U.S. Senators have mixed reviews on President Trump’s 2026 budget proposal, which if realized, would cut 18% of federal spending at the USDA. At a Senate Ag Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, chairman John Hoeven, a Republican from North Dakota, said lawmakers can work with USDA to save money, but “we’ve got to know we’re…… Continue Reading
Reconciliation pivotal in farm bill discussions
A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says she’s gravely concerned about the effects of ongoing budget reconciliation efforts in Congress. Nikki Budzinski, an Illinois Democrat, says this week’s expected committee markup of the legislation is pivotal for a new farm bill. “In this markup, it’s going to be debated about $230 billion of…… Continue Reading
AFBF economist says off-farm income is keeping farmers going
An economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation says off-farm income is helping keep U.S. farming operations afloat. Danny Munch says a recent Market Intel Report shows 98% of farms receive some form of off-farm income. “The average on farm income was a loss of $900 in 2023,” he says. “That means that numerically, most…… Continue Reading
Ethanol exports strong during March
U.S. ethanol exports surged from February to March. The Renewable Fuels Association says ethanol exports of 195.8 million gallons were up 41% on the month and 23% on the year. Canada claimed the top spot for the fourth year in a row, taking in a six month high, followed by the United Kingdom, the European…… Continue Reading
State senator says water task force good news for future of water in Nebraska
A Nebraska state senator says a new water task force could play a key role in addressing the state’s nitrate contamination issue. Tom Brandt, a farmer from Plymouth, tells Brownfield, “We have a tremendous problem of nitrates from one end of the state to the other. We need to identify what the problem is, identify…… Continue Reading
Far-reaching concerns from USDA cuts
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has confirmed more than 15,000 employees are taking a buyout from the USDA and the president of the National Farmers Union says it’s alarming. Rob Larew says the USDA’s efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse are admirable – but the move is already impacting producers at a local level.…… Continue Reading
A critical point in the fight against New World screwworm
The head lobbyist with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the U.S. is at a critical point in the fight against New World screwworm. Ethan Lane with NCBA says the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has resumed its eradication efforts. “In central Mexico, APHIS believes that really is the last chance we have…… Continue Reading
Tariff confusion impacting already high fertilizer prices
The vice president of fertilizer with Stone X Group says the Trump administration’s tariffs are impacting fertilizer markets. Josh Linville tells Brownfield, “A lot of confusion.” He says, “Are they going to be in place? Are they not going to be in place? What’s the tariff rate going to be? Is it going to include…… Continue Reading
National 4-H Council Roth Scholar develops first Ohio 4-H Wargame
Photo contributed by Ohio State CFAES. Ohio 4-H members are gaining leadership skills by solving problems in agriculture through real-world experiences. Geauga County 4-H member Campbell Reese developed the first Ohio 4-H Wargame for her capstone project for the National 4-H Council’s Roth Leadership Academy. “There were 25 individuals from across the country, five from Ohio,…… Continue Reading
Illinois farmer says 2025 planting season off to strong start
A central Illinois farmer says his early planted crops are off to a strong start. John Klemm, who farms in DeWitt County, says it was a productive April. “We were able to get in the field in good time in early April and we’ve got a lot done.” He says, “We got most of our…… Continue Reading
