The transition from summer to fall is renewing calls for highly pathogenic avian influenza prevention and detection. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says recent cases in Nebraska and Minnesota serve as reminders migration is beginning. “We still have a challenge obviously with those wild bird introductions. So as those birds are migrating in the spring…… Continue Reading
Ag experts say U.S.-China discussions fail to address key farm trade issues
An ag economist says President Trump’s recent meeting with China’s president didn’t address ag trade tensions between the two countries. “It was a little bit disappointing in the ag sector that there were no comments of agriculture on the trade negotiation phone call last week,” said Jim McCormick with AgMarket.Net. McCormick says China has continued…… Continue Reading
Mainstreet economy dips in latest RMI survey
The latest Rural Mainstreet Index reveals declining economic conditions in the Midwest. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the September survey showed the region’s economic index sank below growth neutral for the seventh time in 2025. “Agricultural commodity prices are not where they need to be. In fact, if you’re talking about looking at corn,…… Continue Reading
Drone technology helps Illinois farmer improve soil health with timely cover crops
A southwestern Illinois farmer says recent rains should do wonders for his cover crops. Dale Haudrich, who farms in Monroe County, says drones seeded cover crops into his standing corn just before the precipitation. “We’ve got over an inch of rain here in the last two days, and I think we’ll have some cover crops…… Continue Reading
Walmart highlights commitment to local farmers with Midwest tours
Walmart store managers are touring farms across the Midwest to strengthen supply chain transparency and prioritize local suppliers during harvest. Jeff Stone, with Corporate Affairs and Community Relations at Walmart, tells Brownfield the “Grow with Us” tours highlight how farmers and local communities grow with the company. “I think what this reemphasized is Walmart’s commitment…… Continue Reading
Planting date and drought show yield contrasts in Ohio fields
A pair of agronomists with Beck’s Hybrids say rapid weather changes throughout the growing season have created crop variability across the state. Northern Ohio-based Mike Hannewald says early-season rainfall is impacting stands. “The places I’ve seen key differences are where they planted in good conditions, they got good early root development and early growth for corn…… Continue Reading
This Harvest, Let’s Put Safety First—Because Lives Depend on It
Commentary. You never think it’ll happen to you. Not on your farm. Not with your family. But the numbers don’t lie. Every three days in the U.S., a child dies in an ag-related incident. Every single day, 33 more are seriously injured. And here’s the part that really hits home—over 60% of those children weren’t…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices steady to lower Tuesday
Cash dairy prices were steady to lower except for block cheese Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was unchanged at $0.64. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.02 at $1.63. Fifteen sales were recorded, ranging from $1.60 to $1.63. Cheese barrels were down $0.0225 at $1.61. One sale was recorded,…… Continue Reading
U.S. ethanol exports to soar under new UK trade framework, says RFA CEO
The CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association sees tremendous potential for U.S. ethanol in the trade framework with the United Kingdom. Geoff Cooper says the UK has become a top export market. “But this trade deal framework that the Trump administration has ironed out with the UK would significantly expand the potential market in the…… Continue Reading
Momentum continues for beef, pork demand
The president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation says he’s optimistic about long term, global demand for American beef and pork. Dan Halstrom says trade agreement frameworks with Indonesia and Australia have been a good first step. “I don’t think it will be huge market but it will be a significant market…… Continue Reading
