Illinois Department of Agriculture

As a veteran, Jerry Costello II recognizes the trait in other veterans that prompted him to enlist in the U.S. Army.

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.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced record-breaking attendance totals for the 2024 Illinois State Fair. More than 773,000 people attended the 11-day event, the highest number on record since industry standards were enacted.

The Illinois Wheat Association Checkoff Committee is circulating petitions for a wheat checkoff program in the state. The proposal calls for a 1.5 cent checkoff per bushel of wheat sold.

In an effort to forge relationships and increase export sales of agricultural products, the Illinois Department of Agriculture hosted 31 international buyers from nine countries as part of a four-day tour.

Richard Lyons of Harvel is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

For Du Quoin native Luke Davison, being named manager of the Du Quoin State Fair was like coming home again.

A Natural Resources Conservation Service display brought the field to the Illinois State Fair. The tabletop display demonstrated the interaction between water and soils with different characteristics and management practices.

A variety of popular musical acts, a full slate of harness racing and motorsports and an array of food and product vendors will reflect all the tastes of southern Illinois for the 2024 Du Quoin State Fair.

Building on two consecutive years of record-breaking attendance, the Illinois State Fair will feature several star performers on stage, new and the usual vendors and a free parking promotion.

The newly remodeled Multi-Purpose Arena will host a variety of family-friendly events during the Illinois State Fair.

Three central Illinois farm families were honored for their conservation agriculture efforts.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced an intrastate testing requirement for lactating dairy cattle participating in livestock exhibitions in Illinois to minimize the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Illinois Beef Association is focused on outreach to all sectors of the beef industry.

The Illinois General Assembly approved a record $53.1 billion spending plan that included some good and bad news for agriculture-related programs.

Dakarai Howard focuses on urban agriculture and food systems as the senior policy adviser for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Legislation that has bipartisan support in the Illinois General Assembly and from diverse groups was introduced this spring and awaits votes in each chamber.

Nineteen local food projects were awarded grants aimed at strengthening the local food system and increase access to agricultural products grown and raised in Illinois.

Daily in-person and virtual events packed the Illinois Soil Health Week docket, including two days at the state capitol.

A celebration of agriculture that crossed generations kicked off the 54th annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day. The event drew nearly 50 diverse agricultural organizations and about 1,000 FFA members together to meet with lawmakers.

The alphabet soup of diverse conservation funding for farmers was the focus of one of the breakout sessions during the recent Soybean Summit.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture plans to distribute more than $545,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the Specialty Crop Block Grant program in the federal farm bill.

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts announced the appointment of Michael Woods as its new CEO.

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy’s biennial report featured what’s been done and what needs to be done in the non-point source sector.

Illinois Department of Agriculture is implementing its fifth year of the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program. Funding of eligible acreage is on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15.

The Illinois agriculture industry would not be where it is today without the hard work, time and efforts put forth by passionate leaders. In appreciation of these leaders’ efforts, the Illinois Soybean Association created its annual Achievement Awards.

University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training workshop schedule.

To commemorate the company’s long-term commitment to the state of Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation naming 2023 as the 85th anniversary of Prairie Farms Dairy.

Bipartisan legislation that creates the Healthy Soils Initiative and commits to improved coordination between the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Soil and Water Conservation Districts was signed into law.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation establishing the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers.

Visitors to the Department of Agriculture tent during the first weekend of the Illinois State Fair were treated to the diversity of locally grown food and products.

Visitors to the Illinois State Fair that kicked off this week and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20, will see numerous infrastructure improvements and more on the horizon.

As the National FFA eastern region vice president, Gracie Murphy has met members and been involved in events across the nation, including eight state conventions.

Three finalists have been selected for the inaugural Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

The recent tragic events on I-55 south of Springfield, Illinois, on May 1 had many people discussing what could have or should have been done.

Breaking the stigma of mental health issues is one aspect of helping those who are challenged with stressful situations.

Representatives from nearly 50 diverse agricultural organizations met with lawmakers at the state capitol during the 53rd annual Illinois Ag Legislative Day.

If you asked the five Illinois FFA state officers where they would be on any given night during February and March, each answer would be different each time.

In the state capitol, just a few miles from his former office as director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and from the state capitol building, where he once strolled as president of Illinois Farm Bureau, Philip Nelson returned to the podium to speak to an ag audience.

The successes by farmers and the accomplishments by the state’s Department of Agriculture were highlighted to open the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable.

A support system is available to help the Illinois farming community. “The farmer mental health initiative is incredibly important,” said Krista Lisser, public information officer at Illinois Department of Agriculture, at the Conservation Cropping Seminar.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture shared accomplishments made in 2022 to support the state’s No. 1 industry.

When it comes to showing the benefits of cover crops, for Joey Deloian of the Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District, the proof is in the planting.

Local food and specialty crop growers are joining forces for Illinois’ largest conference focused on bolstering the local food supply chain.

For the past year, Thomas Titus has added “president” to his already lengthy list of titles that include dad, husband, showpig producer and pork producer. Titus has served as president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Illinois will use $14.4 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to buy locally produced food and distribute it to those in need, according to state officials.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, along with University of Illinois Extension, is hosting its annual Certified Livestock Manager Training.

The Illinois Soybean Association hosted its first ever Impact Awards banquet. The evening was full of celebration, recognition and reflecting upon everything ISA has been able to accomplish in 2022.

Despite a rough start weather-wise and higher prices for fertilizer and other supplies, farmers appear to be doing OK this season as a late harvest gets into full swing.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services worked jointly to secure U.S. Department of Agriculture funding that provides new opportunities for underserved farmers and communities.