Tariff extension fueling economic uncertainty for farmers

A pair of Iowa farmers say the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the current trade landscape is impacting the long-term growth of the ag economy. Aaron Lehman, Iowa Farmers Union president, says the Trump administration’s recent decision to extend the retaliatory tariff deadline to August 1st continues to fuel economic uncertainty for farmers. “It stifles innovation, and farmers…… Continue Reading

2025 broiler placements stay 1% ahead of 2024

Broiler hatchery data continues to imply higher production this year than last year. The USDA says 251.463 million broiler type eggs were set into incubators, 918,000 less than the previous week, but up 1% from a year ago, with average hatchability at 79.2%. 195.213 million broiler type chicks entered meat production, down 841,000 on the…… Continue Reading

Corn leaf aphids on the mind

A pair of agronomists say some Illinois farmers have corn leaf aphids on their minds. Chad Kalaher, with Beck’s Hybrids, says some areas of the state were hit hard by the pest last year. “Looking back in history, higher populations are associated with a 2-year cycle, so that’s a little bit worrisome.”  He says, “I’d…… Continue Reading

Alfalfa research focuses on future challenges

An alfalfa breeding program is focused on creating plants that can thrive under extreme growing conditions. Dr. Erika Rodbell with Forage Genetics International tells Brownfield researchers are looking ten years ahead, trying to anticipate disease, pest, and climate challenges growers will have, and develop an alfalfa plant that can withstand those challenges. “Pest pressure in…… Continue Reading

Improved alfalfa traits give more yield and flexibility

Researchers says their work has brought new alfalfa varieties to farms, and more benefits.  Dave Witte with Forage Genetics International says they focus on alfalfa research and development, and today’s alfalfa has better disease resistance. “Aphanomyces and anthracnose, so we have high resistance to multiple races if both of those diseases.” Witte says their low-lignin…… Continue Reading

Pork producers encouraged by progress in industry

A pair of pork producers in Nebraska say they’re cautiously optimistic about the future of the industry. Clint Damme owns a feeder-to-finish operation near the southeast town of Talmage and says margins have improved significantly since 2023.  “The hog market has gone up in our favor and on the flip side of that corn prices…… Continue Reading

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