News Releases About Ag Invest

Discover how Ag Invest connects Illinois farmers and agribusinesses with affordable financing to strengthen operations, pursue new opportunities and support the state’s agricultural economy.

Green corn leaves in a field with an overcast sky above. Photo is titled Corn Rows.

When Farmers Need Help Weathering the Storm

This summer, I was awakened by a tremendous storm in the middle of the night. My first thought was how much I don’t like the rain. I didn’t always feel this way. As a kid, I loved playing in the rain. I think my attitude started to change when baseball games were rained out. I also distinctly remember my first job detasseling corn really turned me against the rain. By the time I got through the field, my shoes were covered in 5 to 10 pounds of mud, my clothes…

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Green corn leaves in a field with an overcast sky above. Photo is titled Corn Rows.

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces Winners of 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest

Key Points: State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced the winning photographers for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest, which provides Illinois students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. The top nine photographers, ages 8 to 18, will be awarded Bright Start 529 college savings scholarships. “Congratulations to the young Illinoisans who explored their surroundings, tapped into their creativity, and experimented with their photographic skills by participating in our Cream of the Crop contest,” Frerichs said. “These students’ photos truly reflect the…

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Aerial view of Frerichs family farm

Investing in Farmers

I enjoy driving through downstate Illinois this time of year when farmers are planting in the fields. It means spring has arrived and reminds me of riding on my grandfather’s tractor as a kid. It gives me a sense of optimism. Farming is an annual gamble. A lot of time and money goes into putting a crop in the field. There could be a drought, or a flood, or tariffs could drive down the price of corn and soybeans, and farmers could lose money. It takes faith to keep farming…

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