Chad Bell is working on a variety of projects during the transition time from winter and getting ready for the spring planting season.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association is working to restore pork options on the menus of Chicago Public Schools.

The Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center has been a hub of activity for nearly two decades, hosting workshops, seminars, expos, livestock and horticulture judging, countless opportunities for students of all ages and other events.

The 2026 Indiana General Assembly wrapped up its work, which included some wins for agriculture, according to leaders at Indiana Farm Bureau.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association honored a family that has contributed to the long-term success of the industry through leadership and pork promotion at the local and state levels.

A fifth-generation hog farmer was seated as Illinois Pork Producers Association president during its annual meeting at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

As days lengthen and soil temperatures begin inching upward, cool-season forages slowly wake from dormancy.

Minerals are essential for normal function of sheep and deficiencies in any of them can negatively impact health and performance.

The dairy checkoff’s new online tool is designed to help dairy farmers and their advisers more easily identify grants and funding opportunities for conservation and on-farm improvements.

Agricultural economic conditions are mostly flat since mid-January across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts, according to a survey.

The National Pork Producers Council announced the induction of Ken and Julie Maschhoff and Sam Carney into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum.

Orion Samuelson wasn’t my formal mentor, but he didn’t have to be. His work ethic spoke louder than any lesson plan ever could.

Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The latest federal farm income forecast reinforces the difficult reality for U.S. agriculture.

I took the Bud Williams “Hand ‘n Hand” Marketing School and Stockmanship School in-person classes in southwestern Missouri and learned you must include a profit in everything you do.

When we drone seeded clover on the wheat last February it had just a little green, but I was hoping it would soon look better and it does.

My next project in the mill is making a tweed-type yarn from a Shetland fleece. I found a nice cream-colored fleece and a light tan fleece. Both fleeces should spin to nice yarn.

Changing feeds in dairy cow transition diets can help reduce costs.

Corn diseases can produce mycotoxins that impact the corn silage in dairy cattle rations.

The National Pork Producers Council elected new officers and board members to lead the organization through the 2026-2027 term.

About 400 young ladies connected with professional women to learn about numerous agricultural careers during the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture event.

From the 2026 National FFA Week to district proficiency awards, this past month has been full of successes across the state.

Applications are being accepted for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has now sharply lowered its 2025 farm income outlook by $25 billion, reinforcing that this downturn is deeper and more persistent than many anticipated.

The dairy checkoff has unveiled Dairy Does More, a national marketing communications platform to help grow demand by reshaping how consumers think about dairy foods.

There is no doubt artificial intelligence has the potential to help agriculture tackle some big challenges. But like any new technology it also comes with risks we shouldn’t ignore.

Ultimately, federal taxpayer-funded payments are not a match for the tough reality of lost demand or damaged markets.

The September-seeded rye really greened up with the rain and temperatures, so some grazing may be taking place soon.

A little moisture is all it takes to get folks thinking spring has arrived.

I know a lot of people were thinking, and maybe rightfully so, that our region could use moisture. I beg to differ.

Broadcasting legend and farmer advocate and friend Orion Samuelson died March 16, WGN Radio announced.

Shamrocks, tied forever to St. Patrick, symbolize growth and renewal — things farmers understand better than anyone.

Markup of the new farm bill is underway and Illinois pork producers got a first-hand account of the legislation by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee chair.

Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

The farm bill moved through the House Agriculture Committee with a 34-17 bipartisan vote, encouraging ag organizations that have been worried about the bill’s uncertain future.

Illinois Farm Bureau will host five Nutrient Stewardship Field Days this spring for farmers and industry partners to collaborate and discuss ongoing research and innovative approaches to nutrient stewardship.

Raising livestock is an important way for Chad Bell to diversify his farming operation in western Illinois.

After harvesting 8-bushel soybeans and corn just as bad, Wayne Mollett made a decision that changed his life.

Farmland values increased 2% in the last quarter of 2025 and were up 6% year-over-year in the 7th Federal Reserve District.

A sheep shearing school hosted by the Indiana Sheep Association will take place March 14 at Purdue University’s Sheep Unit.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for a joint review July 1 — a critical moment that will determine whether the free trade agreement continues or terminates.

Gov. Mike Braun proclaimed Feb. 23-27 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Indiana.

As president of Illinois Farm Bureau, Philip Nelson aims to provide impactful advocacy for farmers in the state.

In another move toward shaping future dairy champions, Midwest Dairy announced the 2026 Illinois Dairy Ambassadors.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is not a dairy-specific virus. It is the same virus that can infect poultry and other species.

When it comes to highly pathogenic avian influenza, biosecurity is the key to mitigating the risk of disease spread.

One of the few bright spots in the agricultural economy has been beef cattle, as smaller cattle supplies paired with strong consumer demand for beef has driven up prices for both cattle and beef, reports Jim Henry.

Hoosier net farm income is projected to decline sharply in 2026 after rebounding in 2025, according to the latest Indiana Farm Outlook Report from Purdue University and the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture tipped the hat to female farmers at its winter policy conference.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance is seeking applicants to join the rankings of Animal Ag Allies in 2026.