Ag News
ADM hopes to save $100 million with the cutbacks. (Photo used under Creative Commons from Flickr user Frank Campbell) Soybean complex leading grain markets, cattle market dynamic
7 hours ago
The soybean complex is leading the grain markets this week as the forecast out of the southern hemisphere gives traders the idea that the soybean crop there could shrink further.
The past week also saw China with a key soybean buy, according to Curt Kimmel, commodity broker with Bates Commodities in Normal. The USDA announced Tuesday morning it had sold another 250,000 tons of beans to China, keeping over all demand strong. There had been concern that China might shift demand to the southern hemisphere, but that hasn't happened due to shortfalls in the crop there.
FFA members from Normal wear their official dress at the Heartland FFA Alumni Auction. (Photo by Carrie Muehling/WJBC) Auction raises $20,000 for FFA
Yesterday
The Heartland FFA Alumni raised more than $20,000 to support FFA chapters at both Unit 5 high schools during its 23rd annual auction Monday night.
The money raised will support FFA members in chapters at Normal Community and Normal Community West High Schools as they participate in activities and conferences. Funds also go towards scholarships for students.
The group also donated $8,000 to Joliet Junior College's agriculture program during the event, in honor of Adam Denzer. Denzer was an alum of that program from this area who passed away a few years ago in a farming accident.
Gasoline could have more ethanol as a proposal for 15 percent blend is closer to approval. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) 
McDonald's Corporation recently announced they will not work with pork suppliers who continue to use gestation stalls. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Local pork producer responds to McDonald’s decision
2 days ago
McDonald's Corporation announced last week they want to work with suppliers of pork who will work towards not using gestation stalls when raising their animals.
Although the use of gestation stalls has become controversial, no studies show the practice of using individual pens for pregnant sows to be problematic, according to Pat Bane, McLean County pork producer and member of the McLean County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Bane said the decision seems to appease the perception of consumers, which is not always based on facts.
Farmers watching regulations, product supplies
5 days ago
As farmers finish planning for the 2012 growing season, they are paying attention to upcoming regulations regarding phosphate and nitrogen.
Proper nitrogen timing is an important thing to discuss with growers, according to Lyle Tallon, location manager for Brandt Consolidated in Cooksville. Tallon stressed it is important for farmers to keep phosphate and nitrogen in the fields and out of nearby streams and lakes.
Illinois soybeans are being used to fight hunger around the globe. (Photo courtesy Illinois Soybean Association) Illinois soybeans help with nutrition in Nicaragua
5 days ago
Morton farmer Dan Farney spent some time in Nicaragua this week at a corporate responsibility conference coordinated by the World Soy Foundation Board and Cargill.
"The main topic is feeding school children in that country, and trying to include soy protein in their local diets to help them get a nutritious meal at least once a day," said Farney, who serves as Illinois Soybean Association District 5 Director.
Private groups like the World Soy Foundation and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program have been working in this area for eight or nine years. The main goal is market development and better nutrition.
The Downtown Bloomington Association hosts a winter farmers' market each third Saturday at the McLean County Museum of History. (Photo courtesy Downtown Bloomington Association) Winter farmers’ market gaining popularity
6 days ago
BLOOMINGTON - Lovers of summer farmers' markets are now able to enjoy a winter version in Downtown Bloomington.
Market organizers talked about a winter market during the 2011 market season, gauging interest from farmers to see if it would be feasible for them to have products for a winter market.
They also had to find a venue to host the indoor market, said Marisa Brooks, events outreach and marketing coordinator with the Downtown Bloomington Association.
Illinois has new director of agriculture
1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Former Illinois legislator Bob Flider is the new director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Flider served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 through 2011, working on a number of agriculture issues and related committees.
"The area that I represented in the legislature was one that had a strong agricultural emphasis, including the rural areas and rural communities where farming was prominent, but also representing Decatur, Illinois, which is home to some of the leaders in grain processing. So agriculture and its related industries - agribusiness - have been very, very important in any role to my representation of them in the general assembly and the legislature," said Flider.
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