facility safety.

There is always something to learn from a previous growing season. As the new year begins, it’s a great time for farmers to analyze results from their fields to make informed decisions for 2025.

Seed selection remains one of the most critical decisions a grower can make. The right seed, on the right acre, at the right rate, planted at the right time sets the foundation for yield potential and defense against weeds, pests and diseases.

As soybean growers evaluate input decisions for 2025, return on investment once again reigns supreme as a critical factor in a rollercoaster market.

Following reports of high disease outbreaks last year, the World Meteorological Organization is predicting a 60% chance of La Niña weather in 2025, which could lead to cooler conditions.

Red crown rot is a concerning, relatively new disease to the Midwest that more farmers are finding in their fields. The pathogen was found in Illinois in 2018 and Indiana in 2022.

The Turn the Bag Blue & Gold program from Brevant seeds provides FFA students with the opportunity to gain industry experience and fundraise for their chapter.

As we bid farewell to February, I find myself aching for the warmth and promise of spring in the heart of middle America.

Farmers may add root structure as another trait to consider when choosing corn hybrids for their operation.

Among the ways to improve profitability during times of lower prices and high input costs is to implement the 5% rule.

It’s common knowledge that weeds impact cash crop yields, but they can also impact farmland values.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison and partners in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan are seeking licensed and experienced grain and fiber hemp growers to conduct on-farm variety trials.

As I write this, snow is falling outside my window, and I feel like I just stored my gardening tools and patio umbrella for the season. And yet, with the winter solstice in the rearview mirror, it’s already time to start preparing for spring.

Illinois agricultural and forestry producers who want to address or improve natural resources are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.