The CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says he’s optimistic the U.S. and China can reach a trade agreement that benefits U.S. agriculture. But Ted McKinney says new trade deals take patience, which can be difficult when a top customer of U.S. agriculture hasn’t bought much lately. “Some form of direct…… Continue Reading
Turning excess into access
The Feeding America network of food banks works with local farmers from across the country to rescue surplus and unharvested food that might otherwise go to waste. Dru Montri, vice president of Agri-Food Engagement for Feeding America, says that partnership looks different for everyone, but ultimately it’s about reducing food waste and increasing access to…… Continue Reading
New tech offers hope as herbicide resistance grows
With more weeds developing resistance to common herbicides, and fewer new options available for farmers, targeted spray applications and laser technologies are showing a lot of promise. University of Wisconsin Extension researcher Jed Colquhoun explains why he believes these new technologies are changing the game. The post New tech offers hope as herbicide resistance grows…… Continue Reading
Michigan crops struggle with dry soil as apple harvest picks up steam
Dry weather has been pushing the apple harvest across Michigan. Riveridge operations manager Justin Finkler tells Brownfield fruit size and overall yields have been impacted north of Grand Rapids. “The one thing that we have had is exceptional coloring weather this year – fruit is very well colored, quality seems to be good,” he shares.…… Continue Reading
Missouri farmer picked to lead state Farm Service Agency
Ronnie Russell from Richmond, Missouri has been named the new state executive director for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Russell has farmed corn, soybeans, wheat and hay and has cattle. He has served on the American Soybean Association and the Missouri Soybean Association’s Board of Directors. The post Missouri farmer picked to lead state Farm…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures sharply higher to start the week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply higher on short supplies. October live cattle closed $3.57 higher at $237.15 and December live cattle closed $4.50 higher at $240.22. October feeder cattle closed $7.25 higher at $361.35 and November feeder cattle closed $8.97 higher at $359.90. Direct cash cattle trade activity was…… Continue Reading
Variable rice as harvest advances in Arkansas
A rice agronomist with the University of Arkansas Extension says rice harvest continues at an above-average pace and the crop varies. Jarrod Hardke tells Brownfield “it’s most often true that if it’s a pretty good corn year, it’s a pretty good rice year. We normally harvest corn before we start harvesting the first rice so…… Continue Reading
South Dakota farmer says still waiting on harvest
A farmer in northeast South Dakota says he’s about two weeks away from starting harvest. “There’s a lot of green leaves still. I think there’s about 10 days until we can start.” Jeff Kippley tells Brownfield the recent rains have prolonged the growing season. “We had a very wet year. What hasn’t been washed out…… Continue Reading
Missouri corn yields lag behind 2024 in some areas
Farmers harvesting corn across north-central Missouri say the corn isn’t quite as good as it was last year. Cody Brock, who farms in Carroll County, says late season corn diseases impacted yields. “There was a lot of southern rust pressure that came in late this year.” But he says it’s not far off from the…… Continue Reading
Grain markets slide on Argentina export tax suspension
Soybeans were lower on fund and technical selling. Argentina says it is suspending grain and oilseed export taxes through October, likely boosting ag commodity sales. Argentina is, most years, the world’s largest exporter of soybean products, and has also been exporting more whole soybeans to China. That, combined with the lack of any positive ag…… Continue Reading
