Holly Spangler

5 days ago | farmprogress.com | Ava Splear |Holly Spangler

Women in agriculture have many and varied roles on and off the farm, and each woman’s approach to her role is as unique as she is. Today, women can “bring” consumers to their farms via video, advocate at the state and national level, launch entrepreneurial farm enterprises and raise up the next generation of farmers — managing mud and all. These women are real-world influencers. While they may not be dancing on social media, they’ve positively influenced their families, communities and agriculture.

1 week ago | farmprogress.com | Holly Spangler

“There’s algae on the field and it’s as green as it can be. Earthworms are lying on top of the soil, dead. Snail shells are everywhere. “The ground is dead. It’s anaerobic. It’s growing algae and mold.”That’s how Kelly Robertson describes one southern Illinois field, but it could be anywhere across southern Illinois, where rainfall has topped 20 inches in April, May and June. “You can smell the ground just walking around outside.”Based on that description, I bet you can, too.

3 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Holly Spangler

The Farm Progress Show returns to Illinois this year, celebrating 20 years in Decatur and the first show at the semi-permanent sites. Mark your calendar for Aug. 26-28 and make plans to join us!Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:Admission. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for ages 13-17, and free for ages 12 and under. You can also buy tickets for $15 in advance (plus fees); those tickets are available online now. Buy group tickets for 20 or more at the same link.

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Holly Spangler

What’s the best news for the folks planning the Farm Progress Show every year? “The corn is in the ground, it’s all up, and it looks good!” says Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events director, adding that the crop was planted by April 17. “That takes a lot of the load off of us,” Jungmann says. The Farm Progress Show comes back to Decatur in 2025, from Aug. 26-28, and it’s a big year for Decatur and FPS: the 20th anniversary of the first Decatur show.

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Ava Splear |Holly Spangler

Ask Brady Holst what his top five concerns are for the 2025 crop year, and he’s thoughtful but decisive. “Tariffs would be No. 1,” says the Augusta, Ill., farmer, as his planter rolls across his last field. “The other four? I don’t know, tariffs might be one through five!”Holst may have more insight into tariffs and markets than the average farmer, thanks to his position as market development chair for the Illinois Soybean Association board.