Blog Posts

This image shows three Asian Longhorned Ticks walking in a line along a green blade of grass. These ticks have oval-shaped bodies and multiple legs extending from their sides. The texture and coloration of their bodies are clearly visible, showing a shiny, slightly ridged exoskeleton. The photo credit on the left side reads “© jim occi Rutgers CVB.
Read article: A silent danger: The deadly threat of Theileria orientalis Ikeda to your herd
A silent danger: The deadly threat of Theileria orientalis Ikeda to your herd
A recent case in Van Buren County, located in southeast Iowa, has brought new awareness to an emerging threat in the cattle industry. Sadly, 20...
Sunshine peeks through large clouds over thick dust, which shrouds a country road running between two farm fields.
Read article: Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle...
Pheasant sitting on fence in farm field
Read article: Fencerows: A lost practice worth reviving?
Fencerows: A lost practice worth reviving?
Looking out across Central Illinois you will see open fields stretching for miles with few breaks in between fields.  It may even be difficult...
A hay field with bales and the sun setting in the background.
Read article: Forage fundamentals: Managing hay cuttings, part two
Forage fundamentals: Managing hay cuttings, part two
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...

News Releases

Green grass with blue sky horizon chicken coup and chickens on grass
McHenry County Farm Stroll 2023
McHenry County Farm Stroll 2023 Offers Tours of 11 Family-Owned Small Farms and McHenry County College Student Farm Woodstock, Ill. – Come out for an autumn day in the country! On Sunday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., McHenry County will host its annual Farm Stroll, a free self-...
Looking down the rows where a corn and soybean field edge meet
Corn after soy: New study quantifies rotation benefits and trade-offs
URBANA — While the majority of Midwestern farmers rotate corn and soybeans, commodity prices and corn yield advantages compel some to plant corn year after year. Although foundational research on the benefits of corn-soybean rotation goes back decades, University...
picture of a field taken from a drone
How to prepare to field scout with your farm drone
HAVANA, Ill - Farm drones can be valuable in helping farmers keep an eye on their crops through the growing season. The farmer can carry out tasks efficiently and effectively with proper preparation. Here are some of the basic checks needed to make to ensure a safe and effective flight....

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