Summer 2025 has created challenges for growers and graziers across Illinois. Learn what three farmers are doing to extend the growing season and manage their drought plan.

Winter of 2025 is especially challenging following a summer of drought that strained forage management and an early heavy snow across much of the state of Illinois. The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition team discusses managing late fall grazing and concerns following a hard freeze. As we look deeper into winter, the group discusses the nutritional needs of fall pairs, winter feeding strategies, and fighting the mud we know is coming.

The foundation of a profitable forage and livestock operation is healthy soil. Luke Jones of Understanding Ag joined Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition Director of Producer Programs Logan Karcher in February 2026 for a 35-minute discussion of building and maintaining healthy soil.