Blogs

A cautiously optimistic 2027 crop budget outlook

October 9, 2026

For grain producers across central Illinois and the Midwest, the last few years have been some of the most challenging in recent memory. Low commodity prices and skyrocketing input costs, combined with ever-changing geopolitical situations, forced producers to make extremely tough decisions to...

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Soybeans in the foreground ready to be harvested my an approching combine

A quick PHI check can prevent costly mistakes

October 5, 2026

Pesticide News

Harvest is underway as Illinois farmers and growers work to bring in the crops they have spent an entire season protecting from insects, diseases, and weeds. Before harvesting a field, take a moment to confirm that you have passed the pre-harvest interval (PHI) for any pesticides that were applied...

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Training and testing reopen for the 2026-2027 pesticide certification season

October 5, 2026

Pesticide News

October marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 pesticide training and testing season. General Standards and Private exams taken on or after October 1, 2026, will count toward licensure through the end of 2029 once an Illinois pesticide license is issued.* Here’s what Illinois Pesticide Operators and...

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Know this about pesticide use in agriculture

October 2, 2026

Pesticide News

This summer I was invited to participate in creating a video about pesticide use in agriculture as part of the Illinois Farm Families Innovation Grows Here docuseries on pesticides. To prepare for this, I was provided with a host of good questions which I carefully thought about and wrote down my...

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New World screwworms are primarily controlled through Sterile Insect Technique

Sterile Insect Technique: How it works and why it matters

October 1, 2026

Pesticide News

SIT and Public PerceptionThe Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has received increased attention over the past year due to the expansion of SIT programs and its role in controlling insects of public health importance. The method uses laboratory-reared, sterilized male insects released into targeted...

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Using tile drainage as a crop management tool

September 25, 2026

Farm Focus

Central Illinois and the Midwest region more broadly is responsible for growing much of the key crops that drive the U.S. agricultural economy. Whether it is corn grown for animal feed or soybeans grown for biofuels, the high quality of farmland in this region is perhaps the most important factor...

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Setting sun and clouds behind a combine in a farm field during harvest.

Farm Estate Planning Series: How Well Do You Really Know Your Family?

September 21, 2026

Farm Coach

Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal or tax advice.Family dynamics are complex. Different family members see the same reality through different lenses. The Farm Estate Planning Series is designed to help families navigate the...

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Household hazardous material collection events scheduled for fall 2026

September 14, 2026

Pesticide News

Now is the time to get rid of any old or unwanted pesticides in your chemical storage area. The Illinois EPA one-day household hazardous waste collection schedule for this fall has been released to the public. Please note, all one-day collections require pre-registration. All events are open to all...

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Maximizing cover crop benefits through proper management

September 9, 2026

Farm Focus

Crop producers in central Illinois have a wide range of management decisions to make throughout the year. This leads to a series of often difficult decisions to make before, during, and after the growing season. What type of tillage is needed? How much fertilizer should be applied? When is the...

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A farm with buildings surrounded by crop fields.

Tracking farmland and farm real estate values in Illinois

August 26, 2026

Farm Focus

Farmland is often the largest asset on a farm's balance sheet, making changes in land values important to farmers, landowners, lenders, and rural communities. Land values can affect farm wealth, borrowing capacity, rental negotiations, estate planning decisions, and the cost of expanding an...

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