Local Ag News

An Aledo High School grad honored by the Texas Tech Department of Animal and Food Sciences Hall of Fame, earning the Graduate of Distinction with Advanced Degree Award. Jon DeClerck was a livestock judging coach [FULL STORY]

The Sherrard FFA Chapter will lead another Livestock Fitting Clinic later this month. The event is intended for exhibitors in advance of the county fair season says Sherrard FFA President Levi Schurr. The clinic is [FULL STORY]

Mercer County is represented by two members in Congress, and both serve in the House Ag Committee. But the two have differing positions on tariffs. Republican Mary Miller has been a major advocate for President [FULL STORY]

The Mercer County Board this week adopted a “pro ag” resolution. It’s an effort of the Illinois Farm Bureau called “Allies in Agriculture.” Mitchell Remmert and Ryan Tate are with IFB’s local government team. Mercer [FULL STORY]

Area farmland values declined in 2024. In an 11-county region that includes Mercer County, 2024 closed sales averaged between $13,500 and $15,500 per acre for excellent productivity land, which represents a five to ten percent [FULL STORY]

Local farmers continue to respond to food insecurity issues. The Bushels for Hunger program is coordinated through Mercer, Henry, and Rock Island County Farm Bureaus. The effort donated another $21,000 to the River Bend Food [FULL STORY]

The Mercer County FFA Chapter receiving the framed jacket of former FFA state officer Jennifer McCaw Zecher. The Aledo High School grad passed away last October in Florida. Her husband, former Mercer County Farm Bureau [FULL STORY]

The Quad Cities Farm Show returns to the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois, this weekend, offering farmers and agricultural enthusiasts a chance to explore the latest advancements in farming equipment, products, and services. [FULL STORY]

Local farmers invited to a Tri-County Workshop on conservation and farming later this month. The program is being organized by Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Mercer, Henry, and Rock Island County. The event is [FULL STORY]

The 2024 Illinois State Cornhusking Contest set for this coming weekend in western Illinois. The event is Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Mike Hennenfent Farm, 1063 30th Street in Smithshire. Dick Humes of Little York [FULL STORY]