The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association is proud to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through its 2025-2026 Scholarship Application. This year, IFCA will award five scholarships - four valued at $1,500 each and one scholarship of $2,500 for the overall applicant. These scholarships recognize students pursuing careers in the ag input or crop protection industries.   Please share the scholarship application link ...more

IFCA received notice that both phosphate and potash were added the U.S. Geological Survey’s newly released Final List of Critical Minerals. This is a huge win for the fertilizer industry that has worked on this issue over a handful of years. Both phosphate and potash are essential to U.S. food and national security. Including these minerals on the Critical Minerals ...more

Below are few key issues that IFCA was watching at the Capitol as legislators wrapped up veto session:   Energy Legislation Energy legislation is set to become law after passing through both legislative chambers with the governor’s endorsement. SB25 funds energy storage systems through a new charge to Illinois electric customers that will take effect in 2030. The bill also lifts a longtime ban ...more

It is critical that this administration, Congress, state legislators, and other policymakers understand the importance of pesticides to keeping American agriculture strong. A strong American economy depends on the ability of farmers to protect crops from weeds, pests, and disease.    Our national partner, CropLife America, has published a new fact sheet explaining the vital role pesticides play in modern agriculture. The ...more

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the September 29, 2023, crash near Teutopolis, Illinois, that killed five people and injured several others. According to the NTSB, the probable cause of the accident was an unsafe passing maneuver by a 17-year-old driver in a no-passing zone. This action forced the driver of a cargo tank truck to take evasive measures, leading to ...more

A new analysis from North Dakota State University’s Agricultural Trade Monitor shows that recent U.S. tariffs are already shifting global fertilizer supply chains, creating potential long-term risks for American agriculture.   Following the Trump administration’s April decision to impose a 10 percent baseline tariff on nearly all U.S. imports, fertilizer imports from tariff-covered countries have dropped sharply. Between April and ...more

The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association recently hosted a webinar with Dr. John Jones on fall nitrogen management. He discussed how dry conditions, soil moisture, and recent corn nitrogen trials affect fertilizer use, as well as the role of cover crops, profit margins, and nutrient removal rates. Dr. Jones also emphasized soil sampling for more efficient fertilizer planning.   Click here to view the webinar ...more

As the fall ammonia season approaches, IFCA is sharing 14 key safety reminders and recommendations to help you prepare for the safe handling and transport of anhydrous ammonia:   1.  Remember to always utilize your ammonia gloves and chemical splash goggles when working around ammonia.  Never wear contact lenses when working around anhydrous ammonia.   2.  Always assume ammonia is present in all equipment or ...more

IFCA was recently in Washington, D.C. representing our members and advocating for the agricultural industry. During the visit, IFCA met with the Illinois congressional delegation, members of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, the Agricultural Retailers Association, The Fertilizer Institute, CropLife America, and the EPA. Key topics discussed with senators and representatives included the government shutdown, the farm economy, tariffs, MAHA, and the ...more

Every other month, Illinois Extension provides a new Illinois Pesticide Review Newsletter. Here you will find information on legislation, regulations and other developments directly impacting pesticide use in Illinois. The latest edition includes the following articles: Teens demonstrate pesticide knowledge at Youth Crop Scouting Competition Protect your eyes while working with pesticides Jean Miles retires after 28 years with Pesticide Safety Education Program Welcome, ...more

President Trump released two executive orders (EOs) regarding tariffs released by the White House. IFCA has been receiving calls from our members asking what was in it. Here are a few key takeaways from the executive orders issued last week: The EO titled Further Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates establishes a host of new ad valorem duties, raising tariff rates above the previous 10% baseline for nearly 70 ...more