A pair producers say that access to capital to acquire farmland has been their biggest barrier entering the industry. Lydia O’Brien and her husband own a small cow/calf operation in the Nebraska Sandhills and says land prices are not affordable for someone getting into ranching. “We’re running into what most young producers do. We just…… Continue Reading
USDA focused on growing agricultural exports in 2026
A USDA official says the agency remains committed to expanding U.S. agricultural exports in 2026. Jason Hafemeister, the acting associate administrator for the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, says the biggest opportunities are with countries looking to expand their protein consumption. “Why not India? That’s another billion people. That’s another growing economy,” he says. “But it’s…… Continue Reading
Corn export inspections accelerate early in marketing year, outpacing last year
Corn export inspections continue to move out at a fast pace. The USDA says corn inspections during the week ending December 4th were up solidly from a year ago, mainly to Mexico and Japan, thanks to strong sales driven by competitive pricing during the first quarter of the marketing year. Wheat inspections were also above…… Continue Reading
Midday cash livestock markets
Direct cash cattle trade activity is quiet, typical for a Monday. Bids and asking prices have yet to surface as buyers and sellers are busy taking inventory. Significant trade volume will likely develop in the back half of the week. Deals last week took place mostly on Thursday with dressed business in Nebraska and Iowa…… Continue Reading
Nebraska Farm Bureau pushes policies to boost farmer profitability
The Nebraska Farm Bureau says there are several ag-related policies that could improve the profitability of producers. Vice President Katie Olson says this year’s proposed policy changes doubles down on the need for stronger, more reliable markets. She tells Brownfield that includes more trade agreements and export sales. “We just want something. We’re great producing…… Continue Reading
Beef price dynamics driven by short cattle supply and strong consumer appetite
The CEO of the Minnesota Beef Council is encouraged by the resiliency of U.S. beef demand. Kelly Schmidt says product interest remains high despite some headwinds. “We’ve had a lot of things going on in the cattle industry in the last month or so, a lot of news items. Talking about things that effect the…… Continue Reading
President Trump to announce farmer aid package today
President Trump is expected to unveil an assistance package for farmers this afternoon. According to Bloomberg, the program will distribute up to $11 billion in one-time payments, with the remaining $1 billion going to commodities not covered by the new program. American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall says the aid is appreciated. “But, even…… Continue Reading
Illinois Farm Bureau delegate session underway
Farmers from across Illinois have gathered in Chicago to set the policy direction for the coming year for the state’s largest farmer-led organization. The delegate session of the 111th annual meeting of the Illinois Farm Bureau is underway. 324 voting delegates are considering 30 different policy resolutions tackling everything from farmland ownership to new market…… Continue Reading
Missouri Farmer Joins USDA Leadership
Missouri soybean farmer Richard Fordyce has recently joined the USDA and is the new Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation. Listen to this Spotlight on Soybeans to learn more! The post Missouri Farmer Joins USDA Leadership appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. … Continue Reading
Duvall: Nationwide E15 could be nearing the finish line
The head of the American Farm Bureau Federation says nationwide, year-round E-15 might be within reach this month. “We’re really close. We are really close. Zippy Duvall says it will still take a large grassroots effort from farmers to make the case that higher ethanol blends can significantly increase demand. “We need a good push…… Continue Reading
