Economic Research Service is a primary source of economic information and research in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 450 employees, ERS conducts a research program to inform public and private decision-making on economic and policy issues involving food, farming, natural resources, and rural development.
Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) Farm Management Information in this section is useful in a variety of management decisions. Much of the data used in this section comes from the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) Associations.
Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program ASAP facilitates and promotes research and education which protects Illinois' natural and human resources while sustaining agricultural production forever
CFAR Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research advance profitable, consumer-sensitive, environmentally sound food, agricultural and related systems by securing funding for relevant research and outreach and fostering public participation in program guidance.
Farm Machinery Custom Rates A series of reports on the costs of completing field, harvesting, and forage operations on Illinois farms are now available on the University of Illinois's farmdoc website. The reports also include per hour costs for operating tractors.
Farm.doc (Finance) An interactive information system to evaluate and improve the financial performance of farming operations, included are: financial data for Illinois farm operations, interactive business decision tools, research results, downloadable financial analysis applications, and tips for using the data and tools to measure and manage farm risks.
FAST (Farm Analysis Solution Tools) These are a suite of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets designed to assist those in agriculture make better decisions via user-friendly computer programs. FAST aids users in performing financial analysis, assessing investment decisions, and evaluating the impacts of various management decisions.
Illinois Agronomy Handbook Illinois Agronomy Handbook gives farmers and their advisers the research-based guidance they need.
Machinery Cost Estimates Shows costs of operating machinery for Illinois. Economic analysis of machining costs are provided here. Useful publications from other states are here.
