Mark Pressburger, senior video producer, says: “Telling the story of how Anya Irons overcame incredible obstacles in life to become a successful entrepreneur running her own greenhouse and farm was truly one of the most emotional and inspiring videos produced this year. She is an incredibly determined, hardworking and passionate farmer. Her story of being adopted from a Russian orphanage by an Illinois farm family without speaking English and learning to farm and eventually starting her own greenhouse is simply amazing. Having the chance to meet her and her children and show the beautiful plants she creates made the video

Mack Klingbeil, video production specialist, says: “Getting the opportunity to highlight all of the amazing things the IAA Foundation does for agriculture was an engaging experience for me as a new member of our team. Looking back on videos the video team has put together for the IAA Foundation and compiling them into a highlight video for this past year makes me excited for the videos I will get to work on with the IAA Foundation in the near future!”   Watch it here

Farmers looking at their 2023 goals can find guidance through their farm’s balance sheets. “A lot of guys just think in terms of seed, chemicals and fertilizer. That’s about half the story,” said F&M Bank’s Mike Shane. “You’ve got crop insurance, trucking, storage, taxes and fuel’s a big number now. All of these expenses come out of what you produce, so when you do your cash flow be very detailed.” READ AND LISTEN

A former Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader chair and the winner of IFB’s 2022 Excellence in Agriculture Award will take on a national agriculture role next year. Kaylee Heap of Grundy County was appointed to American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. “She puts forth an outstanding effort to educate both the farming and non-farming community through her and her family’s agritourism business,” wrote IFB President Richard Guebert Jr. in his nomination letter. READ MORE

Strong demand and prices are encouraging hog farmers to expand, reports FarmWeek’s Daniel Grant. “We kind of saw a mixed picture in terms of the number of hogs available for this market over the next five months,” said Rich Nelson of Allendale Inc. “We still think there’s a bit more to go for prices coming off a seasonal low.” READ MORE

Before you heat up the oven or fire up the smoker, make sure you have meat’s best friend – Excalibur Seasoning – ready. “Our No. 1 seasoning blend is our ultimate steak and roast rub,” said Scott Werner, Illinois sales representative for Excalibur. “Basically, that’s what put Excalibur on the map as far as retail blends.” He discusses the company’s staple seasonings, annual new products, supply chain challenges and what will pair best with your holiday dishes. LISTEN HERE