A southwestern Illinois farmer says a wet spring has turned into a dry summer. “Believe it or not, we need rain.” Garrett Hawkins, who farms in Monroe County and serves as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, says an extremely wet April and May delayed planting, but recent rains have mostly missed his farm.…… Continue Reading
Corn finishes firm, with some months back above support
Soybeans were mixed. Soybeans are looking at generally favorable development conditions in the near-term forecast for most areas. The USDA says 70% of U.S. soybeans are rated good to excellent, up 4% on the week and is 47% blooming, with 15% at the pod setting stage, just ahead of the five-year average. Crush demand should…… Continue Reading
IFB focused on estate tax relief
The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says adjustments to the state’s estate tax policy are crucial for the survival of family farms. Brian Duncan, who farms in Ogle County, says the Family Farm Preservation Act proposed this spring would’ve increased exemptions to a true $6 million from the current $4 million. “The fiscal reality…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin Supreme Court decision could impact farmers
A Wisconsin Senator says a recent State Supreme Court decision might create more legal challenges on the state’s farms. Howard Marklein says the high court ruled in favor of Governor Tony Evers and against him saying, “the power to pause, object to, or suspend administrative rules before and after promulgation are unconstitutional.” Marklein tells Brownfield…… Continue Reading
Large reductions in Michigan cherry crop
A northern Michigan cherry grower says farmers in the region are expecting to harvest a significantly smaller crop following a damaging frost this spring. Ben LaCross tells Brownfield a warmup at the end of April was just enough to make buds vulnerable to loss. “Although it was brief, it kind of pushed our buds along…… Continue Reading
Managing corn rootworm with Vorceed Enlist from Pioneer
A corn specialist with Pioneer says corn rootworm has become increasingly problematic the last few years. Macy Marek tells Brownfield, “You can think back to only having struggles of it on corn-on-corn acres, but now we know it’s present in a lot of our rotated acres as well that our customers are dealing with.” She…… Continue Reading
Turkey hatchery data implies supply growth
Turkey hatchery numbers are pointing towards an increase in supply. That’s as the industry continues efforts to rebuild the flock following infections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The USDA says there were 24.383 million turkey eggs in incubators at the start of the month, rising 1% on the year. The number of poults hatched and…… Continue Reading
Specialty crop growers thankful for marketing assistance
A potato industry leader says a second wave of Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program payments has been a welcome relief for growers. Michigan Potato Industry Commission’s Kelly Turner tells Brownfield economic difficulties have been ongoing since the pandemic for several specialty crops. “A lot of farmers, specialty crops along with the Title I Crops,…… Continue Reading
Justice Department challenging California’s egg laws
The U.S. Justice Department says California’s egg regulations violate the Constitution and have contributed to higher egg prices. The lawsuit claims state laws oppose the Egg Products Inspection Act, and points to Proposition 12’s cage-free standards as a violation of the Supremacy Clause. Plaintiffs say within two years of the laws going into effect, the…… Continue Reading
USB’s July board meeting underway, trade a major focus
The secretary of the United Soybean Board says there’s a lot of growth potential for U.S. soybean exports. Susan Watkins tells Brownfield it’s a big focus of this week’s USB July Board meeting that’s being held in Virginia. “We need to go into smaller markets and start creating some demand there. Everybody became kind of…… Continue Reading
