What does it take to grow a record wheat crop? Fayette County farmer Danny Rubin, winner of the Illinois Wheat Association’s state yield contest, said it starts with variety selection and establishing a good seed bed. His 2023 entry came in at 144.49 bushels per acre. Read more results from this year’s contest Read more

The effects of drought and triple-digital temperatures were seen as scouts on this year’s Pro Farmer Crop Tour evaluated more than 2,000 fields. “This year we’ve got a weather story happening in the middle of the tour, with scorching heat,” said Ted Seifried, vice president and chief market strategist for Zaner Ag Hedge. “The market definitely pays attention to that.” Read more

This American Farm Bureau Federation Market Intel dives into the evolution and importance of precision agriculture and how policy can help to continue the research, development and adoption of the technology farmers need to continue to feed our growing population using fewer inputs and conserving our natural resources. Read more  

Illinois will receive $545,000 in federal funding for eight projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop products and create new market opportunities for the state’s specialty crop producers. The funds are part of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, from which $72.9 million was awarded to 55 states and territories. Read more

It’s time for scouting fields. RFD’s DeLoss Jahnke talks with Ag Resources’ Dan Basse about what is actually happening in corn and soybean fields throughout the Midwest. Learn more about Ag Resources’ crop tour and where they expect numbers to land. Read and listen

Farmers from across southern and south-central Illinois had the ears of the House Agriculture Committee chairman this week during a listening session in Effingham County. The event was co-hosted by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, and U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., who fielded comments about the next farm bill and provided an update on the legislation. Read more