Crops

Blog Posts

A calculator sits next to a pile of yellow corn kernels.

Determining cash rent on Illinois farmland

September 30, 2025

One of the most consistently asked questions to University of Illinois Extension offices...

Old skeleton key hangs on a nail against barnboard while sun sets in the background.

Terminating a Farm Lease in Illinois

September 29, 2025

The following article is not to be construed as legal advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Information in this article comes in...

A red tractor applying fertilizer in a field.

Global fertilizer markets and their effect on Central Illinois agriculture

October 3, 2025

Fertilizer is a critical input for crop production, supplying essential nutrients that boost yields and support global food security. In recent years...

Photo shows wide shot of unplanted farm field with the far 2-3 foot edge flooded with rainwater. On the horizon a few trees, blue sky and some billowy clouds are visible.

Farm Drainage Series - Part 2: Why are there so many Ponded Farm Fields?

September 11, 2025

When heavy rains result in ponded fields, the cause is poor drainage. Old field tiles in poor condition and/or undersized cannot efficiently remove...

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News Releases

September 11, 2025

Farm Drainage Series - Part 2: Why are there so many Ponded Farm Fields?
HAVANA, Ill. - When heavy rains result in ponded fields, the cause is poor drainage. Old field tiles in poor condition and/or undersized cannot efficiently remove excess water fast enough. When left unaddressed, the problem will worsen over time, resulting in compacted fields and lower yields....

two women sitting at a table talking to each other

September 2, 2025

Annie’s Project empowers local women in agriculture through education and networking
PEKIN, Ill. - The landscape of American agriculture is evolving, and at its heart is a growing wave of women stepping into leadership roles on the farm. According to the latest U.S. Ag Census, nearly 36% of the nation’s producers are now female, marking a significant shift in who is shaping the...

old black and white photo of farm drainage project

August 18, 2025

Farm drainage series – Part 1: The need for farm drainage and the current problem
HAVANA, Ill. - Farm drain tiles are vitally crucial to the success of Illinois crop production. These underground drainage systems help provide good soil-based crop growing conditions by removing excess water from the soil. A balanced mixture of air, water, and soil is crucial for plant health,...

A group of youth analyzing and identifying questions about a field plant as part of a contest.

August 21, 2025

Illinois Extension youth crop scouting competition grows interest in agricultural careers
URBANA, Ill. — “You can be a doctor in agriculture or an engineer; there are so many things you can do in agriculture,” says Doug Gucker, local food systems and small farms educator with ...

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Videos

Farm Management: Pre-plant Spraying

Before the seed goes in the ground, farmers spray the ground. For this particular filed the farm is using 28% nitrogen and a preplant herbicide. Thanks to technology, the farmer can utilize GPS and other onboard technology to better control the amount of spray being used.