The current corn export forecast to all destinations is down 696 million bushels compared to 2021-22. Swings in export demand add quite a bit of volatility to the mix, as witnessed in recent months. Market analysts weigh in on the corn market, export projections and more.   Read more

The Illinois General Assembly did not meet its self-imposed May 19 adjournment date. Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation, discusses the May 31 deadline when any bill passed after that date takes a supermajority vote to gain approval with RFD’s Jim Taylor.   Listen

 Joe Curless, owner/operator of Curless Flying Service in Astoria, integrates an aeral-applied cover cropping system into his operation. FarmWeek’s Daniel Grant learned how Curless uses cover crops for weed and erosion suppression, to reduce evaporation and capture carbon at his farm during his final spring View from the Cab visit.   Read more   Check out all of the 2023 spring View from the Cab articles:   View from the Cab: Crawford County View from the Cab: Randolph County View from the Cab: Woodford County View from the Cab: Lee County

Farmers nationwide could receive a $5-per-acre discount on crop insurance programs under a federal bill. Titled the “Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program (COVER) Act,” the legislation largely mirrors a program managed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, known as the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program.Read more

Despite an active weather season, planting progress is nearing completing and early reports of “good emergence” are rolling in. “It looks like a milder mid-May then maybe a warmer start to June, with higher chances of above-normal temperatures to ramp up our growing degree days,” said Trent Ford, state climatologist. Read more

Farmers will soon be switching their hats from planting to harvesting the winter wheat crop in Illinois. And it’s shaping up to be a big one. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated winter wheat production in the state could increase 39% this year. Illinois Wheat Association’s annual crop tour May 23 will provide a timely update on the crop’s condition. Read more