The elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) is an invasive pest of elm trees (Ulmus spp.) that was first detected in Illinois in July 2024 in Busse Woods, Cook County. Native to parts of China and Japan, this species became established in Europe in 2003 and was first detected in the United...
With recent dust storms sweeping across the state, Illinois farmers are again coming under scrutiny for the agricultural practices that can contribute to these storms. With high winds, dry conditions,...
Farmland values began to soften in late 2024. With decreasing farm profits in 2023 and 2024, farmland values held firm until the last quarter of 2024. This was the consensus of professional farm managers at the 2025 Illinois Farmland Values and Lease Trends Conference held in March, which The...
Understanding Illinois property tax calculations is complex and confusing. Properties such as personal residences are taxed based on fair market value. The State of Illinois assesses farmland based on the agricultural use value rather than the farm market value. Based on farm income...
This time of year is busy for farmers across Illinois, with crop producers fighting against time and weather to get their crops in the ground for a successful growing season. Some farmers are also preparing to start cutting alfalfa and other forages. As Central Illinois producers begin their first...
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced the single-day collection sites and dates for the 2025 Pesticide Container Recycling Program. Dates and locations are available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website. ...
This post is the second of a two-part series on black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) and its impact on corn producers in Illinois. Part one discussed the biology and lifecycle of black cutworm, identifying the adult moths and larvae, and the common types of plant injury caused by larvae. This post...
Cash Farm Rents in Illinois held steady to slightly downward in 2025 compared to 2024. At the recent Illinois Land Values Conference, farm managers from across the state released the statistics analyzed by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (...
Illinois pesticide applicators and operators, if you have previously taken an Illinois Department of Agriculture online exam, you may already be familiar with ProctorU. All pesticide online exams are proctored by ProctorU (also known as Meazure Learning). You would have created a login and spoken...
Corn is a cornerstone of agriculture in Illinois, playing a vital role in both the state's economy and the livelihoods of its farmers. As planting season begins, it's crucial to be aware of potential threats to corn crops, one of the most significant being the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon...
