MPP deadline later, but dairy farms still have complaints
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Sept. 22 that he is extending the sign-up deadline for the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) until Friday, Nov. 20.
Illinois Ag and state fair directors resign abruptly
The Sept. 24 statement issued by Gov. Bruce Rauner announcing the abrupt resignations of both Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Philip Nelson and State Fair Director Patrick Buchen consisted of no more than 75 words.
EIA: U.S. propane inventories currently at record high
U.S. inventories of propane (LP) and propylene have hit a record high of 97.7 million barrels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the highest level since the agency started collecting weekly propane inventory statistics 22 years ago.
Drones could assist farmers, but FAA saying ‘Not so fast’
With technology at his fingertips, Marion County farmer Austin Heil can’t wait to mix farming and computer technology by using his unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also commonly known as a drone.
How did you learn to handle livestock? Did you learn from your parents or grandparents, or from an employee? Do you move them quietly and calmly, or do you yell and wave your arms and shake a pipe?
U.S. rice growers still hopeful about China export deal
Rice farmers in the United States who have long dreamed of export market access to China were excited by a potential September announcement about the country allowing U.S. rice imports.
ADM will build new information technology center in Kentucky
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has announced the opening of a new center in Erlanger, Ky. The Chicago-based business will bring an information technology and support center to its existing campus, which houses the WILD Flavors offices.
USDA awards Iowa CIG grant to develop monarch conservation
The USDA awarded Iowa State University $760,897 to develop and accelerate the adoption of innovative approaches to monarch butterfly conservation, focusing on developing methods the agency referred to as "appropriate for use" in Midwest corn and soybean regions.
Lawmaking Illinois farmers Sullivan and Moffitt retiring
State Sen. John Sullivan, a Democrat from Rushville, is the only full-time farmer with a seat in the Illinois legislature. State Rep. Donald Moffitt, a Republican from Gilson, is a retired farmer who will soon be rejoining his son on the family farm.
