By following a four-part framework, rural communities have an opportunity to strengthen their local and regional economies. That’s according to Andrew Dumont, a senior community development analyst with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, who codeveloped the framework. “Overall, communities need to be met where they are and not presented with one-size-fits-all solution,” Dumont said.     Read more   Read more

At first glance, 2022 cattle prices are higher than 2021. This Market Intel looks at the forces driving cattle prices higher and how inflation and input costs will affect the bottom line for cattle farmers and ranchers.   Read more

How does a farmer based in western Illinois gather real-time news and current information about a global conflict in Europe? Twitter. Illinois Farm Bureau member Matt Swanson spent five years in the Army and returned to the family farm in 2008. He explains why Ukraine provides a convergence of two life interests — global conflict and agriculture — and how he’s used Twitter to gather and share information.   Listen

More companies are seeking the help of farmers to help reach climate and sustainability goals. Learn how an arrangement between Ingredion and PepsiCo, as well as the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, pays participating Illinois farmers to add practices such as strip and no-till acres and cover crops to sequester carbon and improve water quality.   Read more

The past couple of weeks have been very active for Illinois planting progress. But corn prices have been falling for most of that time. Is price drop is right on schedule? DeLoss Jahnke and Ag Trader Talk’s Merrill Crowley discuss if the market is on track with seasonal trends.   Read more

The United States is again pushing for official consultations with Canada over objections the country manipulates its dairy import quotas to hinder U.S. exports, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). “I am deeply troubled by Canada’s decision to expand its dairy tariff-rate quota restrictions,” said USTR Katherine Tai.   Read more