The chairman of the U.S. Senate Ag Appropriations Subcommittee says he’s been talking with the U.S. Trade Representative as the U.S. and China meet to discuss tariffs. John Hoeven from North Dakota says China should be held accountable for unfair trade practices. “China is the worst offender of all,” says Hoeven. “There’s a strong feeling…… Continue Reading
Staff reductions at USDA will have lasting impacts
A former administrator at the USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service says reductions in USDA staff puts U.S. agriculture at an increased risk for pests and disease. Kevin Shea says about 1,350 full time employees at APHIS have decided to take the latest buyout from the Trump administration and many of those are in Plant…… Continue Reading
Michigan lawmakers consider biodiesel incentives
The Michigan Soybean Association is asking state lawmakers to support a biodiesel tax credit for producers. Chief Executive Officer Ben Seyfer says the legislation would create a complete local supply chain while lifting farmers out of market uncertainty. “Demand creation would help stabilize local soybean prices and promote the growth of energy security by utilizing…… Continue Reading
Soy Foods Month winding down, benefits continue year-round
Soy-based foods have been a focus during April. Morey Hill, a farmer leader with the Iowa Soybean Association, says Soy Foods Month helps showcase the benefits of consumption. “As countries grow and markets emerge, the people want to eat better. Protein is lacking in all these emerging countries. Soy can help fill that gap.” He…… Continue Reading
Farmers still purchasing land
An economist with Creighton University says farmers are still purchasing land despite the downturn in the ag economy. Ernie Goss tells Brownfield, “There’s always the concern that these are coming from outside buyers. Well, not really. Our surveys indicate the farmers are buying it from the neighbors who retire and sell their property.” He says…… Continue Reading
Input costs remain a concern
A southwest Iowa farmer says input costs continue to be a challenge for producers. Duane Aistrope says fertilizer prices have been elevated. “On this farm here, we didn’t get the fall fertilizer put on. It cost me more for the nitrogen than it did last fall.” He tells Brownfield producing an above average crop this…… Continue Reading
New state officers inducted at MO FFA Convention
A new state FFA officer team was named and inducted at the Missouri State FFA Convention in Columbia. Ivy Elwell from La Monte FFA is the new state FFA president. Seth Engeman from Montrose FFA is the 2026 state FFA first vice president and Ryatt Haggerman from the Versailles FFA is the new secretary. The…… Continue Reading
MO FFA President: serving FFA the honor of a lifetime
The 2024 Missouri FFA President Andi Belt says it’s been an honor of a lifetime representing Missouri FFA and serving nearly 27,000 members this year. Her year of serving comes to an end at the close of this week’s state FFA convention. “It was such an honor to be in this position,” Belt says. “I…… Continue Reading
BOAH reminds producers to stay vigilant as HPAI cases slow down in Indiana
It’s been a month since the last highly pathogenic avian influenza detection in Indiana and the state board of animal health says producers shouldn’t let their guard down. Denise Derrer Spears is the public information director for BOAH. “We’ve had 27 cases since the first week of January,” she says. “Of those to date, 14 of…… Continue Reading
Rains in Kansas may have helped state’s wheat crop
An extension wheat and forage specialist says recent timely rains have come at a critical time for the Kansas wheat crop. Romulo Lollato with Kansas State says conditions were starting to deteriorate prior to this week’s rainfall. “It’s starting to go through drought stress in parts of the state. We’re seeing that bottom canopy…… Continue Reading
