The future of your farm depends on who is in the driver's seat. True estate planning means having a deep understanding of which family members are ready to lead.

Starting a farm transition or retirement plan early helps protect the land, reduce family conflict and keep the business running smoothly.

As agriculture faces rising costs, tighter margins and increasing competition from non-farm uses, land-use decisions made today will shape whether the next generation of farmers and ranchers can enter, expand and keep working the land needed to support the U.S. farm economy.

Long-term profitability will depend less on producing a good crop and more on earning a profitable price for it, predicts Jim Henry.

Farmland prices have remained “flat to modestly lower” since the first of the year, according to the Mid-Year Snapshot Survey conducted by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

Building a farm takes a lifetime, but losing it can take one unfinished plan.

Today’s combination of elevated input costs and tighter commodity margins is changing the way farmers think about risk.

The Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District will host a Women in Ag meeting on Sept. 9 with a focus on leasing and succession planning.

Proactive farm estate and succession planning ensures agricultural legacies survive across generations.

Farm growth expectations vary among U.S. farms, and those expectations appear to be linked to how producers view their financial position, investment opportunities and the broader outlook for agriculture.

Results of a new study about women in agriculture were unveiled by American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee.

Succession planning in family farming operations requires more than just financial arrangements and legal documents.

Purdue University always has a presence at the Indiana State Fair — and 2026 is no exception.

Not separating family dynamics from business realities can cause fractures when it comes to succession planning on family farms, experts said during a webinar hosted by Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management.

An estate plan is not a one-and-done process. It is a good idea to review it from time to time.

Now is the time to complete a farm succession plan because no one knows when the plan will be called into action.

Preparing for taxes and the transition of farming operations from one generation to the next is important for farm families.

The difference between successful and less successful farming operations ultimately hinges on whether “we’re in this for the long term or short term.”

University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are partnering for a series to help farmers and landowners build, sustain and share their farm’s legacy.

People don’t buy into what you do or how you do it. They buy into why you do it.

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

An Illinois grain farmer and popular host of podcasts, radio and television shows was the guest speaker at Eureka Savings Bank’s recent inaugural ag event.

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.

With one of his final gifts, the late farmer Gene Daiber is planting seeds for the next generation of agriculture leaders in the St. Louis metro area.

Budget reconciliation legislation that includes farm safety net enhancements, higher reference prices and biofuel tax credits was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump.

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.

Farmers truly share a bond, no matter where we live or what we grow and raise.

Farming is an uncertain business. Farmers and ranchers received some certainty, however, with the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

Agriculture leaders voiced support for the massive spending and tax package bill that includes significant new farm program funding.

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.

Although Illinois Farm Bureau has worked to provide mental health and awareness resources to its members for several years, the statewide group is focused on expanding that commitment.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County will host a seminar to explain how an agricultural conservation easement is the only way to ensure that your farm will never be developed.

What started as a lunch gathering of local agribusiness leaders several months ago culminated into a very successful Illinois Agricultural Summit.

Developing a transition plan can be a stressful activity for farm families. Different types of stressors impact people including normative stressors.

The 25th annual First State Bank Ag Conference, a special forum for area farmers, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 23 at the Mendota Civic Center.

The Indiana Ag Law Foundation hosted a new workshop focused on helping families work together to begin the farm transition process.

This year’s Greater Peoria Farm Show will include a new Kubota Sidekick UTV giveaway and the new University of Illinois Extension seminar series.

Ron Dykstra knew from a very young age that he wanted to farm.

National Farm Safety and Health Week will be observed Sept. 15-21 this year. The theme, “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident,” encourages people to take a proactive approach to safety education.

As he walked to the stage to collect the Corn Advocate of the Year award, Tim Thompson looked genuinely shocked. His mouth fell open, and his eyes widened.

As summer pushes onward, Mark Seib continues raising his crops in southern Indiana, where growth progress is good and the weather has been a wild card.

An educational discussion about farm succession planning will be part of the program during Historic Farm Days.

The 24th annual First State Bank Ag Conference, a special forum for area farmers, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 25 at the Mendota Civic Center.

There’s nothing quite like the fresh start of a new year. After all the holiday decorations are put away and the college bowl games have wrapped up, many of us start making our resolutions for the year ahead.

Growing up, some of my fondest memories revolved around working on our cattle ranch alongside my father and grandfather. The satisfaction of a successful day’s work still resonates with me today.

Even though there was a significant dry period during the early portion of the growing season, Chris Gould is harvesting a very good corn crop this year.

Jeremy Rutledge is proud of his service to his country, he’s proud of returning to the family farm, but what he’s most proud of is being a father and husband.

A Farm Legacy Panel Discussion is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Engelbrecht Farm, 275 N. 1400 E. Road, Paxton. This is a candid conversation about family, heritage and long-term plans of your farming operation.

Indiana Farm Bureau surveyed more than 2,100 people about future operations on their farm. The survey gave insight on topics such as the financial health of the business and succession planning.

More than 90 people attended the annual Ag Policy Summit at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Topics at the event included expanding conservation opportunities and the challenging financial landscape for farmers.