Illinois farmers could soon see changes to the way pesticide licensing is handled.
Lawmakers in the top soybean-producing state passed a bill to amend the applicator licensing process. Right now, farmers take renewal exams every three years. That system is being replaced with a continuing education program, and first-time applicants must pass a 100-question test. After that, they can renew their status through the program.
Illinois fertilizer groups support the bill, which now goes to the governor’s desk.
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Ag Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson has referred to the proposal as “Farm Bill 2.0.”
In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
Alaska Congressman discusses his new role as Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus and his priorities for the West in the 119th Congress.
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The USDA says the framework is about “ending abusive government overreach” and “protecting farmers, families, and private property.”
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
