The ag policy manager for the National Wildlife Federation says proposed budget cuts in the 2026 appropriations package could impact how farmers adopt conservation practices in the future. Ben Knuth says Conservation Technical Assistance helps farmers improve soil health and water quality. “It is the Conservation Technical Assistance funding that allows the USDA to get…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: July 23, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.98 and 1/2, down 3/4 centAug. soybeans closed at $10.05 and 3/4, down 4 and 1/2 centsAug. soybean meal closed at $272.00, down $1.80Aug. soybean oil closed at 56.14, up 51 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.40 and 1/2, down 9 centsAug. live cattle closed at $227.02, up $2.05Aug. feeder cattle closed…… Continue Reading
Groups want agriculture represented in MAHA conversations
Many in the agriculture industry are bracing for the policy recommendations in the upcoming report from the Make America Healthy Again commission. The commission’s first report, on child nutrition, which was released earlier this year, received mixed reviews from the ag sector. Indiana Farm Bureau president Randy Kron recently participated in meetings with members of…… Continue Reading
Profit taking pressures soybeans, wheat
Soybeans were lower on profit taking and technical selling. Contracts were up early, following bean oil on biofuel demand expectations, but near-term development conditions look favorable in many areas, pulling beans back to earth. Some areas are expected to see a shift in weather next week, just in time for the key development month of…… Continue Reading
Big data breeds next gen blueberries
Advances in genomics and statistical modeling are shaving decades off breeding programs for blueberry growers. Head of MBG Marketing Brad Moore tells Brownfield the very first cultivated blueberries took decades to develop in southwest Michigan. “What we would consider legacy varieties, second and third generation cultivars from the 1950s and ’60s, would take seven to…… Continue Reading
2025 broiler placements remain ahead of 2024
Broiler hatchery numbers continue to indicate a year-over-year rise in production. The USDA says 251.526 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubators, down 470,000 on the week, but up 1% on the year, with the average hatchability at 79.3%. 194.679 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, 370,000 more than the previous week and…… Continue Reading
Manure injection better for soil health
A University of Wisconsin Extension researcher encourages farmers to preserve soil and nutrients by minimizing soil disturbance. Chris Bandura is the extension conservation cropping outreach specialist. He tells Brownfield tillage makes soil more vulnerable to erosion losses and the loss of nutrients including phosphorus, but what about manure injection? Bandura says, “There’s some logistical hiccups…… Continue Reading
Uneven soybean stand concerns
A southern Ohio farmer says he’s concerned uneven soybean stands could impact this year’s crop. Greg Corcoran says weather continues to be the biggest challenge. “Some places are getting a lot of rain,” he says. “We’re starting to see a lot of unevenness in the field. You’ll see areas that where there’s standing water and…… Continue Reading
Opportunities to expand ag exports with Morocco
A northwestern Ohio farmer says a Moroccan trade team recently visited his operation to help grow demand for U.S. soybeans. Auglaize County farmer Jerry Bambauer says developing relationships helps increase market access. “When they come out to the farm, they actually get to meet the person that is producing the soybeans, look at the way we farm,…… Continue Reading
Anchored by Food, Bound by Community
Commentary. I recently watched a PBS segment about the Lenape tribe of Native Americans, and one line in particular stuck with me. While sharing a traditional meal, an elder said, “Food anchors a community.” That hit home in a way I didn’t expect, especially when considering food’s role in both cultural identity and community connection.…… Continue Reading
