Central Illinois Farm Network

Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is asking Illinois farmers to take action now to support the Farm Bill. The proposed Farm Bill is being marked up in the Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 16. While no Farm Bill is perfect, this legislation includes important priorities for Illinois farmers, including the codification of the increased funding for the Market Access and Foreign Market Development Program included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, continued support fo

Agriculture is one of McLean County’s most important industries, and the people who contribute to its success extend far beyond the farm. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to nominate individuals who are making a difference in agriculture for the 2026 Agriculture Awards. Nominations will be accepted through September 28, 2026, giving community members an opportunity to recognize the farmers, agricultural professionals, business leaders and emergi

By Kent Casson Hello. Remember me? I’m that guy who occasionally writes ag stuff and I do mean occasionally as of late. My writing has been sporadic because of life I guess. It was a busy summer for our family as usual and I wouldn’t trade any minute of it. From attending fairs and taking care of livestock to vacationing, we covered it all the past couple of months. The family had a nice getaway to the Gulf Coast in early July as we took in the waves and sand of the Gulf Sh

The Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) has selected Corey Lacey, Ph.D., as its next Executive Director. Dr. Lacey begins September 1, 2026. Dr. Lacey brings experience spanning agricultural research, nonprofit leadership, public policy, and coalition development. He most recently served as Environmental Policy Manager for the Illinois Soybean Association, leading work at the intersection of nutrient stewardship, conservation, policy and farmer profitabili

The Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) will invest more than $4.8 million across 29 research and education projects during the 2026–27 funding cycle, continuing Illinois agriculture’s investment in nutrient efficiency and meeting the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS). The portfolio balances continued investment in multi-year research with new science addressing emerging needs. More than $4 million will support continuing projec

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a sweeping package of actions to continue rebuilding the Great American Beef Herd and put America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply. Building on USDA’s October 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry, the Trump Administration is delivering again. American ranchers embody the independent spirit that drove the founding of America, 250 years ago. For more t

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted 1.76 billion Renewable Identification Number (RIN) exemptions to small refiners for the 2025 compliance year, raising concerns among farmers and biofuel producers about the potential impact on demand for renewable fuel. RINs are compliance credits and the “currency” of the RFS program. A RIN is generated when renewable fuel is produced, which can be bought and sold separately from the fuel. Learn more about RINs. The

A free webinar on Farmland Values in Illinois has been scheduled for Aug. 27 as part of the University of Illinois’ farmdoc Webinar Series according to Luke Worrell, AFM, Worrell Land Services, Jacksonville, IL. Worrell serves as overall chair for the annual Farmland Values and Lease Trends Program sponsored by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. The webinar, “Rents and Prices Outlook: Results from a Mid-Year Survey Conducted by the Illi

State Representative Jason R. Bunting (R-Emington) applauded the recent signing of legislation which would provide Illinois farmers with additional flexibility in transporting goods and allow larger, modern farm equipment on the state’s highways. “Illinois farmers feed the world and are the backbone of our state’s number one industry,” Bunting said. “But they have to be able to get their products to markets. This new law will make it easier for farmers to carry more products

Illinois Beef Association’s Executive Vice President, Josh St. Peters, issued the following statement in response to Tyson Foods' announced closure of the beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois: "The Illinois Beef Association is deeply disappointed by Tyson Foods' sudden decision to close its processing facility in Joslin. For decades, the Rock Island County plant has served as a critical market for family farmers and has been an important economic driver for rural Illin