Farm News

Although there were challenges on Midwest farms in 2020, the corn crop stood tall for many farmers this harvest season, allowing for a good range of data in yield tests.

As harvest wraps up across the region, winter preparation and planning for next year begins.Trying to choose the right variety to plant can be overwhelming, but keep in mind a few key characteristics to look for.

The good news is USDA’s Economic Research Service is forecasting U.S. net farm income will total $102.7 billion in 2020, up 23% from $83.7 billion in 2019. The not-so-good news is federal government farm program payments are projected to rise…

It won’t be long before winter weather comes roaring through the Midwest, and with harvest nearly done, the focus for many shifts to keeping gestating cows in good condition.

DES MOINES — The National Pork Board announced Nov. 11 the launch of AgView, technology to help the U.S. pork industry respond faster in the event of a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak.

GARWIN, Iowa — This is the story of a barn. But because every story about a barn is also about a farm and about a family, it is about those things as well.

After a catastrophic storm left his farm in disarray, Don Beatty had to get his family together and start assessing the damage.

Father Matthew Flatley is a former pastor of four small Catholic rural parishes in Vienna, Brinktown, Koeltztown and Argyle, Missouri. Flatley has also served as the priest moderator for rural life in the Diocese of Jefferson City.

In an unusual year, farmers found gratitude in the familiar things. Despite all the challenges caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, work in the fields and pastures provided a sense of normalcy for many farmers.

ANTHON, Iowa — Joe Collins was running a combine 10 miles south of here when he got the page that a field fire was moving rapidly in the area.

WALNUT, Ill. — Ron Pierson got a little help from a neighbor, Rob Wangelin, with a project on his northwestern Illinois farm this summer.

It has certainly been a crazy year.

Weather is always a major variable in a growing season, and for those testing crops, it can cause headaches.

AMES, Iowa — A new study shows diversifying agricultural systems beyond a narrow selection of crops leads to a range of ecosystem improvements while also maintaining or improving yields.

PERRY, Ill. — The cheapest way to feed a cow is when she feeds herself, said Travis Meteer, University of Illinois beef Extension educator.

HAMILTON, Mo. — During non-pandemic times, Hamilton’s 12 quilt shops and state quilt museum draw visitors from all over and provide support for the local economy. But this year, the quilt shops have been closed since March due to the…

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. — The face of rural education changed dramatically this year when the coronavirus swept across the nation. Educators moved to virtual schooling this spring and continue to transform themselves this fall.

MELROSE, Iowa — The commute to work is a short one for Emma Conway. It’s just down the hall.

Rural areas face increasing challenges in attracting and maintaining economic development. Small communities still have workable economies, but much depends on proximity to more populated centers of commerce, according to Peter Orazem.

When working on a study about how rural communities in northwest Missouri can retain population and attract people to move there, Mallory Rahe noticed some interesting trends.