The IL Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and American Farmland Trust are seeking expanded state investment into a popular program designed to promote cover crop adoption throughout the state. The Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program provides a $5 per acre crop insurance premium discount for farmers who plant non-cash crops in the fall to promote soil health and keep nutrients in the field.

Five Illinois farm families were featured in a commercial during this year’s Super Bowl, emphasizing the fact that 96% of farms in Illinois are owned and operated by families. Although the commercial marks the end of the year-long “We are the 96” campaign, it aims to leave a lasting impact on consumers across the state. If you didn't catch it during the game, you can watch the commercial on Illinois Farm Families’ YouTube channel.

The Illinois 20 Under 40 Awards celebrate the achievements of young farmers and recognizes their potential. Agriculture leaders, exceptional community members, role models; we’re looking for the young farmers who are leading the field. Know one? Help us award deserving farmers by nominating a neighbor, friend, colleague, or even yourself, by Thursday, March 21.

The 2024 Soybean Summit is currently underway at the I Hotel in Champaign, Ill. Right now, in-person attendees are finishing up lunch and will soon begin their afternoon of breakout sessions, which will cover topics from conservation finance and the chemical supply chain, to insights on red crown rot and cover crops. Don’t miss out - join the live stream now!

For the second year, IL Corn and ISA partnered to offer the Water Testing Challenge to all Illinois FFA chapters. This hands-on, educational program challenged students to sample and analyze water from different areas. They were then tasked with incorporating this data into a report, along with improved suggestions and management changes. Congratulations to the winners which include students from the Fairfield, Home Fires, Blue Ridge, Kewanee, and Mater Dei Catholic FFA chapters.

Illinois farmers once again led the nation in total soybean production for the 2023 growing season. The National Agricultural Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture estimates Illinois soybean farmers raised 648.9 million bushels on 10.3 million acres.