Weeds

Incorporating cover crops into their regenerative farming system has been a learning process for the Riskedal family this spring.

Two weeks from now we’ll probably go in and hit the weeds back and that will be good for the season because the beans will canopy.

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.

Farming practices in America have been under public scrutiny for well over a century, but the intensity and focus of that scrutiny have evolved significantly over time.

June is the beginning of grilling season and that’s been great for beef demand. If more of you would try lamb chops or lamb kabobs on the grill maybe we could see similar results in the lamb market.

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

Purdue University’s Department of Botany and Plant Pathology will host Weed Science Field Day on June 26 at the Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center.

It has been almost a month since we finished planting corn and soybeans, and now we are praying for a measurable rainfall and sunny days to stimulate growth.

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s final herbicide and insecticide strategies now in place, those guidelines will now be used on labels for both new products and those due for re-registration.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently released its long-awaited final Insecticide Strategy identifying protections for federally endangered and threatened species from the use of insecticides, while providing flexibility for pesticide users and farmers.

These students have been selected district winners for the Star in Agriscience award after an extensive process of evaluating the students and their record books.

A report questioning farmers’ use of crop protection tools drew concerns the federal government could take a position to restrict access to agricultural inputs.

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.

The Riskedal family uses regenerative agricultural practices on their farm where they grow corn, soybeans and wheat along with feeding cattle for a freezer beef enterprise.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice for businesses across the state.

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

Global agrochemical manufacturer Bayer has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether federal law preempts thousands of state lawsuits alleging it failed to warn people that its popular herbicide could cause cancer.

I have 100 acres of corn left to plant and maybe 80 acres of beans left. We’ve really been hitting it hard.

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

The Illinois Soybean Association has named six agronomic professionals to its 2025 IL Soy Envoy class.

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

Changes are happening on the labels of herbicide products that may impact the way farmers spray their crops.

Crop protection tools — including widely popular glyphosate-based herbicides — are critical for weed control and providing an ample and affordable food supply. That is the prevailing sentiment in a survey from the Modern Ag Alliance.

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

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.

Micronutrients, pet peeves, social media and common-sense agronomy were just a few of the topics at the Illinois Soybean Association Field Advisor Forum panel discussion.

Cattlemen have several options to control brush or woody plants in pastures.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture set its federal policy focus for 2025, prioritizing five key issues.

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.

Tim and Julie Frame, the 2025 Indiana Farm Family of the Year winners, have a bustling farm that serves as a hub for community activities.

The Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, platform is generating a lot of interest in how our food is produced. Farmers and ranchers welcome a healthy discussion — we always have.

Advances in technology of agricultural equipment are giving farmers new opportunities to control various processes.

Corteva Agriscience announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has registered NovaGraz herbicide.

Waterhemp populations continue to evolve in herbicide resistance and weed scientists are investigating its move to residual herbicides.

Conservation practice adoption, pesticide regulations and biofuel tax credits are just a few of the issues for agriculture entering 2025.

One of the biggest challenges growers face early in the planting season is controlling tough weeds. As soon as planting occurs, weeds begin to compete with the crop for sunlight, nutrients and moisture.

The two most important forces shaping the cooperative business model are future farmers and talent management.

Every growing season, corn and soybean producers have to make numerous management decisions that affect their bottom line.

This marks the 90th year the University of Illinois Variety Testing will provide unbiased, third-party performance evaluations free for farmers.

A new digital platform designed to assist farmers implement precision farming strategies was rolled out this year.

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

Illinois soybean farmers will now have additional assistance with evaluating field data to better implement practices that benefit the environment.

ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys recapped the top agronomic challenges of 2024 and what potentially lies ahead for 2025 in an Illinois Soybean Association Field Advisor podcast.

Examples of typical and not-so-common cover crops used in corn and soybean rotations were featured in a recent plot tour on the Farm Progress Show grounds.

A 2025 outlook on crop protection products, fertilizer and government regulations was presented at the recent 4R Field Talk, hosted by the Illinois Soybean Association and Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association.

The timely planting of cover crops for maximum biomass has typically been limited to post-harvest or aerial inter-seeding, followed by the hope of rain for stand establishment.

Warm, dry weather is helping farmers in northern Illinois to quickly harvest corn and soybeans with little need to run the crops through a dryer prior to storage.

Drone technology is increasing in its applicability in improving farm operations.