Blogs

Sunshine peeks through large clouds over thick dust, which shrouds a country road running between two farm fields.

Dust Storms in Illinois: Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland

June 13, 2025

As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways. Although it is not a new environmental event, the dangers are always present, and questions arise....

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Fencerows: A lost practice worth reviving?

June 6, 2025

Field Notes

Looking out across Central Illinois, you will see open fields stretching for miles with few breaks in between fields. It may even be difficult to tell where one field ends and another begins. This is not what farmland in Illinois always looked like, though. Our agricultural landscape...

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A hay field with bales and the sun setting in the background.

Forage fundamentals: Managing hay cuttings, part two

May 30, 2025

Farm Focus

This post is the second in a two-part blog series on considerations for hay producers as they prepare for the first cutting of the season. While much of Illinois agriculture focuses on row crops such as corn and soybeans, hay producers play a vital role in supporting livestock production throughout...

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USDA rescinds federal restricted use pesticide recordkeeping requirement for private applicators

May 29, 2025

Pesticide News

The USDA recently rescinded a rule that required all private applicators (those who apply pesticides to their own land) to keep records of their restricted-use applications. The rescinded requirement appeared in the ...

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Illinois invasive: Elm zigzag sawfly

May 29, 2025

Pesticide News

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...

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Beautiful native wildflowers bloom in the foreground, and a family farm with mature trees are visible in the background.

Farmland Owner Series: Understanding Illinois Farmland Property Taxes

May 23, 2025

Farm Coach

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...

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Forage fundamentals: Managing hay cuttings, part one

May 23, 2025

Farm Focus

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...

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Tillage equipment moving through farm field

Using conservation practices to maximize farm profitability: Tillage

May 23, 2025

Field Notes

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,...

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Aerial view of various farm fields with road running diagonally inbetween.

Farmland Owner Series: Farmland Values Showing Mixed Signals

May 23, 2025

Farm Coach

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...

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clean pesticide containers ready for recycling

2025 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule

May 9, 2025

Pesticide News

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...

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