A Wisconsin farmer who serves in the State Legislature says his fellow farmers would be wise to pay attention to bills being considered at the Capitol. Republican Travis Tranel operates a dairy and crop farm near Cuba City. He is also an author of Assembly Bill 31, which along with companion Senate Bill 8 would…… Continue Reading
Milk takes the spotlight as ADAI prepares for Indianapolis 500
The American Dairy Association Indiana says the month of May is an opportunity to showcase the role of dairy to a healthy diet. Brooke Williams, director of communications, says the winner of the Indianapolis 500 drinks a glass of milk in the winner’s circle, which highlights milk’s nutritional value. “Whether you’re finishing a workout or grabbing…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farmer adapts to urban sprawl
A corn and soybean grower who farms south of the Twin Cities continues to adapt to urban sprawl. Brent Mohn of Northfield, Minnesota says residential and commercial growth influences his crop rotation. “We farm closer to urban areas, so some things are going to be leaving production going to development or stuff so we’ve adapted…… Continue Reading
China remains absent from U.S. pork market
The USDA says China did not buy any U.S. pork during the week ending May 1st. That’s the fifth week in a row China has not purchased U.S. pork, at least partially due to the ongoing tariff dispute between the world’s two largest economies. U.S. and Chinese representatives are scheduled to meet this weekend to…… Continue Reading
An opportunity for a farm bill in 2025
The Chairman of the House Ag Committee says there’s a path forward to get a farm bill this year. Glenn “GT” Thompson says right now, the goal is to move the farm bill in two parts. The first is budget reconciliation, which Thompson calls a down payment on it. “We are investing more dollars in…… Continue Reading
Near record rainfall delays planting progress in southeast Indiana
A southeast Indiana farmer says his operation has been battling with one of the wettest Aprils on record. Tim Gauck raises corn, soybeans, wheat, and non-GMO corn in Decatur County. “I see the weatherman say we had the 6th or 7th seventh wettest April with almost 8 inches of rain near Indianapolis,” he says. “We had two…… Continue Reading
Compeer Financial supporting fairs across multiple states
County fairs across three states are receiving a boost thanks to Compeer Financial. Karen Schieler, manager of corporate giving, says the company’s County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program has awarded $242,000 to 61 county fairs in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. “Upgrading hog pens, a lot of electrical updates, a lot of updates to wash racks,…… Continue Reading
Leader of idled Iowa biodiesel plant speaks to ongoing uncertainties
The head of an Iowa-based biodiesel production facility says operations have been on-hold for several months and the situation hasn’t improved. “We’re shut down and we have been since the end of December,” said Bradley Wilson, president of Western Iowa Energy. Wilson says continued market uncertainty has been challenging for biodiesel producers. “It derives from…… Continue Reading
March export demand for dairy likely shows stockpiling
The U.S. Dairy Export Council says export volumes increased to the highest monthly level for March in more than two years. The Council says the three percent increase in U.S. dairy shipments could be a sign of buyers getting ahead of supply chain challenges and tariff uncertainty. Total butter export sales were up 171 percent…… Continue Reading
Economist says next supply and demand report may not move the market much
An ag economist doesn’t expect the next supply and demand report to have a significant impact on commodity prices. Jeff Peterson is the president of Heartland Farm Partners. “Here’s what I think is going to happen. We’re going to get these numbers out, and the market is going to digest it and immediately look…… Continue Reading
