Despite cool, uneven spring weather and patchy drought conditions, Illinois’ 2026 corn and soybean crops were planted on schedule with generally average early conditions, and improving warmth and rainfall in June are expected to support continued growth and reduce drought stress.

Illinois Field & Bean asked seasoned Illinois producers what advice they would give beginning farmers today. That advice varied from financial, to scalability, to technology, to relationships. Meet the farmers and learn their Top 10 Tips.

Emerging research sheds light on soybean insecticide ROI in Illinois fields.

IL Soy Envoy Brandon Hall shares how Illinois growers must adopt a comprehensive, season-long residue management strategy to enhance decomposition, maintain soil health, and ensure optimal planting conditions.

To use spray drones effectively, operators must follow herbicide labels while carefully optimizing factors like carrier volume, spray swath, drift control, and flight planning to balance legal requirements with effective and precise weed control.

ISA Outreach Agronomist Stephanie Porter shares best practices for Glufosinate application based on new research from the University of Illinois.