Remember soil health, nutrients
Soil is quite possibly a farmer’s greatest resource. The healthier the soil, the better off crops are. That’s why soil health is at the heart of any row-crop operation.
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15-year-old maintains bunny business started at 11
Not many teenagers can say they started their own business when they were 11 years old. Emily Jones, now 15, is one of the few who can say she has.
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Farm Bureau officer helps people connect with ag
Isabella Chism spends much of her week in an office or traveling across Indiana, but she also can be found on her family’s farm, driving a tractor or spending time outside.
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Losses for livestock producers covered by farm bill
Producers will be able to have eligible livestock losses back to 2011 and potential losses this coming year covered under programs restored by the 2014 farm bill.
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Latest News

Pike County boasts grain, pork production, agribusiness, hunting, fishing

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 5:00 PM

Whether it’s corn, soybeans, hay, bacon or venison, chances are there’s a farmer in Pike County who raises it. The western Illinois county due in part to its geography, which includes cropland, as well as timbered bluffs and river bottoms, produces a veritable smorgasbord of agricultural commodities.

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Drainage district fact of life and farming for Pike County producers

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 3:00 PM

When farmers or others who live in the state’s largest drainage district refer to the Sny Island Drainage District as “it” or “they,” fellow Pike County farmer Jim Koeller wants to correct them.

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Market expansion, opportunities in store for Indiana

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 1:00 PM

Indiana meat and poultry plant owners will have the opportunity to expand their markets by shipping products outside Indiana with the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Agreement program.

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Consuming forages can trigger livestock disorders

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 11:00 AM

Focusing on preventative measures can reduce the incidence of forage-induced livestock disorders. Ergot is a fungal-caused disease that can affect grasses.

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Silvopasture incorporates trees, grass, livestock

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 9:00 AM

Silvopasture combines agriculture and trees to create a sustainable farming system. “Silvopasture is the intentional combining of timber, livestock and forage production,” said Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension environmental and energy stewardship educator.

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Rural Voices

Ag world shift requires change in mindset

Have you ever been stuck in a routine? Maybe it’s the routine you go through each morning at the start of your workday. Or maybe you eat the same thing for lunch every day. If there isn’t any pressing reason to change, you might keep that routine.
Farmland assessments for Indiana property taxes rise

At the end of December, Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance calculated the base rate assessment for farmland to be used for taxes in 2015. Predictably, the base rate increased to $2,050 per acre. That’s a 16 percent increase over the pay-2014 value.
Build financial 'dashboard' of working capital for farm

If margins tighten as ag economists are warning, it’s going to be important to consider the potential impacts on your operation. Making sure that your farm is going to be financially healthy in what could be tougher times may set you up in a good position.
Indiana agriculture needs a farm bill as fast as possible

This fall, Congress has an important opportunity to create jobs and grow the economy by passing a long-term, comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. The farm bill impacts every American every day by providing a wide range of programs that strengthen our nation.
Thanks given to heroes that serve in military and farming

I would like to take a moment and say thank you to all of the heroes that have served and are currently serving this country. I know there are some common threads in farmers and soldiers, and oftentimes young farmers become soldiers.

Field Editor Blogs

Big data is raising big questions for farmers

If it’s new, it’s better, right? Right? Everything new and advanced is automatically better than whatever came before it. I’d add a resounding “No!” We used to have a joke in the daily newspaper newsroom.
Winter finally gives way to farmers market shopping

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has struggled with it this year. Winter is the easiest time to gain weight, and it has to be one of the worst feelings ever!
Soy protein, oil levels are now improving in Illinois

Over the past few years, the Illinois Soybean Association has been educating farmers about the importance of producing quality soybeans in order to remain competitive in a global market.
Pontiac FFA chapter takes field trip to remember

Twenty Pontiac FFA members recently took the opportunity to travel to New Jersey and New York City to learn about an agricultural industry that is a little different than in Illinois. “This is the sixth chapter exchange we’ve done,” said Jesse Faber, FFA adviser, who together with Parker Bane leads the Pontiac chapter.
Biofuels are big in Indiana

Biofuels play an important role in Indiana’s economy. I had heard about biofuels before, but when I started my job at AgriNews I learned that the ethanol industry is a big deal. Claypool, Ind., is home to the world’s largest integrated soy biodiesel plant, Louis Dreyfus. We have 13 ethanol plants total and rank fifth nationally in ethanol and corn production, according to a press release from the Indiana Soybean Alliance.