When Steve Stierwalt studied agriculture at the University of Illinois in the 1970s, soil health wasn’t commonly taught or discussed. … MORE
Category Archives: Agribusiness
National organization votes to oust Illinois Farm Bureau over business decision
The largest farming organization in the country may drop its Illinois branch next month.… MORE
Warm and dry this past week as Illinois farmers continue harvest
There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending October 27, 2024.… MORE
USDA crop report shows harvest progress in Illinois
There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending October 6, 2024.… MORE
Illinois crop condition numbers from USDA
There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending September 15, 2024.… MORE
USDA release September yield forecast for Illinois corn and soybeans
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released its September yield forecast for Illinois corn and soybeans in 2024.… MORE
Harvest season underway across Central Illinois
There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending September 8, 2024. … MORE
Hot and humid week affecting crops in latest USDA report
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending August 25, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 68.7 degrees, 4.6 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.01 inches, 0.66 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 7 percent very short, 31 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 1 percent…… MORE
Illinois corn and soybean progress in this week’s USDA crop report
There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending August 18, 2024.… MORE
Annual Governor’s Sale of Champions
The Governor’s Sale of Champions closed out Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday.… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…