Webinars Archive (All)

Join the agricultural economists from the University of Illinois for their comprehensive, year-round webinar programming. Each session is crafted to provide the data and context needed to inform your operation's most critical decisions. Topics rotate seasonally to address current needs in commodity markets, risk management, and agricultural policy. Sign up now to secure your spot…

Join Precision Conservation Management (PCM) and PepsiCo for a behind-the-scenes conversation about supply chain sustainability goals and what it means for Illinois farmers. We’ll explore how PCM helps farmers leverage field data for profitability, and how PepsiCo is rewarding conservation practices like reduced tillage, cover crops, and nutrient efficiency. Learn how their partnership is designed…

Join Precision Conservation Management (PCM) for a practical discussion on how to protect your bottom line by focusing on what you can control—your data. Drawing from 10 years of PCM farmer data, we’ll explore how practices like reducing tillage passes and applying nitrogen more efficiently increase profitability, even without incentive payments. You’ll also hear from…

Apiculture Rainfall Index Insurance (API) is a relatively new insurance product offered by the USDA Risk Management Agency. API is meant to insure beekeeping operations against lower-than-average rainfall which could decrease honey production and/or affect colony health. This webinar will explore API as a potential risk management tool for beekeeping operations of all sizes—from hobbyist…

Join members of the farmdoc team and some special guests for a discussion of the impacts of the government shutdown on agriculture.  Panelists will talk about how the shutdown has already impacted data and reports for the sector, as well as farmers’ finances and access to services, through the first three weeks.  The group will…

Join Nick Paulson, Gary Schnitkey, and Henrique Monaco for a webinar focused on fertilizer market trends and related management decisions for 2026. The webinar will include information on the trends in the U.S. fertilizer market, discuss the results from a survey of farmers on their fertilizer decisions and perceptions of the market, and provide guidance…

University of Illinois agricultural economists Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Nick Paulson invite you to a webinar focused on farmland values and rental agreements for the 2026 production year. They will present an overview of the current state of Illinois farmland values and rents and discuss the factors which will impact values and rent negotiations…

Explore the wide-ranging tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affecting farm businesses. From permanent bonus depreciation and expanded Section 179 deductions to new agricultural payment limits and real estate loan incentives, learn how these changes create both immediate opportunities and long-term planning considerations for farm taxpayers.

We will provide farmers and landowners with information they need to know about the commodity title and crop insurance provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4th, 2025.  OBBA increases the chances and size of PLC/ARC for 2025 and succeeding years.  Those payments will not be received until October 2026. Some landowners may add base acres as a result of this bill.  Also, farmers will need to re-evaluate the use of the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) as a result of OBBBA provisions.

What in-field practices are really making money on Midwest farms? Join us as we dig into PCM’s latest data publication featuring 10 years of financial analysis from Illinois farms. We’ll show how reduced tillage systems, optimal nitrogen rates, and strategic use of cover crops can protect your margins - especially in years where profitability is…

Exploring the complex relationship between yield and profitability, using PCM's extensive data to demonstrate how lower input costs can sometimes lead to better financial outcomes despite slightly reduced yields.

With the April 15th deadline approaching, this crucial session focuses on the 2025 ARC/PLC program election decision. The webinar will analyze the three program options (ARC-CO, PLC, and ARC-IC) using current market projections and historical data. Dr. Schnitkey and Dr. Paulson will provide commodity-specific analysis for major Illinois crops, examining how different price scenarios could…

This session builds on the foundation established in the first webinar by providing a practical roadmap for initiating the estate planning process. JR Glenn will outline the essential first steps farm families should take when beginning their estate planning journey, including gathering necessary documentation, identifying key stakeholders, and understanding various planning tools available. The discussion…

Joana Colussi (farmdoc team) and Silvina Cabrini (National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Argentina) will provide an update on the current crop season in South America, focusing on soybean and corn production. They will also discuss the potential for cropland expansion in Brazil, export prospects considering supply dynamics, and recent changes in Argentina's export taxes.

Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Nick Paulson will provide comprehensive analysis of 2025 crop insurance alternatives for Illinois grain producers. The session will examine coverage levels, product types, and supplemental options including SCO (Supplemental Coverage Option). Special attention will be given to the interaction between crop insurance choices and farm program decisions, particularly how PLC…

This opening session focuses on the fundamental aspects of assessing and valuing farm property while considering its role in legacy planning. JR Glenn will share his legal expertise on property rights, ownership structures, and valuation methods specific to agricultural operations. Participants will learn about the various components that make up a farm's value, including land,…

Jonathan Coppess will discuss the state of and outlook for the Farm Bill and farm policy including commodity (ARC/PLC), conservation, and crop insurance programs. He will review the issues challenging Farm Bill reauthorizations, as well as initiatives to modify farm policy from crop insurance changes, to refence prices, and the Inflation Reduction Act.

This webinar will provide an overview of H5N1 in the U.S. and current surveillance and monitoring efforts in Illinois.
Matthew W. Nonnenmann, PhD, CIH, Professor, UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health
Guy Sprouls, Dairy Equipment Specialist / State Rating Officer at Illinois Department of Public Health

Illinois Crop Budgets for 2024 and 2025 suggest negative per acre returns to corn, soybeans, and wheat that could result in some of the lowest farm incomes experienced in the last 4 decades. This session will focus on management strategies farm businesses should consider as they prepare for what could be another multiple-year period of…

Brittney Goodrich will review some less commonly used federal crop insurance options, like Pasture Rangeland and Forage Rainfall Index Insurance, Whole Farm Revenue Protection, and livestock price and margin protection products.

New webinar series from Precision Conservation Management! We'll start by learning how this farmer-led program combines data analysis, technical assistance, and cost-share incentives to help farmers improve profitability and environmental impacts that affect future regulation. Discover PCM's history, explore key insights from its decade-long database, and see how its programs can benefit your operation. Whether…

With projected lower farm incomes than the highs in the early 2020’s, we analyze Illinois FBFM data and economic factors impacting agriculture.  Using this information and trends, we will assess the impact of inflation, interest rates, and farm credit conditions on liquidity, land values, farm debt, and deferred tax liabilities.

Joana Colussi will provide an update on South America’s crop production, focusing on soybeans and corn in Brazil and Argentina. She will also explore the potential for cropland expansion and export prospects, taking into account supply dynamics and global demand trends.

Joe Janzen will discuss corn, soybean, and wheat price prospects for 2025. He will provide an update on current global market fundamentals and consider what price expectations based on the latest supply and demand estimates mean for farm grain marketing in the year ahead.

Gregory Bernard, Assistant Professor of Plant and Soil Science, Tuskegee University

Adopting new technology for any size farming operation has its challenges. Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities smallholder farms face in adopting new technologies. This final series session will explore practical solutions and case studies of successful technology integration in small-scale farming. Attendees will learn about the barriers to adoption and strategies to overcome them.

Renewable diesel experienced a truly historic boom starting in 2021 but plateaued recently. The demise of the FAME biodiesel industry has been widely predicted due to the renewable diesel boom.  On top of all this, the re-election of President Trump has created tremendous policy uncertainty.  The purpose of this webinar is to analyze the outlook…

Join Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Laura Gentry for an insightful webinar focused on practical strategies for navigating low-profit years in farming. With low commodity prices and slim profit margins, it’s more critical than ever to adopt cost-effective practices that keep your farm financially healthy. You’ll gain actionable insights into reducing input costs, leveraging Precision…

The U.S. biofuels sector has been buffeted by change in recent years.  Ethanol demand is threatened by rising sales of electronic vehicles (EVs).  Renewable diesel has experienced a boom and something of a bust in the last three years.  The new kid on the block is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).   Feedstock demand for each of…

Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Rainfall Index Insurance (PRF-RI) is a relatively new insurance product offered by the USDA Risk Management Agency. PRF-RI is meant to insure livestock and forage producers against lower than average rainfall which could decrease forage production. This webinar will explore PRF-RI as a potential risk management tool for livestock and forage…

This final webinar looks ahead at emerging technologies and innovations that will transform safety in agriculture. We will showcase cutting-edge research around autonomous equipment, wearable tech, telematics, and digital training tools. You'll gain insights into how these futuristic solutions could monitor risks, prevent incidents, and improve health outcomes for agricultural workers. We'll discuss how farmers,…

University of Illinois agricultural economists Dr. Gary Schnitkey and Dr. Nick Paulson invite you to a webinar focused on farmland rent agreements for the 2025 production year. They will present an overview of the current state of Illinois farmland rents, explaining the factors that led to record-high rents in recent years and the economic conditions now pointing towards necessary adjustments.

When injury, illness, or natural disasters strike, farmers and ranchers need help to continue operating. This webinar highlights two key resources for farmers in crisis. We will explain the Farm Rescue program which plants, harvests, hauls, and does chores for free when farmers have an emergency. We'll also cover the AgrAbility program helping agriculture workers…

Shadi Attallah, Associate Professor, Agricultural and Consumer Economics, UIUC

Shadi will examine the economic aspects of adopting weeding robots on farms. This session will cover how robot prices, corn prices, the robot weeding efficacy, and a farmer’s planning horizon affect how many robots to adopt and to what extent weeding robots can increase farm profitability and reduce weed resistance to herbicides.

Farming and ranching are filled with stressors like financial pressures, uncertain conditions, long hours, and social isolation. This webinar focuses on mental health challenges common in agriculture and ways to foster resilience and wellbeing. We will discuss signs and symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, and suicide risk. You'll gain strategies for managing stress, building…

Naveen Uppalapati, Research Scientist, Center for Digital Agriculture, UIUC

Explore the transformative impact of robotics in agriculture. The second series session will highlight the latest innovations in agricultural robots, including planting, harvesting, and monitoring robots. Attendees will learn about the benefits and challenges of integrating robots into farm operations and the future of robotic technology in agriculture.

We will look at environmental indicators from PCM farms and their relationship to farming practices. NEW this year: PCM has separate data available for high SPR and low SPR soils so you can better assess how conservation practices could impact your fields.

Children and teens make up a significant portion of injuries and fatalities in agriculture. This webinar looks at why young people are uniquely vulnerable to farm hazards. We will review child labor laws and resources for legally employing youth in agriculture. You'll learn about equipment risks, and key safety practices to prevent farm incidents. We'll…

Delve into the critical role of connectivity in modern farming. The first session of the I-FARM webinar series will explore the various technologies enabling seamless communication between farm equipment, sensors, and management systems. Attendees will learn about the latest advancements in IoT, satellite, and wireless communication technologies that are transforming the agricultural landscape.

Here we will take a deeper dive into nitrogen management relations to profitability and the environment. We will also look at the potential and issues associated with carbon markets.

Overview of agriculture-related injury and illness tracking programs active in Illinois. Will cover data collection methods, trends identified, and how surveillance information guides prevention initiatives for the agriculture community.

New Data from PCM with Focus on Cover Crops and Tillage. Precision Conservation Management (PCM) works directly with farmers and uses data analysis to determine how farmers can implement conservation practices without sacrificing profits. This webinar from Greg Goodwin (IL Corn Growers Association) and Gary Schnitkey (University of Illinois farmdoc team) covers 9 years of data-driven insights. We will emphasize profitable practices using cover crops. Profitability and tillage practices will be examined.

Heat exposure can negatively affect agricultural workers, but there are ways to prevent it. Review risk factors, early symptoms, treatment, workplace controls like rest breaks and hydration, and personal protective measures when working in hot conditions.

Discussion of current and upcoming technology that will change the way we farm. This includes discussions on Internet of Things, Autonomous Machinery, Sensors, and Livestock handling. We will discuss how each of these technologies will contribute to a safer and more productive farm. We will also cover what are the risks of these technologies and…

Farm work presents many hazards that can lead to injury, illness, and even death. This webinar focuses on the unique risks faced by agricultural workers, including migrant and hired laborers, and ways to protect their safety and health. We will discuss common issues like pesticide exposure, musculoskeletal disorders, transportation incidents, and lack of adequate housing.…

Cover crops remain the best conservation practice in the organic rich soils of the Midwest where nutrient loss, soil health, and climate change are concerns. Many farmers have also seen agronomic benefits related to weed control, water infiltration, and protection during crop-loss weather events. Still, there are challenges for farm-level profitability and risks. Using Precision…

We will explore the world of grain safety, shedding light on various types of incidents and the alarming statistics surrounding them. We will delve into the immense pressure exerted by grain, a contributing factor to the severity of injuries and tragic fatalities. Moreover, we will examine the distinction between youth and adult entrapments, analyzing potential…

This webinar will provide an overview of the census data and trends specific to Illinois and the Midwest. By highlighting the unique circumstances and opportunities faced by farmers in this region, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the agricultural sector and contribute to informed policy-making processes.

The 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture provides a wealth of information about the state of American agriculture. This webinar series will explore findings from the census, and discuss trends of U.S. agriculture.

Download Larger PDF Here

This webinar will provide an overview of the major trends in U.S. agriculture, such as the decline in the number of farms, the increase in farm size, and the growing diversity of producers. We will also discuss the implications of these trends for the future of food production and rural communities. The 2022 USDA Census…

This two-part webinar series will provide an in-depth analysis of risk management decisions and strategies for the 2024 crop year. Lower commodity prices are expected for the 2024 crop and marketing years compared to the past 3 years, resulting in a much tighter margin environment and increased importance of risk management decisions.

Part 2 on March 4, 2024 will feature Bruce Sherrick who will join Nick Paulson to focus on crop insurance alternative for 2024.  Projected insurance prices will be known at this time, allowing for a more accurate look at the risk protection and premium costs associated with the commonly used insurance programs as the March 15th crop insurance sales closing date approaches. Individual coverage

Farmers, ranchers, and ag operators were deemed ‘essential’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning how to protect employees, families, clients, and the community evolved throughout the pandemic and uncertainty was often difficult to navigate. In the webinar, we hope to bring forward some of the lessons learned during the pandemic and help share strategies for responding…

This two-part webinar series will provide an in-depth analysis of risk management decisions and strategies for the 2024 crop year. Lower commodity prices are expected for the 2024 crop and marketing years compared to the past 3 years, resulting in a much tighter margin environment and increased importance of risk management decisions.

Part 1 on February 19, 2024 will feature Gary Schnitkey who will join Nick Paulson to discuss the commodity program alternatives with a focus on corn and soybean producers in Illinois. Crop insurance alternatives for 2024 will also be discussed as projected insurance prices are being set in February. Both crop insurance and ARC/PLC enrollment decisions must be made by March 15th.

Learn more about the Post-Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) Crop Insurance Policy for 2024 during a webinar hosted by IL Corn.

Experts Dr. Gary Schnitkey, University of Illinois Professor in Agricultural and Consumer Economics, and Megan Dwyer, CCA and Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship for IL Corn, will walk participants through this game-changing coverage endorsement and answer any questions.

Review of common occupational injuries associated with agriculture, characteristic of the farms that make them vulnerable, and costs of injuries in agricultural settings.

Are you interested in becoming part of a network that supports sustainable farming through data-driven decision making? Then this webinar, focusing on Precision Conservation Management (PCM), is for you. PCM is an innovative approach that combines financial analysis with conservation practice to help farmers make informed decisions that are both profitable and eco-friendly. This webinar…

Cover crops offer multiple benefits – from improving soil health and reducing erosion to enhancing water retention and controlling pests. In this webinar, we'll introduce you to the concept of cover crops, their myriad benefits, and their role in modern, sustainable farming practices.

This farmdoc webinar, by Bob Rhea and Brad Zwilling from Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM), will provide an overview of recent changes to federal and state depreciation rules, including the phase-out of 100% bonus depreciation and Illinois' elimination of bonus depreciation. We will explain the implications of these changes for farmers' taxes and offer planning strategies.

With the spotted lanternfly detected in Illinois, farmers need to be informed about monitoring and management of this invasive pest. This webinar will take an in-depth look at SLF biology, behavior, and research-based control methods to help farmers make a plan for protecting their operations.

With the growing emphasis on climate change and sustainable practices, carbon markets are becoming an attractive opportunity for farmers to not only contribute to environmental conservation but also to generate additional income. This webinar will introduce you to the concept of carbon markets, how they work, and the potential benefits they hold for your agricultural…

Tune in for this timely webinar with Nick Paulson and Paul Stoddard of the farmdoc team at the University of Illinois covering rental market trends, lease types, setting rental rates, and discussion of other considerations and best practices. Valuable insights for both rental parties!

Join us for this informative session as we delve into the details of Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN). Farmers in the Midwest face unique challenges when it comes to balancing soil health, crop yield, and cost-effectiveness. The MRTN approach provides a strategic solution, helping farmers achieve optimal results while reducing unnecessary expenses. This webinar will…

Please join Dr. Aaron Hager and Travis Wilke of the University of Illinois for a webinar discussing their upcoming statewide survey of waterhemp resistance to Group 15 herbicides. Waterhemp is a troublesome weed that has developed resistance to herbicides from multiple site-of-action groups across Illinois and other states. This survey aims to gather waterhemp seed…

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) has collected and analyzed production data on Illinois farms since 2015, with additional data from farms in Kentucky and Nebraska. In this webinar, Megan Miller (IL Soybean Association), Laura Gentry and, Greg Goodwin (IL Corn Growers Association), and Gary Schnitkey (University of Illinois) will share results from PCM's extensive dataset, providing valuable insights for farmers interested in implementing conservation practices.

Join us for this informative webinar where Ralph Kuchenbrod will provide essential tips and techniques for effectively and safely conducting searches in corn fields. Searches in agricultural settings like corn fields present unique challenges and risks that searchers must be prepared for.

Joana Colussi, Gary Schnitkey, Nick Paulson, and Eric Morgan recently traveled to Brazil as part of a research project on technology adoption among farmers, sponsored by the Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies. The team will share their observations and experiences from visiting the Agrishow, ag technology firms, University research groups, and farms in the Center-West.

Corn rootworm remains the most economically damaging insect pest of corn in Illinois, though its impact in recent years has primarily been felt in the northern third of the state. The ongoing development of resistance to Bt traits has complicated management decisions for Illinois farmers. Join University of Illinois scientists to discuss the status of rootworm populations and Bt resistance throughout Illinois, as well as management recommendations for dealing with this troublesome pest.

Many of the risk management decisions impacting 2023 crop production will be made soon.  At the end of February, projected prices for crop insurance will be known.

We will cover decision related choices related to corn or soybeans, marketing, leasing, commodity title alternatives, & crop insurance alternatives

As 2023 gets underway, several items deserve increased attention for farm businesses. FBFM presents a Top 10 list of forward looking strategies to consider for a successful year. Changes in cost, income, inflation, tax laws, and estate planning are some key topics discussed. Webinar will be presented by Bob Rhea and Brad Zwilling of Illinois…

Many of the risk management decisions impacting 2023 crop production will be made soon.  At the end of February, projected prices for crop insurance will be known.

We will cover decision related choices related to corn or soybeans, marketing, leasing, commodity title alternatives, & crop insurance alternatives

Presented by Bruce Sherrick

Presented by Jonathan Coppess

Presented by Joana Colussi

Presented by Gary Schnitkey and Nick Paulson

Presented by Joe Janzen and Scott Irwin

FBFM staff offer insight for key tax topics to produce meaningful year end planning results. Strategies to manage tax liability using depreciation, prepaying expenses, retirement plans, installment contracts, and tax brackets will be discussed. Income tax liabilities are often a significant reduction to net worth; planning before year end helps guide to better results. Looking…

Farmland owners often have questions about leasing arrangements and other basics about owning land. Herein, we will provide the basics of the four different leasing arrangements: share rent, cash rent, variable cash rent, and custom farming. We will also cover questions of first-time landowner

Access to financial capital is one of the many challenges that young and beginning farmers face. Learn more about these challenges and programs offered by agriculture lenders and the USDA that can provide expanded access to capital for operating costs and land purchase.

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Machinery investments on farms have been increasing due to various factors.  Brad Zwilling with Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) will use FBFM data to look at the farm machinery investment over time as well as some other farm financial trends affecting farms.

Historic growth in Brazilian agriculture will be documented, and projections will be made for the 2022-23 production year. Joana Colussi will bring perspectives on the potential of Brazilian agriculture in the future, especially regarding soybean and corn acreage and production.

The recent Inflation Reduction Act includes several agricultural provisions including conservation, energy programs, and farm debt relief. Learn more about the impact on agriculture included in this legislation and explanation of what this means as the expiration of the current farm bill approaches.

Farmland prices have increased at a phenomenal rate in the past year.  Returns to farmland remain high, but interest rates could increase.  Luke Worrell will present results of the mid-year survey of the Illinois Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.  Bruce Sherrick will provide perspectives on farmland prices.

Profits are projected for Corn Belt farms in 2023, but likely lower returns than 2021 and 2022.  As the planning season for the upcoming crop year goes into full force, this outlook for 2023 farm returns will be useful in making rental, acreage, and input decisions, including focus on nitrogen decisions and the availability of…

The webinar will review USDA’s June 30 Grain Stocks and Acreage reports and considers balance sheet and price implications for both old and new crop corn and soybeans. The USDA’s estimate of June 1 stocks of corn and soybeans will provide a clearer picture of total 2021-22 marketing year consumption, ending stocks, and price prospects. The magnitude of planting acreage will clarify prospects for the size of the 2022 corn and soybean crops with implications for the 2022-23 balance sheets and price prospects.

Do you want to learn more about how conservation practices like reduced- and no-till, cover crops, and nitrogen management impact corn and soybean production, profitability, and environmental impact? In this 1-hour webinar, the PCM and University of IL Agricultural Economics Team will summarize 7-years of data from the Precision Conservation Management program (PCM). PCM is a farmer service program led by IL Corn Growers Association and IL Soybean Association. PCM’s objective is to work 1-on-1 with farmers across Illinois as they make financially based conservation decisions on their farms.

The March Grain Stocks and Prospective Plantings reports usually result in one of the most volatile days of the year in the grain markets.  This year the reports have even more importance due to spiking prices as a consequence of the Ukraine-Russia crisis.  We will discuss the important USDA estimates released in the USDA reports…

Should the Russian-Ukraine conflict impact crop insurance and commodity title decisions. An update on the conflict will provide additional context for crop insurance and commodity title decisions. The deadline for those decisions is March 15. Presenters are Nick Paulson, Bruce Sherrick, and Gary Schnitkey

By March 15, farmers have the opportunity to change their commodity title choices around Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Final thoughts on risk management for the 2022 season will be given.

With spring planting just around the corner, FBFM field staff will provide an income and tax update. A new educational program called AMP will be discussed that is being sponsored by Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Farm Business Farm Management, and farmdoc.

The Post Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) provides financial protection when farmers can not apply nitrogen post-planting. This is the first year for the pilot PACE is available in northern and central Illinois.

Reasons for optimism about farm incomes exist for 2022. However, risks remain. This webinar will discuss crop insurance, rental arrangements, and marketing for the 2022.