The lead economist for grains and oilseeds with CoBank says access to labor remains one of the largest uncertainties facing agriculture. Tanner Ehmke says recent immigration crackdowns are creating an even tighter labor situation. “So much of the labor supply is declining.” He says, “If you look at the numbers of border crossings, they’ve almost…… Continue Reading
Grassley predicts new farm bill in early 2026
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley is becoming less optimistic a new farm bill gets done in 2025. The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield lawmakers will be focused on nominations ahead of the August recess, then there are week-long breaks on the legislative calendar in September and October. “Then you have a week off the same week that…… Continue Reading
Economists say the lending environment is a factor in any potential herd expansion
A livestock economist says the lending environment continues to be a challenge for cattle producers wanting to grow their herd. It’s been a decade since the U.S. cattle herd expanded, and University of Kentucky’s Kenny Burdine tells Brownfield, “We were doing so in an interest rate environment, not necessarily half what current rates are, but…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farm family picking up pieces following overnight storm
A farm family is contemplating next steps after severe storms ripped through west-central Minnesota Monday night. Tiffany Kobberman farms with her husband near Hancock and says the devastation is widespread. “We received more than four minutes of hail, which really stripped a lot of it. So most of our corn is just stalks, the soybeans…… Continue Reading
Union Pacific & Norfolk Southern announce deal
The Union Pacific Railroad has announced plans to acquire Norfolk Southern Railroad, creating the first U.S. transcontinental rail system. The two railroads expect to file their application with the Surface Transportation Board within six months. They will have to describe how the combined rail network will provide safer, faster, and more reliable service and increased…… Continue Reading
Trade next steps should be purchases of ag goods
The leader of the Nebraska Farm Bureau says he’s encouraged by the announcement of new trade deals but real progress will depend on follow through. Mark McHargue says the agreements in principle signal willingness to between countries to work together. “We are in this time frame where the announcements have been made. The market likes…… Continue Reading
Cool down brings pros and cons to corn crop
An agronomist with Bayer says this week’s forecasted cool down across much of the Midwest should benefit the corn crop. Lance Tarochione, who’s based in west central Illinois, says it’s much-needed relief. “If we want to make this crop all that it can be, we need to slow it down.” He says, “We are flying…… Continue Reading
Don’t count out the 2025 crop just yet
A southwest Indiana-based agronomist says weather conditions have been mostly favorable in his area. Jordan Arndell with Dekalb ASGROW says timely rainfall has benefited crop development. “Each time we get one of those, it cools the environment down, it cools the plant down and they have adequate water,” he says. “I have not seen an overabundance…… Continue Reading
United Soybeans Board Nominations Are Open
Three Michigan soybean farmers represent the state on the United Soybean Board. In this Pods for Profit, Michigan Soybean Committee CEO Ben shares more about their roles and the selection process currently underway. The post United Soybeans Board Nominations Are Open appeared first on Brownfield Ag News. … Continue Reading
Senate Ag Committee advances two more USDA nominees
Two more USDA nominees have advanced out of the Senate Ag Committee and now await a floor vote. Richard Fordyce, President Trump’s nominee to be undersecretary for farm production and conservation, was approved with bipartisan support. Michael Boren, the nominee for undersecretary for natural resources and environment, advanced on a party-line vote. There are now…… Continue Reading
