Missouri’s Attorney General says he is starting an investigation of the Grain Belt Express. The Grain Belt Express project would construct transmission lines across Missouri to transport wind-generated energy from Kansas to Indiana. Andrew Bailey tells Brownfield the investigation is happening to protect Missouri consumers and agriculture. “The Grain Belt Express was sold off as…… Continue Reading
Ethanol exports maintain fast pace
U.S. ethanol exports during May were record large for the month. The Renewable Fuels Association says 184.7 million gallons of ethanol left U.S. shores in May, rising 7% from April, with Canada maintaining its status as the top destination. Shipments to the United Kingdom and Colombia were also up on the month, but movement to…… Continue Reading
WIU names interim School of Agriculture director
The new interim director of the School of Agriculture at Western Illinois University (WIU) wants to make the program one of the most sought-after in the country. Keela Trennepohl, who’s been an animal science instructor at the school since 2017, tells Brownfield, “I’m so excited to be able to get to know everyone, and kind…… Continue Reading
Dairy demand for high oleic soybeans booming
Michigan State University’s research on feeding roasted high oleic soybeans in dairy rations is causing significant demand shifts. Brian Preston says he expects Plenish beans will be one of the largest game changers for the dairy industry in his lifetime. “I think that sand bedding changed the dairy industry,” he says. “I think calf hutches,…… Continue Reading
Weed challenges continue
A southwestern Indiana farmer says a wet start to the growing season has created additional weed challenges. Ben Kron says resistance has been a problem. “We have issues over in our area with getting rid of water hemp and pig weed,” he says. “We’ve really struggled getting some of those killed. Even our neighbors have ended up…… Continue Reading
Watch for volunteer wheat after harvest for potential disease issues
An extension forage and wheat specialist says farmers should monitor fields after harvest to help prevent the spread of disease. Romulo Lollato with Kansas State University says lodging has resulted in head shattering. “That volunteer wheat can act as a bridge for the wheat curl mite. If we don’t control it whenever we plant our…… Continue Reading
MSU preparing for red crown rot findings
A plant pathologist is encouraging growers to scout for red crown rot as the disease spreads. Michigan State University’s Marty Chilvers tells Brownfield, “I probably would suspect it’s here in Michigan, we probably just haven’t found it yet.” Chilvers says soybeans start showing signs of the disease during the late reproductive stage. “In terms of symptoms in…… Continue Reading
Solid week for soybean product export sales
U.S. soybean product sales were up on the week. The USDA says bean meal sales during the week ending June 26th were considerably larger than the previous week thanks to solid feed demand from several key customers including Mexico. Soybean oil sales were sharply higher than the week before due to tighter global vegetable oil…… Continue Reading
Bunge and Viterra merger completed
A Missouri-based agribusiness has completed a merger that the CEO says will grow its global footprint. Bunge and Viterra’s merger became official on Wednesday, July 2. Bunge’s Greg Heckman says “we have more capabilities to sustainably meet the demands of complex markets, providing exceptional products and services to customers at both ends of the value…… Continue Reading
New Indiana Grain Indemnity law takes effect
The director of the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency says a bill signed into law earlier this year gives farmers added protections in the event of a grain licensee failure. Clark Smith says it provides much needed updates to the law’s language. “Once a revocation happens, we are revoking the grain license,” he says. “If farmers…… Continue Reading
