Illinois agriculture director

Illinois agriculture director out after six months on the job

Phil Nelson, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau for a decade, is on his way out as state agriculture director after six months on the job. Gov. Bruce Rauner's office announced that Nelson resigned with no explanation of the departure, said the Springfield State Journal-Register.

Johanns joins Deere board, Nelson become Illinois ag director

Mike Johanns, who completed a term as senator early this month, was elected to the board of directors of Deere and Co, the world's largest farm equipment manufacturer.