Weather forecasts of the future may offer farmers more actionable information than what they currently receive. Illinois state climatologist Trent Ford says research is underway to incorporate artificial intelligence into weather modeling to offer more precise agronomic forecasts. “What we’re trying to do is integrate those forecasts with more agronomic information so we can get…… Continue Reading
Nebraska Farm Bureau urges lawmakers to curb property tax growth
Following years of legislative efforts, Nebraska Farm Bureau is renewing its push for meaningful property tax relief. President Mark McHargue says statewide collections jumped by nearly $286 million in 2025, an increase of more than 5 percent. “We’re just saying, in general, across the board, we don’t want to increase the tax levy more than…… Continue Reading
China’s buying strategy may still favor U.S. soybeans later this year
An ag economist says he’s cautiously optimistic that China will keep pace with soybean purchases this year. Dan O’Brien with Kansas State University says it’s not unusual that they’ve turned to Brazil right now. “Given the skill of Chinese buyers, they’ll go with the cheapest soybeans to start with harvest coming on in South…… Continue Reading
Analyst expects China to remain absent from U.S. soybean market
A grain analyst says she’s concerned the U.S. won’t see demand from China return now that soybean export commitments have been met. Susan Stroud with No Bull Ag tells Brownfield China has been absent from the market since it met it’s 12 million metric ton limit, and no timeline has been given for the next…… Continue Reading
TFI economist says geopolitics could drive new fertilizer innovation amid supply chain disruptions
The chief economist for The Fertilizer Institute says she expects to see more product innovation as geopolitics continues to interrupt supply chains. Veronica Nigh tells Brownfield that it could mean turning to different nutrients like ammonium sulfate and Triple Superphosphate (TSP). “We’re seeing that experimentation in other parts of the world, and that might be a…… Continue Reading
Michigan reports first HPAI case of 2026 in backyard flock
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the year. The state says the backyard flock in Ottawa County comes after a three-month break, with the last case reported in November. State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland says even with the cold temperatures, the virus…… Continue Reading
Hawkins: farmer bridge is a band-aid, Congress must act
The president of Missouri Farm Bureau says he’s disappointed there have been some delays from Congress on more farmer assistance, but “I’m not giving up hope by any means.” Garrett Hawkins tells Brownfield it’s been challenging for issues to move through Congress. “We’re going to continue to work on that additional funding and as an…… Continue Reading
New grants aim to boost Illinois food system
The local food system in Illinois is getting a boost. Raghela Scavuzzo, executive director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, says farmers and community members across the state stand to benefit from the announcement of two new grant programs. “The Illinois Department of Agriculture was able to announce the Local Food Infrastructure grants, and Feeding…… Continue Reading
Rising cattle weights in 2025 help maintain beef production
A livestock economist says heavier cattle weights continue to offset tighter cattle supplies. Kenny Burdine with the University of Kentucky says live cattle weights for 2025 were up 33 pounds from the previous year. “Looking at 2025 versus 2024, a 2.4% increase is very significant,” he says. “Holding everything else constant, that means we could harvest…… Continue Reading
Midday cash livestock markets
Direct cash cattle trade activity remains relatively quiet. Bids have surfaced at $232 live, but are being passed. Asking prices have remained elusive. There were a handful of deals reported in Iowa on Monday, but that business wasn’t enough to establish and accurate price trend for the week. Look for significant trade volume to develop…… Continue Reading
