A western Kansas farmer says 2025 could be a record year for the sorghum industry. Amy France, chairwoman with the National Sorghum Producers, tells Brownfield, “We’re anticipating a 23 percent increase in sorghum yields throughout the sorghum belt.” France says timely rains across parts of the Central Plains helped the crop, including hers. “We had…… Continue Reading
Ag economist says traditional farm bill may be a thing of the past
An ag economist says the days of a traditional farm bill could be numbered. Will Snell with the University of Kentucky tells Brownfield it won’t be like what agriculture has seen in the past. “I think we’re going to probably have more individual components instead of a comprehensive bill because of the challenges of getting…… Continue Reading
Indiana ag industry calling for long-term demand solutions to help support struggling ag economy
Some members of the Indiana ag industry want demand certainty to help provide long-term support for the ag economy. Decatur County farmer Andrew Stewart says developing new trade relationships could help boost demand. “Opening the lines of communication and trying to get products they produce, they will in turn buy products that we produce,” he…… Continue Reading
Midday cash livestock markets
Direct cash cattle trade activity is still relatively quiet. A few bids have surfaced in parts of Nebraska at $230 live and $355 to $360 dressed and in Texas at $232 live. So far this week, there’s been a light to moderate trade that’s been reported. Dressed deals in the North were at mostly $360,…… Continue Reading
Fall crop reporting could be impacted by FSA staffing levels, raising concerns about timely submissions
Farmers continue to navigate the impacts of the ongoing government shutdown. A crop insurance specialist says now that distribution of ARC and PLC has started, the next challenge for farmers will be certifying fall crops. Kaleigh Whitaker with Ohio Valley Insurance says there still are a lot of unknows. “So those of you who have…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly steady to higher Thursday
Cash dairy prices were steady to higher except for whey Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.01 at $0.71. Three sales were recorded, ranging from $0.71 to $0.7150. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0125 at $1.66. Ten sales were recorded, ranging from $1.6475 to $1.66. Cheese barrels remained unchanged at $1.70. …… Continue Reading
Illinois Farm Bureau president says cattle producers need stable, transparent markets amid import debate
The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says the organization’s membership is worried about recent developments in the cattle industry. Brian Duncan, who farms in Ogle County, tells Brownfield, “I got several phone calls when the Argentina beef importation was announced.” He says, “You know, we don’t know the details of what’s being proposed here,…… Continue Reading
Iowa Congressman calls for emergency aid, expanded markets for farmers
A U.S. Congressman suggests while farmers aren’t seeking bailouts, emergency federal assistance is needed. Iowa Republican Zach Nunn says expanding market access would be ideal. “That’s both internationally, as the President just showed in his Asia trip. But it’s also domestically, something the Biden administration failed to do for us for four years (and) something…… Continue Reading
Southeast Minnesota farmer calls yields good, “not great”
A southeast Minnesota farm family is nearing the finish line on harvest. Brennen Toquam of Blooming Prairie says it’s been a good fall. “Really good, honestly. We had a few rain delays in there, but got started on time (and) equipment has held together pretty well. And those rain delays are frustrating at times, but…… Continue Reading
Ukraine expands crop production despite ongoing war
An ag economist says farmers in Ukraine have started to expand crop production despite the on-going war with Russia. Antonina Broyaka with Kansas State University says the country’s exports are important for global food security. “Despite wartime risk, Ukraine’s agriculture sector continues to demonstrate resilience and keeps a leading position in the world of agriculture…… Continue Reading
