Farmer-to-Farmer Insights Across Illinois

Sep 03, 2025

By Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback et.al

In a virtual panel hosted by Illinois Extension, three farmers from across the state discussed their experiences with cover crops. Norm Deets of Ogle County, Brian Corkill of Henry County, and John Pike of Williamson County reflected on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned as they worked to implement cover crops into their operations.

Goals and successes

For Norm, cover crops began as a strategy to keep soil and nutrients in the field. He saw that using cereal rye was a way to hold on to nitrogen and phosphorus that might otherwise move downstream, while also building soil health.

Source : illinois.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.