An agricultural economist with Advance Trading says favorable Corn Belt weather continues to weigh on commodity prices. Brian Basting tells Brownfield, “It has been a weather market and we’re looking at one of the wettest Julys in recent memory.” He says, “Some are saying that this June and July could be one of the record…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production, stocks, exports up on week
U.S. ethanol production rose over the past week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.096 million barrels per day, up 18,000 on the week, but down 13,000 on the year. That week-to-week rise can be tied to demand expectations, while the year-to-year dip is partially related to a larger supply. The Renewable Fuels…… Continue Reading
Lack of farmer surveys could impact forecasts from USDA reports
An economist says the lack of farmer participation in USDA surveys may have unintended consequences for the ag industry. Bernt Nelson with the American Farm Bureau tells Brownfield the decline over the last 10 years is alarming. “A fall in response rates can do a lot of things to jeopardize not just the data itself,…… Continue Reading
Nitrogen study looks at variability and availability
Researchers continue to study factors that impact the variability and availability of nitrogen throughout the growing season. University of Minnesota nutrient and water management specialist Dr. Lindsay Pease says she’s trying to answer several questions. “How much of our nitrogen that we’ve applied is being used with the crop? When is it being used? And…… Continue Reading
U.S. grain grading systems need to evolve
The U.S. grain industry told lawmakers grain inspection and grading systems need to evolve for the U.S. to remain globally competitive. In a Senate Ag Committee hearing on Tuesday, Nicholas Friant with Cargill said using new technology can improve human error. “The National Grain and Feed Association and its members are ready and willing to…… Continue Reading
U.S. grain gading systems need to evolve
The U.S. grain industry told lawmakers grain inspection and grading systems need to evolve for the U.S. to remain globally competitive. In a Senate Ag Committee hearing on Tuesday, Nicholas Friant with Cargill said using new technology can improve human error. “The National Grain and Feed Association and its members are ready and willing to…… Continue Reading
Senate Ag Committee conducts USDA reorganization plan hearing
Deputy Undersecretary Stephen Vaden fielded questions about USDA’s reorganization plans from Senate Ag Committee leaders this Wednesday morning. Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar said the proposal has injected more uncertainty at a time when USDA customers are looking for certainty and trust. “I did not vote for you Mr. Deputy Secretary, but I did think that…… Continue Reading
Tassel wrap on many farmers’ minds
A Bayer agronomist says many farmers across the Midwest are dealing with corn that is facing pollination issues due to tassel wrap. Lance Tarochione, who’s based in western Illinois, says much is still unknown about the relatively unique condition. “It’s not restricted to areas that planted during a certain window.” He says, “It’s not restricted…… Continue Reading
Heat, humidity winding-down across the Heartland; heavy storms center on the Midwest
Across the Corn Belt, a cold front continues to spark widespread showers and locally severe thunderstorms. The front also delineates a sharp temperature gradient, with Wednesday’s high temperatures expected to range from 75°F in parts of the upper Midwest to near 95°F in the Ohio Valley. Most Midwestern crops remain well-watered, and the July 27…… Continue Reading
Soybean disease pressure could intensify in August
An extension plant pathologist says the U.S. soybean crop could be susceptible to more disease pressure in August. Dylan Mangel with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says extreme temperatures swings during the growing season could have an impact. “We think about August as the busiest disease month. That seems to be when beans start to show…… Continue Reading
