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Page 3 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Table of Contents 04: Introduction by John Fulton 08: In memory of Blair Hoerbert 12: Logan County farmers face severe to extreme drought conditions ahead of spring planting 18: The ripple effect 26: Springfield Agronomy Summit offers producers timely and impactful information 30: The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and its impact on crop insurance 34: Where does our corn go? 40: Fourth generation farmer Kristopher Klokkenga 44: Logan County Farm Bureau Scholarships: Where are they now?
Page 4 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 It is really hard to believe we are speeding toward spring already. Not that anyone misses the winter months we have endured, but spring just seems to pick everyone up a bit. Of course, those involved in agriculture eagerly await the change of seasons to spring also. Many area cow-calf and sheep operations are heavy in the birthing season, and that really means spring is upon us. Another sign is the gardening season has begun with some of the frost tolerant crops such as lettuce and spinach being seeded. Commercial operations took advantage of favorable, late February weather to put some fertilizer on, apply some anhydrous, and do some light tillage work. Early March brought us some much-needed rain. The extreme drought covering much of Logan County in early March will be hard to negate. Inches of rain are needed to return soil moisture levels to the normal range. The hope is to have some regular rains of moderate amounts. Extreme rain events don’t do much for us, as the runoff is too great. There are many events and circumstances affecting agriculture currently. Some are known, and others are developing. The economic situation has become tighter throughout the year. According to a Central Illinois Crop Budget put together by Gary 2026 Spring Farm Outlook Schnitkey and Nick Paulson at the University of Illinois, soybeans after corn is the only crop showing a profit. That soybean situation looks at 76-bushel soybean yields, a $10.40 price, and a land cost of $327 to show a return of $25 per acre. On corn after soybeans, using a yield of 241, $4.25 for the price, and the same $327 for the land cost, it results in a loss of $55 per acre. If you wish to see more information concerning the budgets, look at www.farmdoc. illinois.edu in the management section. Energy is still a very hot topic in the area. This includes solar and wind power development, an adequate electric grid, and the cost of energy. Many state regulations continue to foster the development of so-called “green energy” sources. Regardless of where you stand on some of the issues related to energy, most would agree the cost of energy has increased. The continued search for the right mixture of electrical supply will be a primary goal for both producers and consumers. Agricultural producers continue to look for ways to diversify their income and maximize the resources at their disposal. There has been a slight increase in production of specialty crops for our area. Some of the more mainstream specialty crops include canning pumpkins, popcorn, seed corn, and seed soybeans. These crops have shown an increase in income for those who are able to get contracts, but they do require some different inputs, management, and possibly obtaining additional equipment. Highly specialized crops are also sought out, but many of them require
Page 5 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 the additional step of developing your own market. Many involved in agriculture look for the county level yield estimates from the National Ag Statistics Service about this time of year. Sorry to disappoint, but for the second year, those figures won’t be released until May. At least they are continuing to collect the data and publish the figures, as this report was originally scheduled to be discontinued. Best wishes for a safe and productive spring. Please be especially alert for farm equipment traffic on the roads as we get into the spring season. The equipment is large, slow, and provides limited visibility for the operator. Be patient, courteous, and safe for everyone’s safety. [John Fulton]
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Page 8 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 The community received a shock on December 26th when it learned that Blair Hoerbert had passed away on Christmas Day. Hoerbert was a leader in the community through his work with the Logan County Farm Bureau, as well as the Regional Planning Commission. In the community, Blair was the definition of a gentleman, always pleasant, always smiling, always willing to listen attentively to the opinion of others. He led with an open mind and was never one to strong-arm others into seeing topics as he did. He used his gifts for communication and persuasion to help open minds and bring issues to a cordial conclusion. He will be greatly missed. Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch I had the privilege of meeting Blair Hoerbert while serving on the Logan County Regional Planning Commission. From the time we first met, it was clear that Blair cared deeply about our community. He approached his role of Chairman with Blair Hoerbert In Memory of seriousness, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. He understood that the decisions made through regional planning would shape the future of Logan County for generations to come, and he never took that responsibility lightly. His presence and dedication made a lasting impact not only on the Commission, but on the broader community we serve. I am grateful for the time I was able to serve alongside him. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy of service will continue to guide our work moving forward." Logan County Clerk Theresa Moore Logan County is comprised of many people who help their communities in various ways. Blair Hoerbert was a member of Logan County who believed that willing, dedicated service made everyone stronger. He gave his time and abilities to neighbors and strangers believing it attributed to a good community. My office and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Blair in a couple of his capacities. Blair Hoerbert had served as a township highway commissioner and opened his garage to be used as a polling place. At that time, it was a challenge to locate polling places. He made the space available for use, which was a great help to his precinct and to our
Page 9 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 county. He was a precinct committeeperson, and, with those responsibilities, he provided me with election judges in his precinct that were willing to serve. He was consistent in communicating with me to be sure that his precinct had an acceptable number of judges. As the Clerk of the County Board, I interacted with his work as a member of the Logan County Regional Planning Committee. The decisions made by the Regional Planning Committee would make their way to the board of a whole to be decided. Serving and interacting with Blair has been my honor. He was influential in many lives including the lives of our youth. The knowledge and leadership he imparted to those around him will continue to affect our county for years. He will be greatly missed by those who had the opportunity to serve with him. Thank you, Blair Hoerbert, for your service and dedication to Logan County! Logan County Board Member Kathy Schmidt I want to pay tribute to my friend Blair Hoerbert. Blair was someone I did not know until I first got on the Logan County Board in 2023. Having little insight into the matters of the board, I often called on Blair for insight and help. He was a great resource about the past decisions of the board and filled me in on many aspects of what was expected of me as a new member and helped me navigate and understand what was important and needed for Logan County to thrive. I was so saddened by his passing and miss his smiling and encouraging ways. He was a great man and a lover of all he did in his positions for farmers and for Logan County. Logan County Board Vice Chair Dale Nelson Blair Hoerbert was instrumental to the Logan County Board during his tenure as President of the Regional Planning Commission. He exemplified true leadership, serving not only as a guiding force on projects and policy discussions, but also as a mentor and trusted friend to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Through his dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for the community, Blair left a lasting impact on Logan County. His leadership and commitment will always be remembered and deeply cherished by the Logan County Board.
Page 10 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 John Fulton Retired Logan County Extension Member of the Logan County Regional Planning Commission Blair will be fondly remembered for his many great qualities. He was a volunteer, an organizer, and a leader. He did not shy away from taking the lead. Many instances come to mind. One was his involvement with U of I Extension. Blair served many terms on the Extension Council, including several as Chair. Blair even agreed to be the organizational chair of the Council when the counties were consolidating. Blair left his mark in many communities. His involvement in church, agriculture, and resource groups has set a precedent for those who now try to follow the path and continue to do great things for those communities. His legacy is one of service to the community, and he will be greatly missed. Abby Coers Logan County Farm Bureau Member Logan County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Central Illinois Ag, Atlanta Blair was the type of person who, the first time you met him, made you feel like you’ve known him forever. I first met Blair at the Logan County Farm Bureau office where a committee spent countless hours pulling memories together for the 100th celebration of the Logan County Farm Bureau. He would look at the photos, news articles, etc. reminiscing about the stories and moments each photo captured. It truly seemed like Blair was friends with everyone, he always wore a smile and carried a positive attitude, bringing joy to those around him. David Opperman Good Friend and fellow Logan County Farm Bureau Member Blair Hoerbert was faithful to the Lord and very dedicated to everything he set out to do. When he was asked to serve on a committee, he showed up! He was well versed in many things from County Board issues, to Farm Bureau, church, and farming in general. He was an asset on many committees and always did his homework. His friendship and quick wit are truly missed! Rest in peace my friend!! Obituary Blair Hoerbert, 66, of San Jose, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at his home. Blair was born May 18, 1959, in Hopedale, IL, the son of Paul and Darlene (Adams) Hoerbert. Blair is survived by one brother, Jeff (Laurie Bishop) Hoerbert; two sisters, Rose McAllister and June (Dave) Jacobs; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister, Barb Prosser; and his brother-in-law, Jim McAllister. Blair was active in his church, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden, recently holding the office of Chairman. He was also an active seed salesman for ProHarvest. Blair was active in the Logan County Farm Bureau, Logan County Regional Planning Commission and Prairie Creek Township where he spent many years as a board member. [Tribute compiled by Nila Smith]
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Page 12 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Logan County farmers face severe to extreme drought conditions ahead of spring planting As the 2026 growing season approaches, farmers across Logan County are likely keeping a close eye on soil moisture levels and precipitation trends. Recent severe drought conditions across central Illinois have raised concerns about how the Spring planting season may begin and whether early-Spring rainfall will be sufficient to replenish depleted soil moisture. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Lincoln, Illinois say that the overall dryness pattern that developed during late 2025 has persisted into 2026 and will likely influence agricultural operations this Spring. Drought Development Began Last Fall Across Central Illinois The drought developed gradually during the latter part of the 2025 growing season and into the fall. Across the Midwest, precipitation between September and November dropped significantly below average, with Logan County receiving only 25 to 50 percent of typical rainfall. That deficit limited soil moisture recharge going into winter. Although a couple periods of very cold temperatures during winter slowed evaporation and plant water use, snowfall and winter rainfall across central Illinois remained limited. As a result, meteorologists have observed declining soil moisture and streamflow indicators across portions of the region. Current Drought Conditions Across Central Illinois According to recent analyses from the U.S. Drought Monitor, the vast majority (96%) of Illinois continues to experience some level of drought. As of early March 2026, roughly 70 percent of the state is classified within drought conditions ranging from moderate to severe, while an additional portion is considered abnormally dry. Logan County has experienced precipitation deficits over the past several months, with a winter season deficit of 3.64” at the NWS office in Lincoln, which includes December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026. Data compiled through the federal drought monitoring
Page 13 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 system indicates the county entered 2026 with rainfall totals running below normal, placing the year-to-date precipitation among the drier starts recorded historically. Logan county has only seen 25-50% of their normal precipitation this winter season as indicated in the image below. Recent Weather Trends Weather patterns during the winter of 2025– 2026 have done little to substantially improve soil moisture across central Illinois. While some storm systems have produced localized precipitation, much of the more significant rainfall has occurred south and north of the worst drought areas in central Illinois. Additionally, recent drought information statements from the National Weather Service indicate that precipitation in many parts of central Illinois has remained sparse, allowing dryness indicators to gradually worsen in some locations. Another factor contributing to the dryness has been the lack of snowpack this winter and a lack of moisture in the snow that has fallen. Seasonal analyses show that snow cover across central Illinois has been minimal to nonexistent for extended periods. Without melting snow to slowly recharge soils, winter moisture contributions have been limited.
Page 14 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 However, a positive change has occurred from the March 3-4 rains, with southern Logan County receiving around three inches of rainfall, as indicated in the image below from the WSR-88D radar precipitation accumulation algorithm. While that amount of rain is not enough to break the drought, it has been a welcome change from the dry winter conditions. Outlook for the Spring Season Looking ahead, NWS forecasters are cautiously optimistic that drought conditions could improve if seasonal precipitation trends increase as forecast. Climate outlooks from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center suggest the potential for above-normal precipitation across Illinois this Spring as shown in the image below. Such patterns could gradually ease drought conditions, though improvements may take time. Rainfall in inches from the WSR-88D radar in Lincoln IL for March 3 through March 4. Even so, drought recovery rarely occurs overnight. Soil moisture deficits often require multiple widespread rain events to replenish the ground profile, especially following extended periods of below-normal precipitation. Analysis shows that Logan County likely needs about 16 to 17 inches of rainfall in the severe to extreme drought areas between March 1 and May 1 to alleviate the drought. Looking back, only about 10% of the
Page 15 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 years going back to 1890 have had over 10 inches of rain in that time span. This image from the NWS Climate Prediction Center shows the outlook for drought improvement between March and May of this Spring. Meteorologists emphasize that Spring weather in Illinois can be highly variable. A few welltimed storm systems during April or May could dramatically change soil moisture conditions and reduce drought impacts before crops reach critical growth stages. What Farmers Can Watch For As planting season approaches, the National Weather Service recommends that producers continue monitoring several key indicators: • Soil moisture trends: Field conditions will determine how well seeds germinate and establish early growth. • Spring precipitation patterns: Frequent moderate rainfall is often more beneficial than isolated heavy storms. • Temperature swings: Early warm periods followed by cold snaps can influence soil moisture retention and crop emergence. • Updated drought reports: Weekly updates from the NWS and the IL State Climatologist office about the drought status will provide insight into evolving conditions. A Season Still Full of Uncertainty While drought conditions entering Spring 2026 are notable, it is still too early to determine the ultimate impact on this year’s crops. Historically, Illinois agriculture has experienced both rapid drought development and rapid recovery depending on seasonal rainfall patterns. For Logan County farmers, the coming weeks will be critical. Early Spring rains could replenish moisture reserves and provide favorable conditions for planting. Conversely, continued dryness could increase reliance on timely storms during the early growing season.
Page 16 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in Lincoln will continue to monitor soil moisture, precipitation patterns, and drought indicators across central Illinois and provide updated forecasts and outlooks as the planting season approaches. For now, the message to farmers remains one of cautious watchfulness: the 2026 growing season is approaching under severe drought conditions, but the outcome will depend heavily on the weather patterns that unfold over the next several months. Ed Shimon National Weather Service – Lincoln, Illinois
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Page 18 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 The ripple effect According to the February 2026 drought report from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, the states of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio saw below-average precipitation. This means that a moderate to extreme drought persisted in this area, with new areas of extreme drought emerging in southern Missouri. Regarding our faithful farmers of Logan County, the bottom line is that with no precipitation the effects are much greater than just crops not growing well. The movement of crops includes harvesting, storing, and transporting the finished product and what is not easily known is those extra costs when a drought happens. Let’s look at some of the other effects that a Logan County resident that is not normally associated with farming life may not realize impacts farmers. Effects on crop production – How the soil moisture stress reduces the yield and plant development According to Drought.gov, 100% of Logan County is currently affected by drought, with conditions ranging from moderate to severe. Below normal precipitation has reduced both the topsoil and the subsoil moisture, which limits root growth and nutrient uptake. Since corn and soybeans are especially sensitive to moisture stress during the reproductive stages, this will increase the risk of reduced kernel filling in corn and poor pod development in soybeans. The University of Illinois Extension field observations for Logan County report moderately dry soils, visible plant stress, and uneven crop maturity within fields. While field edges may appear ready for harvest, the interior areas remain green and underdeveloped due to uneven moisture availability. This variability complicates yield expectations and field management decisions. Extension reports note that soybeans have been more heavily affected than corn in Logan County, with many plants losing green leaf area early because of the prolonged dryness. This limits photosynthesis late in the season and reduces final seed size and weight. Delayed or staggered harvest timing Although drought can speed crop dry down, in parts of Logan County the uneven plant maturity has slowed harvest progress. Extension specialists observed that rainfall events, even the smaller ones, temporarily halted harvest while drought stressed fields matured inconsistently. This forced producers to harvest fields in multiple passes rather than all at once.
Page 19 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Lower river levels affect grain transportation FAR beyond the farm Statewide drought conditions have caused below normal streamflow which has reduced river levels across central Illinois. The Illinois State Climatologist reports that this year’s drought has lowered water levels on regional rivers, which can restrict barge traffic. This reduces the shipping efficiency for moving grain from the inland elevators to the export terminals. While Logan County grain is usually trucked to local elevators, downstream river constraints can slow that movement through the broader supply chain. Additional handling and storage challenges A consistent pattern observed during dryer years, is that the drought stressed crops often produce a lighter test weight grain. This can impact the grading and storage of the grain. The uneven harvest timing increases the on farm storage pressure, as producers must hold grain longer while waiting for other fields to reach harvest readiness. How does this directly impact Logan County agriculture? Drought conditions in Logan County are not great. Concerns include reduction in yield, limited soil moisture, crop maturity, complicated harvest efficiency and timing, as well as the disruption of the indirect crop movement through delayed transportation constraints that are tied to low river level. All together, these issues increase the production risk and logistical costs for farmers, even in seasons where crops reach physiological maturity. Even though Logan County is not directly on the Mississippi river itself, the ripple effect can indirectly hinder the transportation for the county. This is because Logan County grain relies on the Mississippi as part of the downstream supply chain. Here is how that connection works and how the drought-related low water causes problems: Reduced barge capacity on the Mississippi River To avoid barges from grounding when the drought lowers river levels, barges on the Mississippi must carry lighter loads or reduce the number of barges per tow. The results is an overall lower shipping capacity which then slows the movement of grain through the river system. Currently the Illinois climate reports that drought has caused below-normal streamflow and reduced river levels, directly affecting barge traffic efficiency.
Page 20 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Bottlenecks beyond local elevators Typically, in Logan County the grain that is produced by the farmers is hauled from the field to the local or regional elevator by truck, then shipped onward. The elevators often load the grain on trucks, rail cars or barges and send to export terminals along the Mississippi River. When river traffic slows, elevators downstream fill up more quickly and cannot move grain out as fast. This ripple effect indirectly creates backups to the inland counties like Logan. Higher transportation costs passed upstream Barges are one of the lowest-cost bulk transportation methods out there and are popular because of that. However, because of the restrictions on the Mississippi River, it forces shippers to rely more on rail or trucking. Those alternatives are much more expensive, and the ripple effect is that they add additional costs that often show up as wider basis levels, or lower prices paid, to farmers, even if you farm far inland from the river. Slower overall grain movement Drought conditions also contribute to uneven harvest timing, which already strains storage facilities and handling systems. With slow barge movement on the Mississippi, grain may sit longer on-the-farm or in commercial storage. This can increase costs for the farmer with extra grain storage costs, drying of the grain and could increase the logistical pressure during peak harvest periods. The fact that there is a drought going on, and there is low water on the Mississippi, will not stop Logan County farmers from planting or harvesting grain. However, low water on the Mississippi reduces barge capacity, slows downstream movement, delays movement
Page 21 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 to domestic and export markets and raises transportation costs that are passed back to inland counties like Logan County. The transportation disruptions from low Mississippi River water levels can be mitigated by shifting grain to rail or truck when barges are restricted, expanding short-term storage, improving coordination across the supply chain, and investing in infrastructure that reduces dependence on river capacity during drought. When the Mississippi is below average and impacting the ability for river traffic, this forces grain shippers to use alternatives routes other than the traditional barge transport, with a hefty price if used longterm. Rail Transportation Rail is often the first alternative when barge traffic slows. USDA grain transportation data show rail costs are consistently higher than barge rates, especially during periods of river disruption. However, the rail system at least keeps the grain moving but raises delivered costs, which often show up as a wider basis for farmers. Some things to consider with rail usage are: • Rail freight rates include tariffs plus fuel surcharges • Rail capacity can tighten quickly during harvest • Shippers may pay secondary market premiums for railcars Truck transportation costs Trucking is the most flexible option, but also the most expensive. Industry analysis notes that barge shipping can cost as little as one sixteenth of trucking, where barge service is available. Trucking is essential during disruptions but relying on it long term significantly increases costs. • Higher fuel use per ton mile • Labor, equipment, and maintenance costs are significant • Best suited for short distances, not long hauls to export terminals Indirect costs passed back to Logan County Even if Logan County farmers don’t ship directly by barge, higher downstream costs lead to unexpected costs. These upstream impacts during low water events are widely documented in Mississippi River drought years.
Page 22 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 • Lower prices at local elevators • Wider basis levels • Higher storage costs when grain can’t move quickly How does this affect Logan County farmers and its residences? It’s a simple cause and effect explanation of how higher transportation costs ultimately affect Logan County farmers, tied directly to what happens when grain must shift away from Mississippi River barge traffic. Although farmers truck grain to nearby elevators, those elevators price grain based on downstream transportation costs. When shipping to the Gulf becomes more expensive, that is passed upstream to inland producers like those in Logan County. This is particularly challenging during harvest, when farmers rely on timely grain movement to generate operating cash. In short, higher transportation costs reduce a farmer’s ability to choose when and where to sell grain. Even though Logan County is far from export terminals, global competitiveness still feeds directly into local cash bids. Higher transportation costs don’t just affect shippers or exporters, they reduce farm gate revenue and increase financial pressure for Logan County farmers, even though they never ship grain directly by barge. Higher transportation costs caused by low Mississippi River water levels reduce Logan County farmers’ profits by lowering local grain prices, increasing storage and marketing costs, limiting selling flexibility, and weakening the competitiveness of their grain in domestic and export markets. Are there any long-term solutions? Unfortunately, and realistically, climate is not something that any farmer can control and that is something that no type of planning or answers will help. However, finding long term solutions won’t eliminate drought either, but can reduce how much drought hurts farmers financially by keeping grain moving, protecting price competitiveness, and improving marketing flexibility. Long term solutions to Mississippi River transportation disruptions include maintaining river infrastructure, expanding rail and intermodal capacity, increasing grain storage, diversifying marketing routes, and investing in coordinated regional transportation planning to reduce farmers’ exposure to drought related shipping bottlenecks. Just as no one can control the weather, Logan County farmers can’t control river
Page 23 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 levels, but they can take personal, farm level and community level actions that reduce how much Mississippi River transportation disruptions hurt their operations over the long run. Logan County farmers can reduce long term transportation risk by investing in on farm storage, diversifying marketing, and delivery options, supporting rail and river infrastructure improvements, and working collectively with elevators and policymakers to strengthen the grain transportation system. The ripple effect…It occurs in everything and everywhere and once it starts it usually cannot be stopped. Sometimes, it’s good and other times not so much. All farmers, not just Logan County farmers, know this all too well. The uncontrollable weather is as unnerving, chaotic, and unpredictable as a small room full of six-year-olds on a sugar high. With plans, options, research and involvement there may at least be a contingency plan for those unprecedented times in our lives. [JA Hodgdon-Ruppel] Sources: Drought Conditions for Logan County Farmdoc - The Bulletin - Illinois Crop Update – September 26, 2025 USDA - Grain Transportation Report Datasets National Centers for Environmental Information - Drought Report National Weather Service - Central and Southeast Illinois Drought Page Grain transportation costs rising as Mississippi River levels fall
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Page 26 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Springfield Agronomy Summit offers producers timely and impactful information Local farmers, ag professionals, and community leaders learned about new ideas in agriculture during University of Illinois Extension’s recent Springfield Agronomy Summit. The event focused on topics that are important to central Illinois, including digital farming tools, weed resistance, insect issues for 2026, new research at the Hartsburg Research Plot, agriculture policy, and the Sangamon County Farm‑to‑Fork project. The goal of the Summit was to connect attendees to researchers from campus and help them stay informed to make better decisions in their fields and communities. Dennis Bowman, digital agriculture specialist with Illinois Extension, discussed recent advances in digital agriculture technologies. This included artificial intelligence tools such as CropWizard, an AI tool that allows users to ask questions relating to agriculture and is built on research/information from land grant universities and Extension services across the United States. Additionally, Dennis mentioned recent changes by the Federal Aviation Administration that allow drone swarms. This would allow a drone operator to control multiple drones at the same time, thus making aerial applications over agricultural fields go quicker. Aaron Hager was the next speaker. His years of research in weeds and resistance to various herbicide products was on full display. He recounted his previous work on waterhemp resistance to commonly used herbicides in Illinois, and how producers can utilize other products to try and reduce waterhemp pressures. He also highlighted a new weed that could become an issue in Illinois. Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was first detected in Iowa in 2016, but was discovered in Stephenson County, Illinois, in September 2025. While it is unknown how it got here, this new weed can present yet another farmers need to look out for in their fields. John Jones then spoke about his research work and the planned research at the
Page 27 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Hartsburg Research Plot. Jones came to the University of Illinois and has been researching nutrient uptake and loss in the Midwest, and the practices producers can implement to maximize the return on their fertilizer applications. Jones then outlined the plans for research at the Hartsburg Research Plot. First granted to Extension in the late 1910s/ early 1920s, this 17-acre plot is perfect to showcase and demonstrate current research topics that have an impact to local producers. Previous research at this plot has focused on nutrient uptake and loss, and that will continue to be the focus moving forward. This will be combined with field days and other outreach efforts to maximize the local impact of this important research. After lunch was Nick Seither, an entomologist with the University of Illinois. He discussed insects that could present an issue for crop producers in central Illinois in 2026. While the primary focuses of last year’s growing season were diseases such as Southern Rust or Tar Spot, insects can still cause issues during the entire season. Whether it is black cutworm in the early part of the season or Japanese beetles in the later part of the season, producers need to be mindful of potential insects, the economic thresholds of those insects, and the proper treatment method for them. Commercial Agriculture Educator Reagen Tibbs then discussed changes in agricultural policy at both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, trade policy and tariffs have been one of the key focuses of the current administration. The tariffs imposed during “Liberation Day” in April 2025 were challenged at the United States Supreme Court as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruled on February 20 that those tariffs were indeed unconstitutional, but that did not stop the President from announcing new tariffs in the days after the decision. Additionally, on February 16, the House Agriculture Committee released the text of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which seeks to finalize many of the agricultural programs excluded from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act passed last summer. That bill was passed out of the Committee on March 5, so there is still much that could change before passage and enactment. To round out the day, Hunter Buchanan discussed the Sangamon County Farm-toFork Initiative. Buchanan, a local foods program coordinator with Illinois Extension, has been working closely with the Sangamon County government and other entities to increase access of locally produced food to schools and the community more broadly.
Page 28 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Buchanan discussed many recent grants and funding opportunities through the federal and state governments, and how they can be used to increase local food access. He also discussed a local food advisory committee that he is working on establishing to help share resources and coordinate efforts across the area. Events like the Springfield Agronomy Summit are a part of Illinois Extension’s ongoing commitment to support local communities and producers. By bringing researchers and Extension staff to the local area to directly communicate with producers, they can be more informed and make better decisions for their operations especially, during times with increasing challenges. There will be more Extension events across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties in the future, so keep an eye out for information about them by checking our website extension.illinois.edu/ lms or by checking our Facebook page. You can also visit the Farm Focus blog to read more about current topics affecting agricultural producers in central Illinois. Recent blog posts have reviewed reports from the USDA, forage management, grain storage tips, and more. [Reagen Tibbs University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator]
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Page 30 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 ...and its impact on crop insurance President Donald Trump signed the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) into law on the July 4, 2025. This tax and budget bill made many changes including no tax on tips, overtime, or car loan interest according to the IRS. While “no tax on tips” was one of the main selling points of OBBBA, one additional area it impacted was crop insurance. What is crop insurance? Companies provide insurance on all kinds of things, from a person’s health and life to their cars and pets. Crops are one of, if not the most important thing to a farmer. They are, at the end of the day, what farmers use to get paid and continue their good work. When crops become damaged due to things outside a farmer’s control, crop insurance removes some of the financial anxiety from the farmer’s shoulders. It ensures that farmers receive money for their crops so they can continue to farm for years to come. Just as a home can be damaged in a storm, so can crops. Farmers can lose billions of dollars in crops due to extreme weather. According to
Page 31 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 a report from the Farm Bureau (FB) in early 2025, farmers lost $20.3 billion in crops due to weather related causes. Some of these causes include hail, flooding, and tornadoes. The number one “cause of loss” by far, however, was “drought, wildfire, and/or heat,” causing over $11 billion in damages alone. The farming outlook does not seem to be getting any brighter. The Farm Bureau reported in February of 2026 that over 300 farms had filed for bankruptcy in 2025, which was a 46 percent increase from the previous year. Financial hardships on farmers and farms seem to be getting worse. With that in mind, farmers need all the financial assistance they can get. Crop insurance is great to have, but like most insurance, it is not cheap. It is largely subsidized by the federal government, and the OBBBA made crop insurance more affordable and beneficial to farmers. One of the “several significant updates” the OBBBA makes “to strengthen and modernize” crop insurance is increasing premium support for beginning farmers and ranchers. OBBBA does this by expanding the definition of “beginning farmer and rancher” to ten years of experience from the previous five. This allows farmers and ranchers to get some of the support given to early farmers for a greater duration. Additionally, “premium assistance is increased during the first four years: an additional 5 percentage points in years one and two, 3 points in year three, and 1 point in year four.” This is in addition to the ten percent that is already given. The OBBBA created a new “pilot insurance product for poultry growers.” This helps them handle risks in production like spiking costs and extreme weather. OBBBA also expands eligibility for the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO). Previously, only farmers with Price Loss Coverage (PLC) were able to purchase SCO. Now, farmers with Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) can purchase SCO as well.
Page 32 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 OBBBA also attempts to make all levels of crop insurance more affordable by increasing the government share of crop insurance premiums from three to five percent. Farmers can have different percentages of their crops covered, with higher percentages costing more. A chart on the Farm Bureau website shows the range of crop coverage, as well as the premiums the Federal government used to pay, for farmers at those levels. See the information listed below: ● 55%-64% coverage: ○ Previous amount paid: 65% ○ New amount paid: 69% ● 65%-74%: ○ Previous amount paid: 59% ○ New amount paid: 64% ● 75%-79%: ○ Previous amount paid: 55% ○ New amount paid: 60% ● 80%-84%: ○ Previous amount paid: 48% ○ New amount paid: 51% ● Over 85%: ○ Previous amount paid: 38% ○ New amount paid: 41% The Farm Bureau article states that the idea is to make more expensive crop insurance more affordable for farmers. Better insurance translates to more money paid out to farmers in cases of emergency. What about livestock? Not all farmers grow crops, meaning the increased subsidies for crop insurance does not mean much to them. While the OBBBA does not provide any subsidies for ranchers and cattlemen like it does for crop insurance, it does provide some assurances. First, the Federal government provides a permanent extension for itemized deductions for ranchers who experienced personal losses due to natural disasters. It also requires the Livestock Forage Disaster Program to pay after four weeks of a drought and provides two payments a month. Financial losses due to livestock lost to predators are now covered 100 percent, while those due to the weather are covered at 75 percent. This includes unborn livestock. The OBBBA raised the animal health funding to $233 million per year for “disease prevention and cattle health.” There are many issues facing American farmers today. From weather disasters and bankruptcy to labor shortages. At a time when there seems to be many shadows being cast over the farming industry, assistance in crop insurance and livestock assurance can be a significant, determining factor behind a farm’s future success. [Matt Boutcher] Sources: One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act: Tax deductions for working Americans and seniors Hurricanes, Heat and Hardship: Counting 2024’s Crop Losses Farm Bankruptcies Continued to Climb in 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Final Agricultural Provisions Benefits of the Big Beautiful Bill for Farmers
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Page 34 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Where Does Our Corn Go? “One of my favorite things about Spring is watching the corn highlight the dark soil as it peeks through the ground,” says retired farmer Jim Boerma, of Emden, IL. Each year, approximately 182,000 acres of Logan County are planted with corn, transforming our county’s landscape. But, after all the anticipation of planting and harvesting, where does our corn go? According to USDA NASS reports, in 2025, Logan County produced 40,590,000 bushels of corn, a slight decrease from 2024’s record-breaking yields, but it remained a top performer in the state, averaging 223 bushels per acre. Chris Crane owns and operates a farm and trucking company out of the HartsburgEmden area. He begins his day at 3:30 a.m. by arriving at the farm, filling his truck with fuel, and heading to Hartsburg Grain in Hartsburg, IL, where he will load the trailer and begin transporting corn to its destination. Each day looks a little different for Chris; on some trips, he arrives at the plant and promptly unloads. On others, he waits in line for hours. While Chris has hauled corn to numerous locations, his primary destinations are Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in Decatur, ADM in Havana, Primient in Decatur, and ALTO-ICP in Pekin. Some days, he will haul several loads to one destination in the morning and then switch to another in the afternoon. Mr. Crane provided photos of his truck loaded with corn during harvest of 2025.
Page 35 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 According to the Center for Land Use Interpretation, ADM in Decatur, IL, is one of the world’s largest corn-processing facilities. This site serves as the North American headquarters and employs over 4,000 workers. Here, they process 600,000 bushels of corn a day, utilizing wet and dry milling techniques to prepare it for use as food ingredients, animal feed, and industrial products. The ADM website states that “virtually every meal in America contains at least one ADM ingredient.” Some of the food and beverage ingredients include sweeteners, starches, acidulants, and texturizers. These items enhance the sweetness of sodas and candies, thicken soup and salad dressings, preserve flavor, and improve the texture and shelf life of processed foods. Corn germ is extracted for corn oil, which is used for cooking and snacks. The remaining portion of the corn or by-product is then converted into animal feed. This feed provides essential nutrients to help livestock grow. ADM also uses corn for industrial products, such as ethanol (a renewable fuel additive) and biochemicals used as binders in drywall and paper manufacturing. ADM in Decatur provides corn for the second-largest ethanol plant in the United States. ADM also has a method for storing carbon dioxide. It is released during corn fermentation, purified, and then injected deep underground. This method reduces emissions and enables ADM to lower its carbon footprint. Contrary to ADM in Decatur, ADM in Havana serves as a river terminal. Located on the Illinois River, Havana ADM operates as an entry point to the global supply chain. Once loaded onto the barge, the corn will begin its journey to the Gulf, and will be made ready
Page 36 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 for international export in New Orleans. The facility in Havana inspects the quality and condition of the corn by testing it for moisture content and foreign materials. This step ensures that the corn meets international trade standards. Data from IL Corn shows that Mexico is the largest recipient of U.S. corn, accounting for 40 percent of U.S. corn exports. Japan is another reliable purchaser of U.S. corn for their livestock feed. Global markets have increased their demand for U.S. corn. Spain has been seeking alternatives to Ukrainian grain amid slowed shipments and continued global demand. Egypt and Morocco have seen a recent uptick in U.S. corn imports due to regional droughts and an increased need for poultry feed. One area of the market where U.S. corn exports have fallen is China. China is still a major purchaser, although it has established alternative markets in Brazil. If Chris isn’t hauling corn to an ADM location, he hauls it to a nearby facility in Decatur, Primient. Primient, formerly known as Tate & Lyle, is a corn wet mill that refines raw corn into sweeteners, including highfructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, and dextrose. They also produce materials used for making cardboard and wallboard. Like ADM, they produce ingredients used for sodas, preservatives, fabrics, and cosmetics. Another spot that receives corn from Logan County is ALTO/ICP in Pekin, IL. This specific site is a historic landmark for corn processing, as parts of the facility have been processing central Illinois grain for over 100 years. This plant uses dry-mill fermentation to make three types of products. These products include specialty alcohols used in the production of vodka, gin, and other liquors. The plant produces alcohols used in beauty products such as perfumes, lotions, and deodorants, as well as alcohols with pharmaceutical uses, such as ingredients for cough syrups, sanitizers, and disinfectants. Another important product of this location is Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), which is a high-protein feed for cattle, swine, and poultry. Corn gluten, corn oil, and yeast are also important ingredients produced in Pekin. Like the ADM location in Havana, its location on the Illinois River allows the company to ship the products internationally. This summer, when you drive through Logan County’s endless miles of green corn, stop and think of what it might become. It could be fueling your car as you drive down the road, it could be in the bag of chips you snack on during the day, or in the beverage you choose to unwind with. Sometimes we get so used to
Page 37 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 the landscape that we never stop to think about its purpose, and in Logan County’s case, our corn fuels the world. [Joli Boerma Photos by Chris Crane] Sources: Pacific Ethanol to Acquire Illinois Corn Processing Alto Ingredients primient.com/about/about-us OEC World: Corn in United States USDA Foreign Agriculture Service Is the Pekin Segment the Anchor of Alto Ingredients’ Growth Strategy? TraceGains Gather® Networked Ingredient Marketplace The 2025 growing season in Illinois: good but not great ADM: Decatur Illinois farmdoc - The Bulletin - Illinois Crop Update – September 12, 2025 2024 State Agriculture Overview The Center for Land Use Interpretation: Archer Daniels Midland Decatur Plant, Illinois Among Big Ag facilities, ADM’s Decatur plant emits most carbon dioxide, EPA data shows
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Page 40 2026 Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2026 Fourth generation farmer Kristopher Klokkenga Imagine farming the same land your ancestors farmed over a century. Kristopher and Christina Klokkenga are living out that dream. They own and manage Prairie Creek Organics, and farm on the land Kristopher’s great grandfather, Nanke Klokkenga, purchased in 1910. Prairie Creek Organics is a fourth-generation family farm specializing in the production of organic commodities. Kristopher said, “We grow corn, soybeans, popcorn, wheat, and alfalfa for both human and animal consumption.” They currently farm 1,600 acres. Nanke Klokkenga farmed the land from 1910 until 1938. Upon Nanke Klokkenga’s death in 1938, Kristopher’s grandfather, Mike Klokkenga, would take over the operations of the farm. In the 1940s, the farm started to grow as Mike Klokkenga purchased more land. From the early 1950s into the 1980s, Mike raised shorthorn cattle. His son Jim and daughter Janice helped around the farm. Kristopher says “[Grandpa] Mike grew up farming with horses and enjoyed working with his many Percheron draft horse teams throughout his life. He also raised purebred Shorthorns and was recognized as a builder of the breed in 1967.” In 1958, Kristopher’s father, Jim Klokkenga, had a champion steer who won over all breeds at the county fair and then went back to breeding stock. In 1969, Jim Klokkenga returned to the farm after graduating with an Animal Science degree from the University of Illinois. Jim came home and worked alongside his father in the Shorthorn business while starting the farm’s swine enterprise. In 1968, Jim did an internship working with the American Shorthorn Association travelling throughout several states between the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains. As he finished college, Jim signed up for the Air National Guard. He worked in Springfield one weekend a month and two weeks every summer from 1967 to 1973. During the 1960s, the Klokkenga family raised hogs. Throughout the 1970s, Jim continued to raise hogs until 2005. The farm grew from 400 acres to 1,900 acres over the years. Jim said their land was 600 acres and the rest was rented from different neighbors. He was doing things the scientific
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