Blogs

In December, the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program will once again offer in-person training clinics. Offerings will be similar to that of recent years although quite limited compared to when in-person was the only option. Clinics can fill quickly so plan accordingly. ...

A flexible cash lease is an alternative to a straight cash lease. The flexible cash leash protects the farmer and landowner from economic loss. This type of lease can prevent a farmer from committing to a lease that requires a high guaranteed rent payment, allowing the landowner to have a higher...

As a result of an industry-led initiative, continuing education will soon be introduced as an optional method for the recertification of pesticide applicators and operators.  This new pathway will allow applicators to utilize approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in lieu of retaking the...

Draining excess water from farm fields in Illinois is vital to food and renewable fuel production. However, the lack of adequate farm drainage is a serious problem. Many older farm drainage systems are still in place but are past their viable economic use value due to being obsolete, inefficient,...

As harvest concludes across Central Illinois, producers are focusing on storing their grain. For those in our region and throughout the Midwest, where corn and soybeans are the main crops, maintaining the grain's quality during winter is essential for protecting both quality and profitability....

Fertilizer is a critical input for crop production, supplying essential nutrients that boost yields and support global food security. In recent years, however, fertilizer markets have experienced significant volatility. From 2020 to 2022, U.S. fertilizer prices more than doubled due to increasing...

Fall is a vital season for managing forage crops in Illinois. The choices producers make now can influence how well their fields endure the winter and how much feed will be available for livestock next year. Proper fall management helps protect soil, improve plant health, and prepare strong stands...

One of the most consistently asked questions to University of Illinois Extension offices across the state is, what is the going rate for cash rent for farmland?Cash rent rates are a common yet recurring question that is continuously researched...

The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at the University of Illinois has recently filled a much needed, vacant position. We are excited to announce that Jonathan Jackson is PSEP’s new program assistant. Jonathan will be responsible for...