Blogs

Several pesticide treated corn seeds that have been dyed purple and teal and closely grouped on an exposed soil surface.

EPA seeks comments on the ESA draft fungicide strategy

July 6, 2026

If you apply pesticides in agricultural settings, you are likely aware of the strategies the EPA has developed to comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The EPA has already finalized strategies for agricultural herbicides and insecticides, and several agricultural pesticides now include the...

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Understanding corn yield loss from wet conditions and storm damage

June 12, 2026

Farm Focus

Of all the risks that crop producers in central Illinois contend with during the growing season, weather is often the most unpredictable and costly. Whether it be heavy rains in the spring or intense summer storms, weather can be the difference between a successful and lackluster crop. After these...

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Agricultural field that the EPA requires specific mitigations be calculated for through new Endangered Species Act labeling

Understanding new ESA label requirements for the 2026 Illinois spraying season

June 8, 2026

Pesticide News

Spraying season has officially begun in Illinois agriculture, and this year, additional steps may be necessary to make an application due to a recent label change resulting from new Endangered Species Act (ESA) strategies. The ESA herbicide and insecticide strategies are being implemented more...

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When using pesticides, watch for wells

June 4, 2026

Pesticide News

If you apply pesticides, good environmental safety practices can help protect sensitive areas that influence drinking water quality. Be aware of wells and geographic conditions such as sink holes. Read and follow all label directions. Know that different product labels may contain different...

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2026 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule

June 2, 2026

Pesticide News

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the single-day collection sites and dates for the 2026 Pesticide Container Recycling Program. You can view this year’s dates and locations on...

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The flags of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The USMCA review and its impact on central Illinois agriculture

May 29, 2026

Farm Focus

In two previous blog posts, I discussed the importance of international trade for agricultural producers in central Illinois and across the United States, particularly how tariffs impact international trade. International trade agreements can take many forms, with one of...

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A combine harvests corn with blue skies and cumulus clouds in the background.

Illinois Farm Cash Rent Trends in 2026

May 22, 2026

Farm Coach

Illinois farmers and landowners have completed their farm lease negotiations for the 2026 production year. Forecasts indicate farmers will endure a fourth year in a row of operational losses. However, government payments have lessened this impact, and because each farm is different, the results are...

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Aerial shot of 4 farm fields intersecting with trees and greens at the center.

Illinois Farmland Values in 2026: Volatile Signals

May 21, 2026

Farm Coach

Farmland Sales in Illinois are continuing their recent pattern of being unpredictable. Low farmer profits are the main driver of this volatility, but other factors also weigh on the marketplace. Sources for this article include: The Land Sales Bulletin, the 2026 Illinois Farmland...

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A flooded farm field with dark looming clouds overhead.

Farm Drainage Series Part 8: A USDA certified wetland review is required before altering farm drainage

May 19, 2026

Farm Coach

Most farmers and absentee landowners who own or farm cropland in Illinois rely on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) benefit programs. These programs serve as a safety net to keep farm operations economically viable and motivate them to adopt environmentally friendly farming...

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Freshly harvested corn pushes out of a combine with blue sky and wispy clouds in background

Farm Drainage Series Part 7: Farmers incentivizing landowners to make tile improvements

May 5, 2026

Farm Coach

Farm drainage tile systems in Illinois have aged, leaving many farms poorly drained, resulting in lower crop yields. Upgrading farm drainage systems faces many hurdles, but landowners' reluctance to invest in tile improvements is the primary obstacle. This reluctance on the part of landowners...

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