Results from a recent crop tour indicate another bumper U.S. spring wheat crop. Dave Green with the Wheat Quality Council says scouts sampled more than 300 fields across the Dakotas and Minnesota. “The crop is big, it’s much above average for sure. They’ve had two record crops in a row (and) we’re in kind of…… Continue Reading
“Fantastic” pasture conditions in eastern Iowa, farmer says
An eastern Iowa cattle farmer says pasture conditions have been a pleasant surprise. Lisa Kubik tells Brownfield, “Pastures look fantastic. The last three to four years we’ve definitely been lacking more and more each year as we get less and less rainfall.” She says her area is no longer dealing with prolonged drought conditions because…… Continue Reading
RVO’s & exemption questions throttling soy crush
The president and CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) says enough uncertainty remains in the biofuels industry to keep the nation’s soy crush plants from operating at full capacity. Devin Mogler says crush is up from the lows experienced earlier this year, but… “We’re kind of hanging in there around 80% utilization.” He…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy markets go from active to quiet
The cash dairy market activity has gone from one extreme to the other. Katie Burgess with ever.ag tells Brownfield this past week has been eerily quiet, especially in the cheese market where there were no sales and no price changes from Friday, July 18th until Thursday, July 24th. “It’s also interesting that it’s coming off…… Continue Reading
The fungicide dilemma
The decision to apply fungicide is complicated for many growers because of tight margins. Iowa State University Extension agronomist Angie Rieck-Hinz suggests a wait and see approach. “I would guess based on crop prices alone, a lot of people seem like they’re holding off on fungicide applications to see what might develop. Or maybe try…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farmer encouraged by Renewable Volume Obligation targets
A Minnesota farmer who serves on the board for Clean Fuels Alliance America says he’s encouraged by the Renewable Volume Obligation targets proposed by EPA. Chris Hill grows corn and soybeans near Brewster. “They have given some very robust numbers in the form of biodiesel, and that’s something that this industry is in definite need…… Continue Reading
China suspends tariff exemption for U.S. ag exports
An ag economist says China’s suspension of U.S. tariff exemptions could impact the future of ag exports. David Widmar with Agricultural Economic Insights says it has helped ag goods remain globally competitive. “Some of those exemptions go all the way back to the first trade war and that phase one trade agreement that we had in…… Continue Reading
True army worms & other pests out in force
An entomologist says what started out as a reasonably-pest free growing season is quickly changing. Emily Bick with the University of Wisconsin says this week, true army worms are back, and they’re being reported all over Wisconsin. Bick says farmers need to scout fields now because controlling army worms is all about timing. “This one…… Continue Reading
Minnesota Farmers Union concerned about reconciliation outcomes
The government relations director for Minnesota Farmers Union has some concerns about how Congress handled reconciliation. Stu Lourey says healthcare is a priority for the organization and cuts to Medicaid in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could be detrimental to rural hospitals. “And EMS, all these other rural support pieces. It should be obvious…… Continue Reading
Warm summer kicking up blueberry harvest
A southwest Michigan blueberry grower says Mother Nature has been kind at the start of this harvest season. Katelyn Craig with DeGrandchamp Farms says fruit has been ripening a bit faster with the warm weather at the start of July. “Yield looks good, the timing of everything is really nice,” she shares. “Some varieties are…… Continue Reading
