The executive director of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts says farmers received some good news in the state’s latest budget. Eliot Clay says funding for the Fall Cover for Spring Savings cover crop program was spared. “The governor’s introduced budget included a $300,000 reduction in that fund, but luckily there was…… Continue Reading
Soybeans up on lower USDA crop rating
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. The USDA’s national condition rating dipped over the past week, with planting and emergence both close to average. Near-term development weather forecasts generally look favorable, including hot temperatures in large parts of the region, but that’s expected to coincide with rain in many areas. The USDA’s…… Continue Reading
Tariff concerns heard at Farmers for Free Trade town hall in Iowa
(Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) Concerns about President Trump’s tariff strategy were outlined during a Farmers for Free Trade town hall event in Swisher, Iowa on Tuesday. Eastern Iowa farmer Matthew Willimack is a farmer-director for the Iowa Soybean Association. He tells Brownfield he’s concerned about the long-term impact of what he calls “on-again off-again” tariffs.…… Continue Reading
Ohio Corn and Wheat highlighting the benefits of E-15 this summer
The executive director of Ohio Corn and Wheat says the summer driving season is another opportunity to highlight how E-15 can strengthen the state’s ethanol industry. Tadd Nicholson says it benefits farmers directly. “Every time we have somebody move from 87 octane, which is 10% ethanol to 88 octane, which is 15%, they’re using 50% more…… Continue Reading
Indiana 4-H is helping prepare students for their future careers
Photo contributed by the National 4-H Council and Indiana 4-H. The National 4-H Council’s Beyond Ready initiative is helping Indiana 4-H members prepare for future careers in agriculture. Montgomery County 4-H member Kylee Reeves was one of 20 high schoolers recently recognized during 4-H Signing Day. “4-H is where I found my passion for service…… Continue Reading
Landowners encouraged to support pollinators
A horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension says it’s concerning that many species of pollinators are in decline. Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle says we rely on a wide variety of pollinator species. “One out of every three bites of food that we eat needs a pollinator to do that pollination process so that we get…… Continue Reading
Tar spot confirmed in Missouri
A plant pathologist with the University of Missouri Extension says tar spot has been confirmed in northwest Missouri. “Now that the fungus is here to stay, it’s always going to be a question of are the conditions favorable?” Mandy Bish tells Brownfield the spring weather conditions were favorable. “We had cool temperatures in May and…… Continue Reading
Year-round E15 could lead to additional small town retailer offerings
The executive director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board says year-round E15 sales could encourage more small-town retailers to carry the blend. Ben Rhodes says access to the fuel is inconsistent across the Midwest, and that could change if Congress passes a bill permitting its sale. “That will encourage a lot of the smaller retailers, the…… Continue Reading
Middle East tensions impacting fertilizer markets
The vice president of fertilizer with Stone X Group says increasing tensions in the Middle East are impacting global nitrogen prices. Josh Linville says the escalating Isreal – Iran conflict has sent urea prices sharply higher as both countries slow production. “We’re up $75 to 80 bucks a ton, and the crazier thing is,” he…… Continue Reading
Brazil Safrinha corn harvest slowed by wet weather
Brazil remains on track to produce a huge corn crop despite harvest delays. Market analyst Michael Cordonnier with Soybean and Corn Advisor says Safrinha corn is five percent harvested compared to 21 percent a year ago. “And the reason is there’s been a lot of late season rains in Brazil, much later than normal, so…… Continue Reading
