
The Yield Trap: Why Higher Yields Don’t Always Equal Higher Profits
Exploring the complex relationship between yield and profitability, using PCM's extensive data to demonstrate how lower input costs can sometimes lead to better financial outcomes despite slightly reduced yields.
Deadline Decisions: Making the Right ARC/PLC Choice for 2025
With the April 15th deadline approaching, this crucial session focuses on the 2025 ARC/PLC program election decision. The webinar will analyze the three program options (ARC-CO, PLC, and ARC-IC) using current market projections and historical data. Dr. Schnitkey and Dr. Paulson will provide commodity-specific analysis for major Illinois crops, examining how different price scenarios could trigger payments under each program option. The presentation will include decision tools and specific recommendations based on various farm situations and risk management goals.
Now What Do I Do: The Initial Steps to the Estate Plan
This session builds on the foundation established in the first webinar by providing a practical roadmap for initiating the estate planning process. JR Glenn will outline the essential first steps farm families should take when beginning their estate planning journey, including gathering necessary documentation, identifying key stakeholders, and understanding various planning tools available. The discussion will cover critical considerations such as business succession, tax implications, and risk management strategies. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to begin…
South America’s Crop Season Update: Soybeans, Corn, and Export Markets
Joana Colussi (farmdoc team) and Silvina Cabrini (National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Argentina) will provide an update on the current crop season in South America, focusing on soybean and corn production. They will also discuss the potential for cropland expansion in Brazil, export prospects considering supply dynamics, and recent changes in Argentina's export taxes.
All Day Ag Outlook at the Beef House
The meeting is hosted by the farmdoc team from the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, WILLAg.org, University of Illinois Extension, and Illinois Public Media. The All Day Ag Outlook was first hosted at the Beef House in March of 1991. “The event always anchors farm-related decisions from what crops to plant and when to market to how world events are influencing commodity exports,” said organizer and host Todd Gleason, farmdoc team member and University of Illinois Extension farm broadcaster.
Navigating 2025 Crop Insurance Choices
Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Nick Paulson will provide comprehensive analysis of 2025 crop insurance alternatives for Illinois grain producers. The session will examine coverage levels, product types, and supplemental options including SCO (Supplemental Coverage Option). Special attention will be given to the interaction between crop insurance choices and farm program decisions, particularly how PLC enrollment affects SCO eligibility. The presentation will include updated premium information and coverage calculations based on current market conditions. Participants will gain practical insights for…
Add It Up: Property and Legacy on the Farm
This opening session focuses on the fundamental aspects of assessing and valuing farm property while considering its role in legacy planning. JR Glenn will share his legal expertise on property rights, ownership structures, and valuation methods specific to agricultural operations. Participants will learn about the various components that make up a farm's value, including land, equipment, and operational assets, while understanding how these elements factor into long-term legacy planning decisions. The session will address common challenges in agricultural property assessment…
H5N1 Prevention Strategies: A Guide for Agricultural Producers
This webinar provides information to agricultural producers and the public regarding testing for H5N1 and infection prevention and control recommendations
Mark Ernst, DVM, Illinois State Veterinarian
Tasha Bunting, Director of Commodity Programs & Farm Systems, Illinois Farm Bureau
IFES 2024 – Farm Policy Update
Jonathan Coppess will discuss the state of and outlook for the Farm Bill and farm policy including commodity (ARC/PLC), conservation, and crop insurance programs. He will review the issues challenging Farm Bill reauthorizations, as well as initiatives to modify farm policy from crop insurance changes, to refence prices, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
H5N1 in America: Understanding the Outbreak and Illinois Response
This webinar will provide an overview of H5N1 in the U.S. and current surveillance and monitoring efforts in Illinois.
Matthew W. Nonnenmann, PhD, CIH, Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health
Guy Sprouls, Dairy Equipment Specialist / State Rating Officer at Illinois Department of Public Health
IFES 2024 – Management Strategies with Low Incomes
Illinois Crop Budgets for 2024 and 2025 suggest negative per acre returns to corn, soybeans, and wheat that could result in some of the lowest farm incomes experienced in the last 4 decades. This session will focus on management strategies farm businesses should consider as they prepare for what could be another multiple-year period of low returns.
IFES 2024 – Alternative Ag Insurance Products
Brittney Goodrich will review some less commonly used federal crop insurance options, like Pasture Rangeland and Forage Rainfall Index Insurance, Whole Farm Revenue Protection, and livestock price and margin protection products.
What Is PCM? Driving Profitability Through Conservation and Data
New webinar series from Precision Conservation Management! We'll start by learning how this farmer-led program combines data analysis, technical assistance, and cost-share incentives to help farmers improve profitability and environmental impacts that affect future regulation. Discover PCM's history, explore key insights from its decade-long database, and see how its programs can benefit your operation. Whether you're new to PCM or looking to deepen your understanding, this webinar will provide the foundation you need to start making data-driven decisions for your…
IFES 2024 – Macro and Farm Financials Update
With projected lower farm incomes than the highs in the early 2020’s, we analyze Illinois FBFM data and economic factors impacting agriculture. Using this information and trends, we will assess the impact of inflation, interest rates, and farm credit conditions on liquidity, land values, farm debt, and deferred tax liabilities.
IFES 2024 – What to Expect from the South American Crop Season
Joana Colussi will provide an update on South America’s crop production, focusing on soybeans and corn in Brazil and Argentina. She will also explore the potential for cropland expansion and export prospects, taking into account supply dynamics and global demand trends.
IFES 2024 – Grain Market Outlook
Joe Janzen will discuss corn, soybean, and wheat price prospects for 2025. He will provide an update on current global market fundamentals and consider what price expectations based on the latest supply and demand estimates mean for farm grain marketing in the year ahead.