For the first time ever, the USDA has implemented a safeguard trigger on a limited amount of sugar containing products coming into the United States. “The numbers were exceeding the allocation or the quantity so they implemented that.” Harrison Weber with the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association says there’s already tariffs on sugar coming…… Continue Reading
Pork leader cautiously optimistic as tariff talks continue
The executive director of the Missouri Pork Association says he’s been concerned about the trading relationship between the U.S. and China as tariffs continue. “There’s so much there, it’s so broad and I don’t know if it gets resolved real soon.” Scott Hays says China is an important market for U.S. pork, taking parts of…… Continue Reading
“Summer high” for December corn coming soon
A market analyst is encouraging farmers to prepare for a seasonal high in corn futures. Naomi Blohm with Total Farm Marketing says over the past 17 years, the summer price high for the December new crop corn contract occurred five times in May, seven times in June, and five times in July. “In more recent…… Continue Reading
Iowa farmers outline ag policy concerns
Some farmers in Iowa say they have several ag policy concerns. Duane Aistrope in Fremont County tells Brownfield he’s been focused on the year-round E15 issue. “We’re still hoping for that E15 waiver for the whole U.S. and not just the Midwestern states that the governors’ have done.” Benton County corn farmer Lance Lillibridge says…… Continue Reading
Staying ahead of the weeds
An extension agronomist says weed control is critical during the early parts of the growing season. Meaghan Anderson is with Iowa State University and says, “Corn especially does not handle competition from weeds well. We could see some pretty substantial weed loss if we let them get away from us. I’ve been kind of happy…… Continue Reading
Farmland, equipment sales fall in April RMI survey
An ag economist says higher input costs and volatility from tariffs have put downward pressure on farmland prices. Ernie Goss with Creighton University says ag land fell below growth neutral 11 out of the last 12 months in the Rural Mainstreet Index. “Farmland prices are holding up better than farm income. I think that’s just…… Continue Reading
Milk futures higher, cash dairy mixed Thursday
May Class III milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange closed 28 cents higher at $18.65. June up a dime at $17.45. July futures 3 higher at $17.93. August through October contracts 5 to 11 cents higher. Dry whey up $0.01 at $0.51 Blocks down $0.06 at $1.70 Barrels down $0.0950 at $1.69 Butter unchanged…… Continue Reading
Indiana Farm Bureau’s 2025 L.E.A.D. class focused on Indiana ag policy
Members of this year’s Indiana Farm Bureau Leadership Education Action and Development cohort are getting a hands on experience in ag policy development across the state. Chelsea Poe is the executive director of education and engagement for Indiana Farm Bureau. “They’re going to learn from the grassroots level up on how we develop a policy…… Continue Reading
Farmer says he’s finding ways to be more efficient with crop inputs
An east central Nebraska farmer says adjustments to crop nutrient and weed programs could help improve his bottom line. Mitch Oswald tells Brownfield he’s switched to variable rate applications for fertilizer and is trying to improve other efficiencies. “So we don’t have to come back in later on in the summer with an extra passive for spring.…… Continue Reading
West-central Minnesota farmer done with corn planting
A west-central Minnesota farmer wrapped up corn planting this week. Chad Willis of Wilmar says conditions kept improving following an early April snowstorm. “Right around Easter time it dried out and everybody’s been hitting it pretty hard.” He tells Brownfield the seed bed has been close to ideal. “Probably some of the best ground that…… Continue Reading
