Tim Alexander
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Articles by Tim Alexander
Feeding Illinois director focusing on hunger relief
Feeding Illinois’ new executive director is committed to meeting mounting pressure on the seven food banks the organization provides with food, advocacy and resources. Deidre McMahon Boone, a Chicago-area native, has deep roots in Illinois’ nonprofit community and a strong understanding of the statewide landscape Feeding Illinois serves.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent EAST MOLINE, Ill. – John Deere announced on Oct. 30 the anticipated hiring of over 400 workers across its factories and the recall of over 275 more employees to its Waterloo, Iowa, production plant. This will bring total callbacks since 2024 to approximately 1,000, according to the company. “With these callbacks, all employees previously on layoff in Waterloo, the Quad Cities, Ottumwa and Dubuque have been asked to return to work.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent URBANA, Ill. — The 2026 crop harvest is in the rearview mirror of most farmers’ combines, with fall tillage and nutrient applications taking the place of harvesting and hauling grain. Illinois was leading all Midwest states in harvest progress as of Nov. 8, according to the University of Illinois Extension’s Midwest overview of weekly Crop Progress and Condition reports issued by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Central Illinois sees uptick in immigration enforcement
Judge’s gavel, lawyers office deportation U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of naturalization with USA flag A series of enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began in East Peoria and Peoria on Monday, Oct. 26, and continued in central Illinois communities, including Bloomington-Normal and Springfield throughout the week. By Oct. 29, 21 area arrests had been confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Projected sales from the 2026 Illinois Grain Tour, hosted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), are expected to eclipse $200 million. This is according to IDOA International Marketing Manager Jenni Davids, who explained that the popular tours have been divided into two groups. While final sales figures from the two 2026 grain tours were not yet available, IDOA’s Middle Eastern and Asian tour had projected sales of $120 million.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Located in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties in California, the famed Silicon Valley is known as the global center for high technology and innovation. In the Midwest, an expected investment of at least $17 million is going toward establishing an area of southern Illinois as a technological “Sili-Corn Valley,” according to one Illinois lawmaker.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — With the 2026 corn harvest not expected to be a “bin-buster” like 2025s record crop, privately-owned and cooperative elevator grain storage capacity may be adequate to handle this year’s crops. With fuel and transportation costs soaring, however, the cost to deliver harvested crops to elevators is causing financial stress for many producers.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent LANARK, Ill. – From the rolling wheat fields in Kansas, to the vast vegetable plots in California and even in the corn fields of Illinois, farmers and ranchers across America are feeling the sting of the farm labor crisis.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent ST. LOUIS, Mo. – From her family farm in Washington, Iowa, to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C., Courtney Knupp has learned a thing or two about soybeans and soybean policy. Knupp, the immediate past director of global supply chains at the White House National Security Council (NSC), was ratified by board member vote as the new CEO of the United Soybean Board (USB) in July. Knupp began her work on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers on Oct.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois’ transportation infrastructure consists of 145,708 miles of roadways, 6,986 miles of rail lines and 2,185 miles of interstate, giving farmers access to 77 shuttle facilities and 62 river elevators.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent CHATHAM, Ill. – With combines ready to roll in the northern Corn Belt, Great Lakes states and Dakotas, corn fields should continue to be monitored and scouted for stalk integrity or standability concerns before harvest. University and industry agronomists agree that checking fields prior to firing up combines can reduce harvest losses, reduce the stress of slow harvest and reduce future issues with volunteer corn.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent URBANA, Ill. — Neither year-over-year declining commodity prices nor adverse trade policy can apparently stop the bearish ascent of Corn Belt-state farmland values. Data released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows Illinois farmland values increased by 3.6 percent in 2026 over the prior year, as did Ohio farmland values.
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by Tim Alexander Illinois Correspondent BOONE, Iowa – Amid futuristic tillage and planting equipment, the Farm Progress Show was the backdrop for the release of the 2026 National Cover Crop Report, with results from a nationwide survey conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, and American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent URBANA, Ill. — With corn trading at around $5.30 per bushel and soybeans at around $13, farmers curious about current and future crop price projections dialed into a Sept. 3 University of Illinois farmdoc webinar, “Projected 2027 Corn & Soybean Returns,” hosted by economists Nick Paulson and Gary Schnitkey. The good news shared with farmers was that current crop prices should continue into 2027.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As Tyson Foods continues to work with cattle ranchers who were left without a destination for up to 15,000 fed beef cattle following the abrupt Aug. 13 closure of their Joslin, Ill., receiving plant, Illinois Beef Association (IBA) Executive Director Josh St. Peters is hoping to see another company step in to save the facility – and possibly many regional producers’ livelihoods.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent DUNLAP, Ill. — Founded by antique tractor enthusiasts in Stark County, the Central Illinois Farm Heritage Tractor Club (CIFHTC) remains relevant by maintaining a visible public profile and participating in popular community events that attract antique machinery lovers of all ages.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent PEORIA, Ill. – A pair of state lawmakers from Peoria – one a Democratic senator and the other a Republican representative – stated they would vote to eliminate the current Illinois Estate Tax code during an Aug. 21 legislative breakfast at Bradley University. “Personally, I think we ought to abolish the state estate tax, period,” said State Sen. David Koehler, a Democrat whose Family Farm Preservation Act, passed in 2024 (now sponsored by Sen.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent JOSLIN, Ill. – The abrupt shuttering of Tyson Foods’ beef processing facility in Joslin on Aug. 14 left at least 2,500 company employees jobless (some reports suggest 2,700) and many area cattle producers without a buyer for their beef. Tyson also announced the closure of its Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility and is seeking the sale of its Pasco, Wash., beef facility.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SHIRLEY, Ill. – Eugene D. Funk Jr. (1900-1995), president of pioneering corn hybrid company Funk Bros. Seed Co. from 1944 to 1968, was honored with a stone-mounted plaque acknowledging his contributions to the evolution of hybrid seed corn technology. Organized by his descendants, the Aug. 8 ceremony honoring the son of early hybrid developer E.D. Funk Sr. was well attended on a beautiful summer day at Funk Family Farms in rural McLean County.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent URBANA, Ill. – A University of Illinois (U of I) Cultivating Caution webinar series devoted to farm injury prevention and treatment continued on Aug. 12 with a look at first responder procedures for treatment of tractor rollovers, PTO (power take-off) and auger entanglements and other life-or-limb-threatening events.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – How the consolidation and mergers in the agri-food system has impacted the livelihood of farmers along with long-term solutions to the issue was the topic of a July 31 panel discussion hosted by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA). “Two companies control 90 percent of the phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the U.S., and four companies control 85 percent of our beef processing.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent HEYWORTH, Ill. – A proposed state-level law that would effectively decide what constitutes a contiguous body of water of protecting wetlands has the attention of the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). Illinois’ Wetlands Protection Act (HB3596 and SB2401) would establish a framework for regulating certain wetlands under state law, require permits for activities that impact that area and expand oversight beyond the current mix of federal and state programs.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent HEYWORTH, Ill. — Illinois Soybean Association’s checkoff and university-sponsored research programs and field trials were in the spotlight during the inaugural field day at their new Agronomy Farm. Located just a few minutes south of their Bloomington-Normal offices, the event was held on July 16.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent MASON, Mich. – Around 3,000 student-athletes from over 450 high schools across the nation met in central Michigan for the 2026 National Championships of the USA Clay Target Association (USACTA) trap shooting league. During the July 10-12 competition, Fall River High School (Wisconsin) captured the national title with a team score of 485 targets out of 500. Fall River edged out four schools tied for second place with 484 out of 500.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent ROANOKE, Ill. — It’s not every day a tractor dealership turns a century old and when it happens it’s an event worth celebrating. On Saturday, June 28 current and past employees of Heritage Tractor, Martin Brothers Tractor and their families celebrated the business’ 100th year of providing central Illinois farmers with the equipment, service and advice.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent PEKIN, Ill. – Through decades of uncertain financial times, changes in ownership and shifting consumer demands, the grain alcohol plant on the banks of the Illinois River at Pekin in Tazewell County has maintained and, at times, flourished. Now known as Alto Ingredients, LLC, (formerly Pacific Ethanol of Sacramento, Calif.) the plant at 1300 S. 2nd Street in Pekin is currently awaiting permanent approval of year-round E15 ethanol to expand production.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent PEORIA, Ill. – The creators of the Peoria County 200+ plan are relying heavily on public input to help form land use recommendations to advise future community leaders as part of the county’s long-range plan. A June 16 open house at the Peoria County Farm Bureau (PCFB) auditorium offered members and other residents an opportunity to help refine key draft recommendations for the plan, which is expected to be affirmed later this year.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. – The USDA announced a $500 million effort to increase fertilizer access – which is restricted due to the ongoing military turmoil in the Middle East and Strait of Hormuz – for American farmers. USDA’s Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program is designed to expand domestic fertilizer manufacturing, strengthen America’s fertilizer supply chain, and improve long-term affordability for American farmers.
Computer Science > Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website. Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them. Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Corduroy-clad FFA members from throughout Illinois filled the Bank of Springfield Center to represent their chapters in electing new state officers on Thursday, June 11. Strains of “Rocky Top” could be heard emanating from the convention hall floor room as the major officer elections concluded around 11:30 a.m. New officers were escorted to the stage to raucous applause from the hundreds of voting delegates filling the hall.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. — New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic, flesh-eating insect last seen in the U.S. in 1966, has been confirmed in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced during a hastily called June 4 news tele-conference. ‘We have a confirmed positive detection of NWS in a three-week-old calf in LaPryor, Texas. USDA and Texas officials have taken immediate action to contain and eradicate in South Texas,” said Rollins.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent EDWARDS, Ill. – Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson joined farmer-leaders with the Peoria County Farm Bureau (PCFB) on May 29 to break ground for a $2 million office facility that will serve as a resource for local farmers, educators, students and youth leadership groups such as 4-H and FFA.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent CISSNA PARK, Ill. — With the intention to help shape the U.S. Senate’s version of a new farm bill, three Illinois farmers traveled to Washington, D.C. to recommend inclusion-and-or passage of agriculture-related bills that benefit small farming operations.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent FORT WORTH, Texas — Debates around data centers are playing out across the nation. Supporters cite advantages including jobs, national security and advancing U.S. superiority in the race for artificial intelligence (AI) technology and capacity. Opponents say large data centers consume excess electricity and water, threaten land use, drive up utility bills and endanger the environment.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Cash rents on farmland remained strong through the first quarter of 2026 and are anticipated to maintain strength into 2027. This is according to the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA) 2026 Illinois Land Values Report, issued in April.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. — A panel of United Soybean Board (USB) farmers-directors joined Agri-Pulse founder and editor Sara Wyant to discuss ways to create additional farm revenue streams such as high oleic soybean premiums, new cost share programs for cover crops and the burgeoning energy market. The discussion also touched on tools to improve on-farm resilience.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent PEORIA, Ill. – Over 260,000 jobs and $17 billion in personal income were tied to Illinois rivers in 2021, according to the National Waterways Foundation. In April, the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics and Maritime Training and Education Consortium was formed to assist regional workforce development professionals serving river-dependent businesses and industries.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent PEORIA, Ill. – Continuing research suggests that giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), an ornamental, warm-season perennial grass that originates from southeast Asia, is showing promise as a commercial biomass crop. This is according to Emily Heaton, professor of regenerative agriculture at the University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences, who is rethinking miscanthus as a purpose-grown fiber.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent URBANA, Ill. – Concerns over global fertilizer and oil supply disruptions, along with elevated prices, continue to weigh on cropping decisions in both the U.S. and Brazil. According to analyses by university agricultural economists, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – which, at press time, was reportedly under the control of U.S. warships – will result in differing exposure and implications for each nation in relation to the upcoming 2026-27 crop year.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent MINONK, Ill. – Illinois COUNTRY Financial insurance agents received more than 180 farm equipment collision claims between the months of March and June 2025, including those involving collisions on the road with other vehicles as well as collisions with buildings or other equipment on the farm.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump could and should intercede with a number of executive measures to assist farmers facing low commodity prices, trade barriers and increasing input prices due to the U.S.-Israel War on Iran, according to U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-11th District) from Cleveland, Ohio.
weekly farm newspaper source for ag news, classifieds, auctions
By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent URBANA, Ill.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent FORT WORTH, Texas – The Trump administration’s decision to import $800 million of beef from Argentina will not only fail to affect prices consumers pay for beef, but the majority of the beef products will not even make it onto supermarket shelves.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Few crops illustrate U.S. dependence on foreign food markets as strongly as ginger, an aromatic spice used in stir-fries, candies, curries, teas, sodas and more. Only around 664 tons of ginger were produced domestically in 2024, which is just 0.7 percent of the 99,000 tons of ginger rhizome (the knobby “root” or underground stem that produces lateral shoots) purchased by U.S. consumers.
Building Homes That Weather Any Storm
Severe weather events and unexpected power failures have become increasingly common nationwide. Whether you’re facing hurricane-force winds battering the Atlantic coast, atmospheric rivers causing widespread outages in California, summer monsoons leaving Phoenix residents in the dark or winter storms paralyzing the Northeast, every region faces its own challenges.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Just five days before the House Ag Committee was to begin final markup of their Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 – also known as Farm Bill 2.0 – Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.), Chair of the Hous Ag Committee, granted Farm World an exclusive interview following his address to members of the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA).
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A state bill that would require pesticide applicators to serve notice to schools and daycare operations before spraying is being fine-tuned in the Illinois legislature. House Bill 1596, introduced in the Illinois House in January 2025, would require certified pesticide applicators to provide written or email notice at least 72 hours before beginning “large scale” pesticide applications within one-half mile of a school or public park.
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As a mother, pig farmer and associate director of research and development for The Maschhoffs, Katie Brown, of Morrisville, Ill., in Christian County, will bring a three-tiered approach to her year of service as president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA).
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondant BENSON, Ill. – It isn’t every day one gets to visit the Egyptian pyramids or tour the historic sites and streets of Cairo and Alexandria. But those cultural pilgrimages took a distant second place to the thrill of accomplishment felt by Ali Gibbs following a recent trade mission to Egypt with 30 other farmer-leaders representing the United Soybean Board (USB) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USEC).
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By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent OMAHA, Neb. – Farmers National Co. issued its 2025 farmland values report and market analysis, finding that after years of steady increases, prices and demand are trending slightly downward across geographic regions within Farm World’s readership area. “After years of steady growth, we’re seeing the farmland market stabilize,” Colton Lacina, senior vice president of real estate operations at Farmers National, said in a summary of the report.
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