Cover crop discount program

Illinois farmers who planted cover crops this fall can once again earn a break on next year’s crop insurance premiums through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Fall Covers for Spring…

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Farm bill extended again

By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek The Ag Department resumed normal operations while the farm bill was extended for a third year after the president signed a funding package Nov. 12 that…

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Turkey prices push upward

A combination of challenges on U.S. farms has pushed turkey prices higher as the calendar nears Thanksgiving, with wholesale prices up about 40 percent. American Farm Bureau Federation economist Bernt…

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A mixed pumpkin harvest

By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek October is a busy month for the top pumpkin producing state and while consumers likely won’t see the effects, Mother Nature has challenged some Illinois fields…

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Barges face retirement cliff

The U.S. barge market is facing a retirement cliff which could impact ag transportation logistics, one analyst warned. Ken Eriksen, managing member and strategic adviser at Polaris Analytics & Consulting,…

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Rural economy softening

By DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index shows economic conditions are certainly tightening across America’s Heartland. But the downturn so far has not reached anywhere near what was…

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A bright option for sheep farmers

By PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek Sunshine might help increase sheep populations in Illinois, according to an Ohio sheep producer. Camren Maierle, an American Lamb Board member, showed Illinois sheep producers photos…

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