All Agriculture Content
The root of the issue: Corn yields surprises
URBANA – The stacked corn traits farmers pay big bucks for aren't keeping rootworms from munching on their favorite food.
But, on the positive side, genetically modified corn stops another pest, corn borers, in its tracks, and the technology produces towering plants that produce excellent yields, said University of Illinois entomologists Mike Gray and Kevin Steffey.
U.S. Department of Agriculture to close Charleston program
CHARLESTON – The U.S Department of Agriculture will move two rural development program employees to Champaign this month and close the program at Charleston.
One employee will move to the USDA's Effingham office when the Charleston office closes, agency spokesperson Joan Messina said.
Crop-dusters out in force; spraying raises concerns
HOMER – Kent Krukewitt looked at three years' worth of research and signed up early to have fungicide and insecticide sprayed on his valuable corn crop.
Green's the theme at Historic Farm Days
PENFIELD – The scene's turning green at I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club headquarters at Penfield.
New research farm trying out techniques
DOWNS – Before rains came last weekend, Jason Webster was depressed by the sight of the crops he tends for Beck's Hybrids, especially the parched, rolling corn.
Ag real estate firm cultivating opportunities
CHAMPAIGN – You'd hardly expect one of the largest growers of almonds to be located in the Midwest.
But the Westchester Group, a Champaign-based agricultural real estate management firm, is one of the biggest players in almond production.
Crop report, rain fuel surge in bean prices
CHAMPAIGN – Rain and a crop report that's bullish on beans had a dramatic effect Friday on commodity markets that have been powered by ethanol.
Disaster assistance available to farmers in area counties
The federal government has agreed to provide disaster assistance to farmers in 81 Illinois counties affected by the April freeze.
UI beef barn gets carved up in preparation for a move
A year after buying the University of Illinois' beef barn, the Piatt County Museum is one step closer to relocating a piece of central Illinois history.
The museum bought the beef barn from the UI last year for $15,502, and is disassembling it this week for the move to Monticello. It will eventually become the home of the Piatt County Museum.
Mattoon processing plant means new opportunities for farmers
MATTOON – Family Farmers Meats LLC will likely open next winter as one of only two organic meat processing plants in Illinois.
The Mattoon business's Web site says it will be the only certified organic plant in the country to process both poultry and livestock.
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