Out Standing in the Field

Are Black Swans Circling over Illinois Farm Fields

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:01:18 +0000

University of Illinois Extension Agriculture Educator Doug Gucker discusses the financial outlook for farmers and strategies for surviving low-profit years.

Spring weather affecting crops, markets

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 18 May 2021 18:55:07 +0000

Illinois Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks about the effects temperature has had on current crops, discusses the market, and a crop scouting competition for teens in this episode of Out Standing In the Field.

Long Range Price Forecast for Grains and more!

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 19:22:49 +0000

Doug Gucker discusses the USDA long-range price forecast for grains, corn production changes over the last 15 years, South America and the Ukraine production, and the Illinois Farm Economic Summit

Healthy Meals in the Field

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 20:49:50 +0000

Doug Gucker talks with Registered Dietitian Caitlin Mellendorf about the importance of nutrition for farmers during harvest season. More information about Healthy Meals can be found in the Know How, Know More blog at go.illinois.edu/khkm read. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Farmland Lease Trends

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:18:39 +0000

Extension Education Doug Gucker talks about farmland lease trends, variability in crop yields and ways to reduce stress.

A Brief Introduction to the Available Government Relief Programs

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:26:12 +0000

A short synopsis of the multiple relief programs created by the government, a quick check on winter weeds and insect capture and a reminder to invest some time in yourself during these stressful times.

Navigating Markets in Uncertain Times

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:24:45 +0000

Over the past couple of weeks, stock and commodity agriculture markets have been struggling. We are currently in a flash recession, according to University of Illinois Agriculture Economists Todd Hubbs and Scott Irwin. The good news is it should end relatively quickly. FarmDoc Webinars Sign up to stream live: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2099348534071817995 Watch after: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLygb9o2FACqsAwhy8n9p61rCEAWk81WwG Acres of Knowledge blog: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/acres-knowledge/2020-03-27-navigating-agricultural-markets-uncertain-times For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Spring is Coming: Ready or Not, Here We Go

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 18:29:19 +0000

Extension educator Doug Gucker returns to discuss Farm Program and Crop Insurance deadlines in March, grain storage issues after a wet fall and warm winter, new dicamba restrictions and more. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Welcome to 2020: Programs and Trainings

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 18:17:44 +0000

Extension educator Doug Gucker returns to discuss sign-ups for farm commodity programs - ARC, PLC and MAL - available until March 15, Illinois' mandatory annual dicamba training and upcoming farm conferences and Extension webinars. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Now & Then: Crop Conditions & Long-term Planning

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 16:25:36 +0000

It's been an interesting year so far with weather and prices in ways most people in agriculture wish it wouldn't. Extension educator Doug Gucker talks about crop conditions in Central Illinois, long-term planning, and the upcoming 2019 Farm Progress Show being hosted in Decatur. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

A Tale of Two Fields

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 17:30:17 +0000

After a wet spring, Central Illinois weather is back at it again with dry fields down the road from standing water, spotty rain and insects on the move. Extension educator Doug Gucker talks about crop conditions, upcoming field day events and the 2019 Farmer Progress Show being hosted in Decatur. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Track 24

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 24 May 2019 13:34:12 +0000

It's official. Central Illinois has had the wettest spring on record. Extension educator Doug Gucker talks about what that's meant for planting, a market spike because of the delays and issues with black cutworms. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Walk the Line: Expected Corn & Soy Returns for 2019

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 18:40:16 +0000

Extension educator Doug Gucker talks about expected corn and soybean returns for Central Illinois, how that relates to federal safety net programs, the few remaining pesticide applicator trainings and finally, some good news about weather projections for March! For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Start Planning: 2019 Crop Budgets & Insurance Calculator

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 18:15:02 +0000

Local Food Systems & Small Farms Extension educator Doug Gucker discusses the newly released crop budgets for the Midwest, the crop insurance calculate and upcoming Extension programs. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug. Learn more about Extension at go.illinois.edu/dmp

Grain: The Good and the Bad

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 22:45:14 +0000

One last podcast to end the year. Bad news - grain prices are expected to stay low over the next few years. Good new - organic grain production is showing it is more productive For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug

November Report - Market prices to should you diversify?

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:34:12 +0000

Local Food Systems & Small Farms Extension educator Doug Gucker discusses market prices, questions about diversifying and upcoming programs. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug

Cash Leases: Are You Doing Them Wrong?

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 14:53:10 +0000

Now is the time of year to work out farmland lease renewals. But instead of a straight cash lease, why not try a flexible or hybrid lease? Local Food Systems & Small Farms Extension educator Doug Gucker discusses leases, an upcoming Beef Research Field Day (goo.gl/hQVgFf) and crop prices. For Central Illinois ag updates, follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterDoug

Goodness Gracious Great Growing Season

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 16:41:46 +0000

This season's heat and mostly consistent rain means the corn and soybean growing season is moving along in Central Illinois. Extension educator Doug Gucker discusses grain safety as lower prices likely mean longer storage as well as a Grazing Day program July 21 in Northern Illinois. Registration here: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=18839. You can follow Doug on Twitter at @soilwaterdoug or learn more about the Local Food Systems Small Farms program for DeWitt, Macon and Piatt counties at go.illinois.edu/dmp.

Feel the Heat - Crop Conditions

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:55:58 +0000

Central Illinois farmers have been feeling the heat and crops have been suffering because of it. Extension Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker has updates on field conditions for DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Planting, Palmar Amaranth & Tick Tock It's Tick Season

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:08:30 +0000

Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks about how the spring planting seasonis going for corn and sobyeans in Central Illinois, dealing with Palmar Amaranth this season and a projected heavy tick season. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Springtime Tariff Blues

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 14:37:59 +0000

Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks about how tariff talks with China and the European have Central Illinois farmers worried about what to plant, have a late spring will affect insects, nitrogen fertilizer prices and low soil temperatues. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

March - In Like a Lion, Out like Grain is Rallying

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:19:22 +0000

Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks about the looming crop insurance deadline and factors that might influence your choice, rallying grain prices and new regulations with Dicamba tolerant soybeans. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

2018 Grain Outlook & Effective Farm Managers

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 17:14:48 +0000

This month Extension Educator Doug Gucker discusses current trends in marketing, how 2018 will treat grain farmers and skills resilient farm managers need. And to wrap it all up Illinois Extension is back at it again with its Small Farms Winter Webinar Series starting in January. Details and classes here: goo.gl/sDSo7i. We are also hosting Annies Project on March 6 with a focus on Know Your Numbers. Check out go.illinois.edu/dmp for more details soon. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

'Tis the season for NAFTA fallout and FSMA rules

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 20:17:56 +0000

Deck the halls with news of NAFTA. Extension Educator Doug Gucker isn't usually a grinch, but he doesn't have good news when it comes to how the trade agreement may affect farmers. And small farmers who sell direct to consumers need to take heed new Food Safety Modernization Act exemption rules. And to wrap it all up Illinois Extension is back at it again with its Small Farms Winter Webinar Series starting in January. Details and classes here: https://goo.gl/sDSo7i. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

When It Rains, It Pours

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 15:43:00 +0000

The rain Central Illinois has been waiting on finally came and with it wet soils and the possibility of compaction. Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker talks about that and soil temperatures and fall nitrogen, the winter weather outlook and pesticide applicator training programs. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Fall Reminders

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 17:11:39 +0000

Central Illinois got some much-needed rain the first week of October which gave farmers a bit of a break from the 2017 harvest which is halfway complete. In this issue, Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker discusses soil testing, cover crops and new decreased fertlizer recommendations. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Of Fields and Stink Bugs

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 21:15:21 +0000

Harvest is underway in Central Illinois. Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker is talking about field conditions, a growing number of stink bugs and what a dry fall has to do with tractor maintenance and insurance. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Rules of the Road: Don't Text and Drive a Tractor

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 18:03:08 +0000

It's harvest season, which means farmers and vehicles are sharing the road. Extension Educator Doug Gucker provides guidelines on rural road safety from leaving plenty of room when passing to making sure SMV emblems on equipment are visible. Also in this episode, moderate drought conditions in Central Illinois (map: https://goo.gl/QCN1wc. ) and how crops are responding. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

What You Need to Know about Renegotiating Cash Rents

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 18:29:25 +0000

In Illinois, 75% of farmland is owned by non-farming landowners. University of Illinois Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker talks about what farmers in Central Illinois need to know about this year's projected yields to renegotiate effectively. Don't forget the solar eclipse is Monday, August 21. Miss out on getting a pair of glasses? Here's a video on how to make a pinhole projector to watch! https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/how-make-pinhole-projector-view-solar-eclipse

Field Conditions, Market Prices and Farm Progress Show

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 16:20:37 +0000

Moving into August, Extension Educator Doug Gucker touches on field conditions for corn and soybeans in Central Illinois, market price expectations and how to give input for the Illinois Farm Bill. He's also thinking ahead to later this month when Extension will be at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur and the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. Follow him on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Wibbily Wobbly Weather

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:38:56 +0000

Extension's Doug Gucker is talking all about the weather this week from heavy dew mornings and how a wet spring followed by a dry stretch means corn is shorter than normal in parts of Central Illinois. He touches on crop progress and prices. Follow him on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or subscribe to his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Starting July Dry

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 18:51:51 +0000

Here is the drought map for Illinois - http://bit.ly/2tQS3Em. Notice that yellow swath with DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties right in the middle? Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks about what drought conditions mean for crops as well as a rally in prices, herbicide drift, pests and upcoming Extension events. Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug

How Deep do Corn Roots Grow?

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 15:14:54 +0000

Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks corn! This week he's covering everything from foliar diseases to redundant fungicide applications to how deep corn roots grow as well as insect issues with forage. Subscribe to his blog Acres of Knowledge for updates on Central Illinois farming: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Get Weedy With It

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:07:44 +0000

Extension Educator Doug Gucker hits on current crop conditions, herbicide, forage quality and upcoming programs, including a noxious weeds program at the University of Illinois. Follow him on twitter @soilwaterdoug or check out his blog Acres of Knowledge at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/

Slows Crops & Spring Diseases

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 26 May 2017 17:47:43 +0000

It's been a wet spring here in Central Illinois. Extension Educator Doug Gucker breaks down what that means for crop emergence and uneven stands, spring diseases and haymakers.

Low Grain Prices and Flooded Fields

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Mon, 08 May 2017 17:08:45 +0000

Grain prices are still low while water levels are rising in fields. Local Food Systems & Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker covers what you need to know about both as well as checking fields for insects in the May edition of Out Standing in the Field. Follow him on Twitter at @soilwaterDoug.

2017 Crop Outlook & 4 Quick Tips for Using Dicamba

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 19:17:58 +0000

Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker is back at it again with information on the 2017 corn and soybean price outlook, a warning about grain bin temperatures and tips for using using herbicide, especially dicamba. Follow him on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or his blog "Acres of Knowledge" at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/eb263/.

Get Ready for a Spring Freeze

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 20:15:08 +0000

It may feel like winter, but we're gearing up for spring in this month's Out Standing in the Field. Extension Educator Doug Gucker is talking about potential freeze damage to wheat crops and fruit trees, a new study showing palmar amarath can become resistant to the herbicide Dicamba in as little as three years and being careful if you plan on double planting your soybeans.

Spring Weather Outlook & 2017 Soybean Prices

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 19:11:48 +0000

The calendar says February, but the ground hasn't been frozen in Central Illinois since January 10 so we're looking ahead to spring and the possibility of an El Nino. Local Food Systems, Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker talks 2017 soybean price expectations, an update to phosphorus and potassium recommendations for corn, soybeans and wheat and the total solar eclipse in Southern Illinois in August. • Agriculture Economist Todd Hubb's 2017 Soybean Prospects report: bit.ly/2kRVgvC Events • Private Applicator Testing, February 27 in Decatur: bit.ly/2lTgHR4 • Illinois Beef Expo, February 23-26 in Springfield: illinoisbeefexpo.com • Illinois Forage Institute, March 1 in Macomb: www.illinoisforage.org/ • Total solar eclipse on August 21: eclipsewise.com/oh/ec2017.html

Illinois Herbicide Resistance Growing

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 14:49:08 +0000

In this month's Out Standing in the Field, Educator Doug Gucker is talking about a new University of Illinois study about growing herbicide resistance in Illinois fields (http://bit.ly/2jVbvHP), grain bin safety with fluctuating winter temperatures and what NOAA has to do with Ground Hog's Day.

2017 Laws & Events

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 16:31:41 +0000

It may be the dead of winter but there's a lot going on Central Illinois agriculture. Local Foods/Small Farms University of Illinois Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks about some 2017 law changes to worker protection standards and the FDA vet feed directive and upcoming events. Learn more about the new worker Protection Standard Rules in 2017 on Doug's "Acres of Knowledge" blog: bit.ly/2j1y1yU. Yuu can find the WPS reference guide mentioned in this podcast here: bit.ly/2crCg67. January 14 4-H Cattle Clinic in Blue Mound details: bit.ly/2igeTvk. Call 217.622.4466 to register The small farms Winter Webinar series starts January 19. Topics include Stawberry Plasticulture, Food Safety, Beekeeping and more. Find a full listing and registration details here: bit.ly/2gJ5DE9 Follow Doug on Twitter @soilwaterdoug or find more local food systems and small farms news and programs at facebook.com/UIExtenDMPLocalFoodSmallFarms.

Livestock, Weeds & Webinars, Looking Ahead to 2017

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This month's episode is packed with Central Illinois agriculture news on antibiotics for livestock, tips from the Farm Economic Summit, more on Xtendi Max herbicide and upcoming events. - You can sign up for the winter webinars mentioned in the podcast here: http://bit.ly/2gJ5DE9. - And register for our Piatt County agriculture forum here: http://bit.ly/2fmAoLF.

Deer, XtendiMax™ & Agriculture Forum

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 15:08:45 +0000

Local Food Systems & Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker talks about being cautious driving this time of year with deer on the move, a new XtendiMax™ and the lengthy instructions that come with it. We also have a series of forums asking Central Illinois farmers what programs they'd like to see Extension provide. Dates and details here: http://bit.ly/2eWzVgM. Learn more about XtendiMax™ here http://bit.ly/2f0NL4U on Doug's Acres of Knowledge blog.

USDA Reports Forecast Grim Price Outlook

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 20:07:10 +0000

In the October issue, Local Food Systems & Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker talks about two reports released by the USDA - The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report and the Crops Production report. Here is the link to the farmdoc report on deflated prices by Carl Zulauf: http://bit.ly/2e0cXb0

Corn Diseases, Crop Fallover and Harvest Safety

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 15:39:37 +0000

In our last podcast for September and before harvest starts picking, Extension Local Foods, Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker covers why soybeans may have grown too well this season, corn disease and harvest road safety for farmers.

Get Ready for Harvest

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Extension Educator Doug Gucker talks about the fantastic field conditions in DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties, the status of double crop soybeans and preparing for harvest by making sure everything is in working order. Learn more about our Local Food Systems & Small Farms programs at web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/localfoods.html.

A Wet July & Revenue Forecast

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Extension Small Farms & Local Foods Educator Doug Gucker talks about the status of east-central Illinois corn and soybeans (the good), an invasion of black moths (the bad) and the revenue projections for 2016 (the not so good).

Weather Scares & Market Swings

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 22:01:01 +0000

Local Food Systems & Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker talks about weather scares, market swings and kids driving tractors in episode 2 of Out Standing in the Field for July 15, 2016.

Out Standing in the Field Podcast: Welcome!

University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:28:56 +0000

Welcome to the first episode of Out Standing in the Field with Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator Doug Gucker. Twice a month, Doug will be reporting on field conditions and issues for commercial agriculture in DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties in Central Illinois