The head of the National FFA Organization says a bill recently introduced in the US House could help students better prepare for careers in agriculture. Scott Stump tells Brownfield the Youth Lead Act provides funding to introduce agriculture to students. “As we see it, there’s a war for talent going on right now across the…… Continue Reading
NCBA supportive of USDA’s efforts to protect U.S. cattle herd from New World screwworm
The USDA is demanding that Mexico lift its restrictions that prevent the department from protecting American cattle from New World screwworm. Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the U.S. needs cooperation from Mexico’s government. “To allow the flights that are needed to drop these sterile male screwworm flies on the population of…… Continue Reading
Brazil corn outlook holding back rally
A market analyst suggests South American weather is holding back U.S. corn prices. Naomi Blohm is with Total Farm Marketing. “Right now, Brazil isn’t really having any weather issues on that Safrinha corn. Which is part of the reason why the corn market, in the short term, has stalled out a little bit here for…… Continue Reading
Rootworm pressure to be determined
The coordinator of the Illinois Agricultural Pest Survey says it’s yet to be determined how significant western corn rootworm pressure will be this growing season. Kelly Estes says projections are calling for this year’s rootworm hatch to occur towards the end of May. “While numbers have been overall low across much of state for western…… Continue Reading
Living with Alpha Gal Syndrome
Alpha Gal syndrome is triggered primarily by bites from the lone star tick. The tick carries the sugar molecule “alpha gal” which is linked to serious allergic reactions in some people who consume or come into contact with red meat and other mammalian products. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, an associate extension professor in the Department of Dietetics and…… Continue Reading
EPA issues nationwide E15 emergency waiver
The EPA is issuing an emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15 nationwide during the summer driving season. Administrator Lee Zeldin says the announcement shows President Trump’s commitment to farmers and the Renewable Fuels Standard. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanks the administration for moving quickly to remove what she calls a “needless barrier”…… Continue Reading
Durbin not seeking re-election; says trade war hurting farmers
The second ranking Democratic member of the U.S. Senate says the Trump administration’s trade policies are hurting family farms. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, who recently announced he’ll not seek another term after serving more than 40 years in Congress, says groups are telling him the impacts of new tariffs could be devastating. “Go to the…… Continue Reading
A focus on future of MO ag: FFA star awards
Four FFA members were honored at the Missouri FFA Convention last week for mastering production, finance, management and research skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experience or SAE project. Star Farmer Gage Swindler from Braymer operates a diversified livestock operation that features beef, swine and poultry. “As you know, with egg prices these days with avian…… Continue Reading
A pattern shift to warmer (early-season heat?) days ahead; drier for some
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of near- or above-normal temperatures across the nation’s mid-section and the Southeast, while cooler-than-normal conditions will dominate the Northeast and areas west of the Rockies. Mea Menwhile, near- or below-normal rainfall in most areas from the Mississippi Valley eastward should contrast with wetter-than-normal weather…… Continue Reading
Disease pressure remains low in the wheat crop for Kansas
An extension wheat and forage specialist says he hasn’t seen a lot of disease pressure in the Kansas wheat crop. Romulo Lollato with Kansas State says there’s been an increase in the wheat streak mosaic virus the last couple of growing seasons, but not this year. “Our lab here at K State, we are receiving…… Continue Reading
