The Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee has concerns about proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Amy Klobuchar says the One Big Beautiful Bill would raise grocery costs for many families. “Take food away from millions of families (and) fund tax breaks for the wealthy, all for that purpose.” The Democratic Senator…… Continue Reading
23 US pork plants approved to export to China
The U.S. Meat Export Federation says recent trade cooperation between the U.S. and China has led to a boost for U.S. pork producers. USMEF’s Joe Schuele tells Brownfield that 23 pork processing plants have been granted access to export to China. “This comes as welcome news,” he said. “There’s a lot of obstacles and headwinds…… Continue Reading
South-central Iowa rains beneficial to crop, livestock producers
A south-central Iowa farmer says the amount of rain his farm received this week was a pleasant surprise. Steve Kuiper raises corn and soybeans in Marion County. He tells Brownfield some parts of the county had more than four inches of rain through Tuesday morning. “We’ve got enough growth out there now that hard rains…… Continue Reading
Pork export sales up sharply, Mexico leads the way
Pork export sales shot sharply higher during the week ending June 19th. The USDA says Mexico bought more than half of the total for pork, continuing to show very strong demand, and China also made a notable purchase. Beef, new crop corn, and new crop soybean sales also showed week-to-week improvements. The USDA’s next round…… Continue Reading
Drought conditions set to improve from rainfall across parts of Nebraska
Precipitation has been feast or famine for some farmers in Nebraska. Ryan Hanousek raises corn and soybeans near Cairo and tells Brownfield he’s optimistic this week’s rainfall will bring relief to a multi-year drought. “It was awfully dry. We had pipe laid. We were about to start irrigating. Many pivots were running. It was really…… Continue Reading
Proven crop protection
A practical farm research (PFR) agronomist with Beck’s Hybrids says long-term studies show some crop protection practices are a wise investment. Clayton Stufflebeam, who’s based in central Illinois, says the company’s PFR Proven label is well earned. “Any product that’s been tested in our research at multi-locations, with at least three locations in that data…… Continue Reading
Heat Wave lingers for some; an unseasonably active pattern covers parts of the Heartland
Across the Corn Belt, markedly cooler weather prevails in the upper Great Lakes region. In fact, Thursday’s high temperatures will remain below 70°F in northern Wisconsin, as well as neighboring areas in Minnesota and Michigan. Meanwhile in the western Corn Belt, another round of rain is further improving soil moisture. On June 22, prior to…… Continue Reading
More seasonal heat & rainfall ahead for the Heartland
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for near- or above-normal temperatures and rainfall across most of the country. Cooler-than-normal conditions will be limited to parts of the Southwest, where monsoon-related cloudiness and showers will suppress temperatures. Meanwhile, the Southwest will also have the greatest likelihood of experiencing wetter-than-normal weather. The post More…… Continue Reading
Forage harvest going well for SW Wisconsin farmer
A southwestern Wisconsin dairy farmer has been busy bagging forage. Mike Yager raises crops to feed his 275 Holsteins near Mineral Point, in Iowa County. He tells Brownfield, “We got our triticale chopped on Sunday and then we done about 120 acres of second-crop on Monday.” Yager says three and a half inches of rain…… Continue Reading
Production efficiency remains crucial to hog industry
The USDA releases its Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report later today. University of Kentucky livestock economist Kenny Burdine says production efficiency continues to be the story for the U.S. hog industry. “We’re adding probably a percent and 1/2 or so to pork production every year just based on productivity,” he says. “Just an incredible case…… Continue Reading
