Blog Posts

A muddy dirt road runs between two farm fields leading to an old abandoned hog house.
Read article: Farm finance series: The current situation and a look at history
Farm finance series: The current situation and a look at history
With lower grain prices, higher interest rates, and increased production costs, some farms are facing a challenging financial situation. According to...
bales of hay
Read article: Is it time to bale graze?
Is it time to bale graze?
Adding nutrients, organic matter, and ground cover to poorly productive lands have some raving about bale grazing. Added fertility and better water...
Cattle working facilities
Read article: Re-investing profits on the ranch
Re-investing profits on the ranch
Are you looking for avenues to re-invest in the ranch this year? First, know that not every year is as profitable as this year and sometimes...
Cows and calves on pasture
Read article: Breeding season tips for fall calving herds
Breeding season tips for fall calving herds
Fall calving herds are approaching breeding season. While general breeding practices are similar to spring calving herds, breeding fall calving cows...

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-...
kids in barn holding cats
AJMPU 4-H animal shows highlights youth dedication and skill
AJMPU REGION − From the clatter of hooves to the rustle of feathers, the 2025 AJMPU 4-H Animal Shows brought barns to life with excitement, learning, and community spirit. Youth across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties proudly exhibited their animals in...

Videos

Safe Animal Handling in Beef Cattle

 

Safe animal handling is critical for ensuring safety of both handlers and the animals. In this episode of Grazing Planners Speak, Travis Meeter (University of Illinois Extension) provides an overview of cattle behavior and how to ensure safe animal handling as a grazing planner....

Body Condition Scoring for Beef Cattle

 

Body condition scoring is a valuable tool for evaluating animal health and performance in the field, and is important for both producers and grazing planners. In this episode of Grazing Planners Speak, Travis Meeter (University of Illinois Extension) walks us through how to...

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