Central Illinois Farm Network

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

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has designated Brian Rennecker to represent the Department on the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) board of directors. Rennecker replaces Chuck Cawley who retired from IDOA in June. Brian Rennecker serves as IDOA’s Division Manager of Natural Resources. As a third-generation farmer and wildlife and nature enthusiast, Brian brings extensive field-based conservation experience to his leadership role. Prior to

Graymont Co-op has announced the acquisition of Missal Farmers Grain Company. Under the agreement, the facility at 325 N 975 E Road in Streator will continue to operate as Graymont Cooperative Association, Missal location. The closing is expected on Sept. 1 with operations continuing seamlessly into the future, according to a recent news release. "Today is a day of celebration - not just for Graymont, but for every farmer, employee and community member who has been part of th

An idea that began six years ago has grown into a big part of the Livingston County Ag Fair each year. Agri-Town happens for a couple of afternoons during the fair at 4-H Park in Pontiac. “We took the rec shelter and turned it into games for everyone and every year, we’ve tried to improve it,” explained organizer Karen Clark. Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, kids have a great time and they give away 1500 prizes a year. The hope is to teach kids a little abou

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that ten additional meat and poultry companies have adopted USDA’s voluntary Product of USA label, marking continued momentum behind the Administration’s efforts to help consumers easily identify products that are truly born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. Since USDA launched its nationwide awareness campaign earlier this year, more processors across the country have committed to using the Prod

The Farm Progress Show, in partnership with Van Wall Equipment, Titan/Goodyear and John Deere, will present an evening concert featuring Iowa country music recording artist Jason Brown, followed by a pyrotechnic drone light show by Sky Elements, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. The concert and drone show are free to all Farm Progress Show ticket holders. General admission tickets will be available at a discounted rate of $15 plus fees through Aug. 28, after which full-price admis

Jenner Depot is proud to announce it is now an authorized Exmark dealer, bringing one of the most trusted names in lawn and garden equipment to homeowners and commercial contractors in the Pontiac, Illinois, area. Known for industry-leading performance, durability, and cut quality, Exmark mowers are trusted for residential, acreage and landscape professional use across the country. Customers can now shop the Exmark lineup directly through Jenner Depot, with access to zero-t