Central Illinois Farm Network

John Deere announced a series of model year 2027 (MY27) tillage updates, expanding its portfolio and offering customers more flexibility across a broad range of field and conditions and operation sizes. The updates include the introduction of 2-section High-Speed Disk (HSD) models in four new widths, expanded autonomy ready options across rippers and field cultivators and updated naming for the DA Series applicators. Building upon proven durability of John Deere tillage imple

John Deere announced a series of updates to its Model Year 2027 (MY27) application portfolio, delivering advancements in maneuverability, visibility, and precision agriculture. Highlights include Four-Wheel Steering for improved handling and enhanced precision ag tools and insights to streamline logistics and data analysis. Most notably, John Deere introduced the next generation of its See & Spray™ technology, building on a proven foundation to expand targeted application acr

The Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District presented numerous awards during its 81st annual meeting last week in Pontiac. Partners in conservation honors went to Missy Hoover, Woodland Elementary teacher; Flanagan State Bank; Gary Stork; Mark Yoder and Livingston County Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee. The Conservation Farm Family Award was presented by Erschen Grain & Livestock. The following directors were elected to the SWCD board: Gary Bres

Jenner Ag is excited to announce the grand opening of Jenner Depot, a new aftermarket parts destination in Pontiac, Illinois designed to serve the region’s spraying and fertilizing equipment needs. This new facility brings together an extensive inventory of parts under one roof.   The expansion also brings new vendors and product offerings into the Jenner companies, further broadening the selection of aftermarket parts and precision ag solutions available to farmers and ag re

Heartland Community College Agriculture faculty Karen Corrigan has been recognized for leadership and expertise in the advancement of soybean production.   The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has announced Karen Corrigan as the recipient of the 2026 Master Adviser Award.   Established in 2016, the Master Adviser Award highlights the critical role Certified Crop Advisers play in helping soybean farmers improve productivity, profitability, and stewardship. Corrigan is co-own

Krista Phillips of Effingham County was selected from a field of 75 contestants Sunday evening as the 68 th  Miss Illinois County Fair Queen and will reign over the 2026 Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair. Phillips was chosen during the final day of the 115 th  Annual Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF) convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.   Krista, 21, of Effingham, will graduate from the University of Illinois-Champaign in May 2026 with

The annual Friends of County Fair awards were presented over the weekend during the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs convention in Springfield. Those recognized included Wedell De Vries of Stephenson County, Herry Frankel of Adams County, Ed Dame, sponsor, Susan Banks of Boone County and H.R. Gentsch of Monroe County. The state talent show winners were also announced during the convention. In the senior division, fourth place went to Isaac Goldman of Perry County, t

The Illinois Beef Expo is back in Springfield, February 19-22 on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. With auctions featuring lots from top cattle operations throughout the state, a premiere junior beef show, and a top industry trade show, this is a must-attend for all Illinois beef producers.   For beef producers, the three sales offer everything needed to support a growing herd. The tradition of the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale on Thursday, Feb. 19, makes for a must-att

(Image by Vivid Studios) Miss Ford County 2025, Charley Ulrich, will compete in the 2026 Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs State Queen Pageant at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois.  The dates for the competition are Thursday, January 15 through Sunday, January 18, 2026. Charley will compete with 74 other County Fair Queens for the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen 2026 title. The contestants will be judged on personal interview, stage presence, beauty of face a

The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (ILICA) warmly invites you to their trade show on January 22 - 23, 2026, at the DoubleTree Hotel Bloomington, IL—and it's completely free! For over 65 years, the trade show has been a popular component of Illinois LICA’s Annual Convention & Members’ Meeting, which also features a fantastic lineup of educational seminars and entertainment. This year, ILICA is excited to once again open the trade show to the public offering