Central Illinois Farm Network

By Kent Casson As of this writing, plenty of cold weather songs come to mind like “Baby It’s Cold Outside” or even “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.” It’s only mid-December and winter has officially arrived in Central Illinois with plenty of snowfall in recent weeks and bone chilling temperatures. Many can’t recall a recent winter with such harsh weather so early in the season. I do remember a snowstorm around Thanksgiving in 2004 but that may have been the last time we

The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) today announced new economic impact findings showing that pork production in Illinois generates more than $373 million in total tax revenue, underscoring the vital role pig farmers play in supporting local communities, strengthening the state economy, and driving rural development.   Illinois remains one of the nation’s leading pork-producing states, and the industry’s economic footprint extends far beyond the farm gate. In addit

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump announced an economic assistance package for American producers: "I commend President Trump for standing by our hardworking producers who continue to struggle with distorted global markets and record-high production costs—legacies of the Biden Administration. The critical assistance announced today will help farmers obtain financing for 2026 and

President Donald J. Trump alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (AR), Senator Deb Fischer (NE), Senator John Hoeven (ND), Representative Austin Scott (GA), and farmers from Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make $12 billion available in one time bridge paymen

Each year, IFCA is proud to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through scholarships that celebrate academic achievement, leadership, and a strong dedication to the future of our industry. For 2025, IFCA is offering five scholarships: four awards of $1,500 and one $2,500 award for the top overall applicant. These scholarships aim to encourage and assist students pursuing careers in the agricultural input and crop protection sectors, fields essential to driving

By Kent Casson It may be November, but there’s never a bad time to talk weed control out in the field. Farmers often have to navigate the options which work best for them in order to deal with pesky weeds, such as waterhemp, which emerge in fields each summer just when you think the field is clear. Understanding the inconsistent performance of Glufosinate for waterhemp control will be the theme of an upcoming online webinar from Field Advisor on Tuesday, Dec. 9, funded by the

Illinois Extension’s Legal Series for Illinois Small Farms webinars return with new session topics to continue assisting farmers across the state with the tools and resources required to address the needs of their farms. Producers focused on grain, livestock, specialty crops, or hobby farms can all strengthen their businesses through the sessions and tools provided by Extension’s local food systems and small farms team in partnership with  Farm Commons . Farm Commons is a non

McLean Co. ag award winners from Thursday night, photo courtesy of McLean County Chamber. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Agriculture Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Bloomington Country Club, bringing together agricultural leaders, business partners, and community members to celebrate McLean County’s largest and most influential industry.   The event welcomed guests for an evening of recognition, fellowship, and celebration of thos

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for your friends and family will cost less than last year, marking the third straight year of price declines. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of Thanksgiving staples that make up a classic holiday feast for 10, which is $55.18 or about $5.52 per person.   This is a 5% decrease from 2024. Three years of declines don’t fully erase dramatic increases that led to a record

By Kent Casson After a nice rally in soybeans in recent weeks, we have seen some choppy trading. The soybean market has been a bit weaker as China continues to look at soybeans from Brazil as that country is priced cheaper than we are currently – especially when you add in a 13 percent tariff. “The market is still waiting for confirmation if China is going to buy U.S. soybeans,” Aaron Curtis of MIDCO told me last week. Some business was accomplished during the recent trade me