In celebration of the 100th year of Farm Credit, this is the final "Centennial Chronicle" highlighting significant milestones of the Farm Credit System since 1916.
Farm Credit College Programs in Dec. & Jan.
Registration Open to Members Now
Learn about crop marketing, risk management, and weather trends at the December program and estate and succession planning in January, for free.
Launching in 2017, FCI's website will celebrate farm fresh retail products grown and sold by members. If you produce retail agriculture products that are sold locally, sign up now to be featured in the Farm Fresh Members Market.
Study Shows Declining Values for Some Illinois Farmland
As harvest comes to a close, farmers turn their attention to 2017 business planning and possibly upcoming land sales. But are tracts selling for what they're actually worth, or previously appraised valuations? Understanding your area's most recent farmland value study and historical trends can help those considering to place the winning bid or sell to the highest bidder.
The commodities futures market saying, "Buy the rumor, Sell the fact," also applies to interest rates. Following telegraphed intentions by the FOMC to raise the Fed Funds Rate in December, and fluctuations in the market following the presidential election, how much higher will interest rates go, and how quickly? As the market quickly moves ahead of the Fed, will the committee feel compelled to play catch-up with the market?
Bill & Michelle Unland grow many crops in Cass County, and are known most for their produce. Boasting three high tunnel greenhouses and 15 acres for pumpkins and gourds alone, the Unlands are digging deep to provide local produce to their community.
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.
Andrew grew up in Sangamon County and graduated from Rochester High School before receiving his bachelor's degree in agricultural finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was advised by Dr. Gary Schnitkey. Andrew joined the Sherman team as a vice president of financial services on Dec. 30, 2015.
Farm Credit Illinois maintains a list of upcoming farmland auctions submitted within the Association's 60-county marketplace. The listing can be found at
The Performance Tool's W1665 is a 900 amp jump starter alongside a 300 psi air compressor/inflator and an LED work light. The W1665 includes two 12V power adaptor outlets, an on/off safety switch for jumper cables, and an automatic shut-off.
Congratulations to the winners of the farm safety kits following Issue 7:
Amy Secondino of Edgar County
C. Don Downen of Gallatin County
Craig Cheever of Iroquois County
Hank Hilmes of Clay County
Harry Jackson of Montgomery County
Kody Aldrich of Lawrence County
Leo Herzberger of Cass County
Lu Green of Vermilion County
Ralph Voss of Clinton County
Terry Cullivan of Sangamon County
Tom Carso of Franklin County
William Brown of Macon County
In Issue 7 of Essentials, readers were asked to describe their harvest season report. Here are the results from 215 respondents:
Milestones
Honoring FCI Staff Service
A special tribute to employees who reached significant milestones in their years of service to members and rural communities with Farm Credit Illinois since August 20.
