The U.S. Department of Energy says it has terminated a $4.9 billion loan guarantee for the Grain Belt Express. The DOE says the conditions necessary to issue the loan guarantee for the energy project are unlikely to be met and it’s not critical for the federal government to support. Some Missouri ag groups say the…… Continue Reading
Kansas farmer balances cattle and commodity markets
A north central Kansas farmer says a strong cattle market is helping offset lower corn and soybean prices. Mike Musselman says he sold calves earlier than normal this year. “It was a very good decision.” He tells Brownfield row crop margins have been extremely tight. “The grain markets have really started backing off significantly. The…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly steady to higher Thursday
Cash dairy prices were steady to higher except for whey Thursday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.0125 at $0.5250. Six sales were recorded, ranging from $0.5225 to $0.53. The cheese market had its first activity since last Friday. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0025 at $1.6450. One sale was recorded at that…… Continue Reading
Current ag economy provides valuable insight for next generation of farmers
A southwest Indiana farmer says learning to navigate today’s ag climate is crucial to prepare the next generation for future farming challenges. Mark Seib is currently implementing his farm’s succession plan. He tells Brownfield it has created a lot of discussions. “The lack of experience of going through a drought, going through a downward turn…… Continue Reading
Variable crop conditions in Upper Midwest
A crop protection specialist who covers the Upper Midwest says conditions have been variable this growing season. Ryan Peterson is with WinField United. “You go from the northwest part of North Dakota, you’re looking at probably below average wheat yields, below average canola yields. And then you go to the central part of the state…… Continue Reading
Swine Health Information Center initiates H5N1 research projects
The Swine Health Information Center is initiating ten new projects within its H5N1 research program. SHIC associate director Dr. Lisa Becton says it’s a collaborative effort that includes the Pork Checkoff and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. “And these 10 projects really are geared to help enhance our prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response capabilities…… Continue Reading
Solid week for beef export sales
Beef export sales were up sharply on the week. The USDA says those beef sales during the week ending July 17th were driven by strong demand South Korea, along with solid sales to several other key customers. Wheat, old and new crop corn, and new crop cotton and rice also saw week-to-week improvements. Old crop…… Continue Reading
Elevated input prices pushing uncertainty
The lead agricultural economist for McKinsey & Company says farmers are being cautious in the current ag economy. Wesley Davis says elevated input prices are weighing on farmers. “A farmer spends about $0.28 per bushel on agri-chems right now.” He says, “From 2000 to about 2020, farmers spent $0.18 per bushel, so you can kind…… Continue Reading
Fordyce talks ad-hoc relief, farm loans in USDA confirmation hearing
The nominee for USDA’s Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation says he’s committed to helping others navigate a tough farm economy. Richard Fordyce, a Missouri farmer, says that includes implementing timely, fair and impactful disaster relief. “I would certainly love to partner with Congress in understanding how both USDA, more specifically, the FPAC mission…… Continue Reading
Secretary Rollins announces USDA reorganization plans
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced plans to reorganize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to better serve America’s farmers and ranchers. The department will move into five hub locations in Raleigh, North Carolina, Kansas City, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Rollins says the reorganization is designed to ensure the…… Continue Reading
