The Margin Coverage Option (MCO) is an area-based crop insurance endorsement that provides protection against operating margin shortfalls, which can be driven by revenue decreases, cost increases or a combination…

The average cash rent for Illinois farmland saw a small decline for the second year in a row in 2026. Higher corn and soybean prices have improved the return outlook for both 2026 and 2027 compared to the previous three crop years, and producers are expected to receive relatively large payment from the 2025 ARC/PLC programs in the next month. However, expected returns remain below longer-term averages. This suggests farmland rental rates will likely remain relatively stable heading into 2027.

The social, economic, and environmental impacts of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly important issues facing communities across the country. Although most existing data centers are in urban…

Corn futures price for the nearby contract was approximately $4.40 per bushel at the start of 2026.  For the first week in August, corn futures price averaged $5.18.  Moreover, using…

From fertilizer costs to nutrients lost, the issues and challenges of nitrogen continue for row crop agriculture. They are magnified in the moment by the conflict in Iran and the…

Over the last month, it has been hard to miss the news of outbreaks and recalls. Cyclospora-contaminated iceberg lettuce sickened over 11,000 across 20 states and led to a recall…