An ag economist says the wheat market currently faces a tough situation. Greg McBride with Allendale says there’s very good demand for U.S. wheat. “You just saw the USDA increase the export demand number on Friday’s report.” But he tells Brownfield the problem is that any sustained upside might be limited by the large global…… Continue Reading
Local buyers taking advantage of Iowa farmland opportunities
The vice president of Iowa Appraisal says local communities have been driving the farmland market in the state. Jim Rothermich tells Brownfield that September has been a strong month for ag land sales. “Most of them are local buyers, like at a $24,400 per acre sale in Mitchell County. That was local buyers there for…… Continue Reading
IATP blasts Trump admin’s use of tariffs
The executive director of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy says the Trump administration’s use of tariffs has taken a toll on U.S. farmers and ranchers. “It’s been devastating,” Sophia Murphy said during an IATP webinar Tuesday. Murphy says U.S. producers are scrambling to find new markets for their products. “Overall, what Trump has…… Continue Reading
Ethanol demand stays hot, even as production dips
U.S. ethanol production did decline last week, but the numbers still reflect generally solid demand. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.055 million barrels per day, down 50,000 on the week, but up 6,000 on the year. Ethanol exports averaged 103,000 barrels per day, 18,000 lower than last week and 48,000 below last…… Continue Reading
Farmers should consider all risk management strategies with uncertainty ahead
A grain marketing expert says farmers will need to keep all risk management options on the table heading into 2026. “What’s important for the American farmer is you’ve got to be more proactive in the marketing.” Mark Gold with StoneX says several supply and demand questions will need to be answered. “You’ve got Brazil. You’ve…… Continue Reading
Ohio State professor: New USDA veterinary shortage plan could help support rural communities
An assistant professor at Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine says a new USDA program could help land grant universities better support veterinary care in rural communities. Luciana de Costa says the Rural Veterinary Shortage Action Plan could expand funding opportunities for prospective students. “With the money that will come, there will be more…… Continue Reading
The possibility of more economic aid is encouraging
The executive vice president of the Agricultural Council of Arkansas says he’s encouraged USDA is working with Congress to evaluate whether economic aid is needed for farmers and ranchers. Andrew Grobmyer tells Brownfield “I’m hopeful some additional policies will emerge soon that will ease some of the concerns farmers have right now.” Ag Secretary Brooke…… Continue Reading
Free well testing at Farmfest reveals hidden nitrate risks in drinking water
Unsafe nitrate levels were found during free well water tests at Farmfest in southwest Minnesota last month. Margaret Wagner with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture says more than 100 private wells were tested over the three-day event. “Within that, six of those private well samples exceeded the federal health standard of 10 milligrams per liter,…… Continue Reading
Every input matters when margins are thin
An agronomist says some farmers are starting to think about next year as harvest gets closer to the finish line in the Mississippi Delta. “Plan, plan, plan,” says Stephen Leininger with Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC. He says every input matters with thin margins. “We’re taking a hard look at fertilizer and how we best manage that.…… Continue Reading
Heavy rains could complicate fall harvest in parts of South Dakota
A farmer in central South Dakota says heavy rains could complicate fall harvest. Reno Brueggeman tells Brownfield “it would take some tow ropes, I have a feeling, because we have some low spots that already have water in them. If we get that much more rain, it will cause more damage to a crop that…… Continue Reading
