It has become customary this time of year for me to offer up some advice in this column with soon-to-be-newly-minted high school and college graduates.

We’ve had a cold winter across a lot of our state, and I am enjoying spring and all the opportunities the new season brings for family fun and good food.

The month of March is a unique one for the five Illinois FFA major state officers. In March, preparation for the FFA state convention is in full swing.

Did the reaction to COVID-19 change the way you communicate? I have asked that question several times since March 2020, when the world as we knew it rocked on its axis for a bit.

From iron plows to driverless tractors, new ideas and innovative businesses have continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in farming.

Have you seen the movie “Field of Dreams”? In the movie, Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice to build a “totally illogical” baseball field where his cornfield used to be.

If the third time is a charm, Michael Happ might finally make an impression on federal lawmakers and administrators with his fact-filled, 24-page report on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s continued financing of Big Ag’s big manure habit.

Spring is a time of planning, planting and new growth on the farm. From preparing to plant seeds for the next crop to tending trees freshly in bloom, farmers are working hard to ensure strong yields in the months ahead.

I have the tremendous opportunity to work with some of the greatest employees in government and we have the pleasure to work for the American farmer — the original environmentalist, who cares for the land like no other.