Illinois Ag Connection

Friday, October 9, 2026 By Andi Anderson The annual Fall Nutrient Field Day in Illinois welcomed farmers, agribusiness professionals, students, researchers, and community members for a day focused on learning and agricultural advancement. This year, the event achieved a broader reach through a new partnership with the LaSalle County Farm Bureau.

Thursday, October 8, 2026 By Andi Anderson As the fall season comes to an end, many households are left with pumpkins that have started to decay after serving as seasonal decorations. Instead of throwing them into the trash, Illinois residents are encouraged to recycle them through community composting programs that help reduce environmental impacts and support sustainable waste management. Pumpkins are organic materials that can be valuable when composted properly.

Thursday, October 8, 2026 By Jamie Martin Pork remains one of the world's leading protein sources and continues to play a major role in global food systems. Its popularity is driven by strong consumer demand, nutritional value, and the ability to fit into a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles. Across many countries, pork is a staple ingredient in everyday meals. Consumers enjoy it in roasted dishes, grilled recipes, sausages, stir-fries, sandwiches, and countless regional specialties.

Thursday, October 8, 2026 By Andi Anderson Gardeners looking to enhance their skills and knowledge can participate in the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium, an educational online event that brings expert-led horticulture presentations directly to participants. The program allows gardening enthusiasts to learn from the comfort of their homes, gardens, or any location with internet access while gaining practical insights into a variety of gardening topics.

Thursday, October 8, 2026 By Jamie Martin According to Escoffier Global Research Analysis and USDA Certified Organic Survey Data, organic agriculture is expanding across the United States, but the states leading in production are not always the ones where organic farming has become most established. A recent analysis compared organic farming activity across the country using USDA, Census Bureau, and population data.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 By Jamie Martin The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a significant new investment aimed at strengthening the future of crop production and agricultural innovation. Through the Seed Sovereignty Initiative, USDA will invest $180 million to improve the nation's understanding and use of plant genetic resources. Seeds are the foundation of agriculture.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 By Jamie Martin The latest outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides a detailed look at winter fuel costs and broader energy market trends heading into the 2026-27 heating season. The report suggests that many households using natural gas or propane will spend less on heating this winter than they did a year ago. Strong natural gas production and healthy storage levels are expected to support stable supplies and help contain costs.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 By Jamie Martin A new documentary is encouraging people to take a closer look at one of agriculture's most discussed topics: cattle and their role in the world. World Without Cows brings together voices from farming, science and environmental communities to explore how livestock production influences food systems, economies and sustainability.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 By Andi Anderson A recent study has revealed that a highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak on an Illinois farm spread beyond poultry, infecting both a domestic cat and wild rats. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring all animals on farms during bird flu outbreaks and strengthening biosecurity measures. The outbreak occurred in March 2025 when an Illinois farmer lost 100 of 105 backyard birds within a short period.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 By Andi Anderson Travis Burke, Assistant Dean and Agriculture and Agribusiness Program Leader at the University of Illinois Extension, is helping strengthen agricultural education and support services across Illinois. Since joining the organization in 2021, Burke has played an important role in expanding programs that assist farmers, producers, and rural communities. Under his leadership, the agriculture team has continued to grow and reach more people across the state.