There’s a new leader of the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB). “The winner of the presidential election is Phillip Nelson.” LaSalle County farmer Phillip Nelson is once again president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, defeating incumbent Ogle County farmer Brian Duncan, 55.6% to 42%. “We’re thrilled that the delegates brought me back as president again.” He…… Continue Reading
Williams charged after intimidation display
A 19-year-old Columbia man was charged today (Monday) with armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and fourth-degree assault in connection to the Saturday incident in the 4600 block […]… Continue Reading
Illinois Ag Director: Aid offers temporary relief, market access offers sustainability
The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says Monday’s announced $11 billion bridge payment helps farmers, but it’s not a long-term solution. “Anything helps, but I don’t believe that this is a substantial situation that’s really going to carry farmers out.” Jerry Costello says producers need stable trade relations. “Farmers want trade, not aid.” …… Continue Reading
New health plans coming to MOFB in 2026
Missouri Farm Bureau will start taking applications for its new health plans in the New Year. “This has been a need that has been a long time coming.” It took three years for the plans to get approval and MOFB President Garrett Hawkins says it operates outside of the Affordable Care Act. “Our most robust…… Continue Reading
Missouri Farm Bureau members work on policy priorities
More than 500 Missouri Farm Bureau members are setting policy priorities for the year at the annual meeting. Vice President Todd Hays says grassroots ag policy development is one of his favorite parts of the meeting. “When it’s finally done, it’s done, and then that’s our policy for a year. So as the board of…… Continue Reading
U.S. gives China more time on soybean purchase commitments
A market analyst says the U.S. is giving China more time to fulfill its soybean purchase commitments. Greg McBride, director of brokerage for Allendale, says China originally committed to buying 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of December. “Scott Bessent came out effectively saying ‘we’ll kick the can a little bit,…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures lower to start the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower on profit-taking ahead of the week’s direct business. February live cattle closed $.47 lower at $226.67 and April live cattle closed $.97 lower at $226.70. January feeder cattle closed $3.40 lower at $335.65 and March feeder cattle closed $2.87 lower at $330.42. Direct cash…… Continue Reading
Landman, Yellowstone Comparisons Have Me Feeling Some Kind of Way
Key plot points from Season 2 of Landman may feel familiar to Yellowstone fans. Too familiar? Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Minnesota cattle feeder says margins are thinner than they appear
A southwest Minnesota cattle feeder suggests margins are surprisingly thin. Ryan Vos, who along with his family feed about 200 head near Hadley, says cattle purchased in 2024 provided a nice return this year. “Everybody thought these cattle producers were really making a lot of money and doing great, but the problem is you had…… Continue Reading
Trump administration announces $11 billion bridge payment for farmers
The Trump administration has announced its financial aid package for farmers. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlined the assistance. “We are going to be effectuating an $11 billion bridge payment to our farmers,” she says. “The money will move by February 28th of 2026.” Rollins says by the end of December, eligible farmers will know what their payment is. “So as you are…… Continue Reading
