Issue 1 2019 - Winter

Learn to Put Your Estate Plan into Motion Farm Credit College Workshop Can Help Gain practical takeaways while discussing family dynamics and asset protection during the estate planning process. Participants are encouraged to ask their burning questions and will leave inspired to create or update their own estate plan.

Register Today

Weather Outlook Update Active Spring Weather Reflects Upcoming Season

Winter started off warm with excess precipitation, but most will remember it for the record-setting cold in January. This spring the Midwest will see an active storm track, keeping Illinois and the eastern Corn Belt wetter than average. How does this compare to South American weather expectations?

What to Expect this Spring

$5,000 Awards Available Directors Cup Recognizes Beginning Farmers

The Fresh Roots Directors Cup presented by the FCI Board of Directors celebrates young and beginning farmers committed to continuous learning and intentional living for a brighter future for their farm family business and community. Recipients receive a $5,000 cash award and trophy. Up to four Directors Cup recipients will be selected in 2019.

Apply by March 31

Forward Market Confidently with Crop Insurance Leverage the Purchasing Power of your RP Policy

It’s one thing to understand your farm's break-even. It’s another to find a futures price that matches or exceeds it when you have bushels to market. Stop missing opportunities and take control of your risk management plan with a revenue protection crop insurance policy.

How to Forward Market Confidently

Attention Youth: Scholarships & Grants Available Applications Online

Submit Your Application

Learn From Farmers Who Have Been There Before Apply for the Cultivating Master Farmers Program

Young farmers are encouraged to apply for the Cultivating Master Farmers (CMF) program. This unique, two-year mentoring program connects young farmers with Prairie Farmer Master Farmers. Participants exchange best management practices, discuss new ideas and information, and transparently share farming challenges and solutions.

Apply for CMF Today

New Options for 2019 Crop Insurance Discover Which Updates Complement Your Farm

Examine your options today to see how changes to the federal crop insurance program could benefit your operation.

2019 Program Updates

On the Block Upcoming Farmland Auctions

Farm Credit Illinois maintains a list of upcoming farmland auctions submitted within the Association’s 60-county marketplace. View listings or submit an upcoming auction at www.farmcreditIL.com/auctioninfo .

View Listings or Submit an Upcoming Farmland Auction

On-Farm Student Learning at Fowler Farm $25,000 Gift Builds Farm Credit Learn & Grow Pavilion

FCI donated funds to the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation for an outdoor educational pavilion to be built at Fowler Farm, just west of Champaign. The project will connect urban youth with engaging agricultural learning experiences and with the soil and food in a tangible way. Learn & Grow Pavilion Gift

Essentials Raffle & Reactions Enter to Win One of 10 Collapsible Shovels Drawing to be held Feb. 28

This heavy-duty utility snow shovel is durable and light – weighing less than 1.5 pounds. It collapses too, making it perfect to store in your vehicle.

ENTER TO WIN

Congratulations to the winners of the RTIC rambler following Issue 6 of 2018: Arlisa Payne of Wayne County Dean Carrillon of Clinton County Eric Lambdin of Union County Jim Lewis of Clark County Keith Woods of Macoupin County Mark Rayburn of Champaign Marshall Cresap of Piatt County Neil Lorton of Fayette County

In each issue of Essentials in 2018, readers were asked their favorite part of the newsletter. Here are the results from 642 total answers.

Ag Economy Barometer Producer Sentiment Boosted by USDA

The Ag Economy Barometer measures the health of the U.S. agriculture economy with an index value based on a survey of agricultural producers on economic sentiment. A score of 100 means producer sentiment is unchanged from the six-month baseline research period; a score higher than 100 means sentiment improved from the base period; a score lower than 100 means sentiment declined versus the base period. Learn More About the Barometer's Latest Reading