Illinois Farm Bureau’s “on-demand” county director certification program was recognized with a New Horizon Award during the AFBF Convention. The New Horizon Award honors the most innovative new state Farm Bureau programs. Illinois was one of six state Farm Bureaus to receive the award this year. IFB also received four Awards of Excellence. READ MORE

Kendall-Grundy County Farm Bureau’s Kaylee Heap didn’t grow up in agriculture. She chooses to be a part of it. Her unique journey and growing involvement in Farm Bureau earned her a top four finish in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition. Read and watch as she reflects on the opportunity to share her story on a national level.

Evan Hultine spent a few years working off the farm for an ag service company and in seed sales before taking over the family farm in 2012. “My dad and I’s transition of moving management and responsibilities on the farm from him to me is pretty unique and pretty special,” he said. He shared that meaningful dynamic with a panel of judges during the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award competition where he earned a third place finish. Read and watch his reflections.

A compromise between the Biden administration and the Mexican government is not the solution to the country’s proposed ban on imports of genetically modified corn from the U.S., USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday. “We understand and appreciate some of the challenges that the Mexican president has outlined and concerns he has, but at the end of the day, the agreement we reached with Mexico and Canada is in support of a science-based system and we’re going to continue to convey that,” he said. READ MORE    

Cover crop strategies, climate-smart agriculture, making money with soil health and more will be discussed Jan. 18 at the annual Conservation Cropping Seminar. Participants can earn 4.5 soil and water and 1 nutrient management certified crop adviser continuing education units. This year’s event offers in-person and virtual options. READ MORE

Food prices are expected to grow more slowly in 2023. The latest food price outlook from USDA’s Economic Research Service projects all food prices could increase 3.5% to 4.5%, compared to 9.5% to 10.5% in 2022. Jayson Lusk, distinguished professor and department head of ag economics at Purdue University, reports stark regional differences about food spending amid skyrocketing prices. READ MORE