The CEO of the Missouri Corn Growers Association says he’s optimistic a trade agreement from the G7 Summit could benefit U.S. corn producers. Bradley Schad says there are opportunities for U.S. ethanol as Japan increases the ethanol blends in its gasoline to 10 percent by 2030. “I was part of one of the first trade…… Continue Reading
Lower feed prices benefit MO dairy
A dairy farmer in southern Missouri says lower grain prices make a difference in the bottom line of his family’s dairy business. “Right now, grain is fairly ok, but in some years, grain is the same price as milk so you’re not making anything.” Kaleb Rodgers tells Brownfield feed is the dairy’s biggest expense. “When we…… Continue Reading
Ag economist says cash cattle market continues to push higher
An ag economist says just because cash cattle prices are moving higher, it doesn’t mean the market is without risk. Mississippi State University Extension ag economist Josh Maples says market fundamentals support higher cattle prices. “We certainly haven’t gotten the data to suggest that we’re turning the supply by any big meaningful way,” he says.…… Continue Reading
Minnesota Farm Bureau president has farm bill concerns
The president of Minnesota Farm Bureau is concerned about the commodity and nutrition titles being moved from the farm bill. Dan Glessing says what lawmakers are doing with reconciliation is unprecedented. “And concerns for if there was another trifecta on the other side, there’s no doubt that there would be some attempts to come and…… Continue Reading
Digester legislation moves to Michigan’s Senate
Bipartisan legislation to streamline methane digester permitting is heading to Michigan’s Senate following approval by House lawmakers last week. Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee Chair Sue Shink tells Brownfield her constituents have concerns. “I think it’s important that we keep a lot of local control, and that there is that ability to say, we’re…… Continue Reading
Tar spot detected in central Iowa
Tar spot has been confirmed in a central Iowa corn field. Iowa State University Extension plant pathologist Dr. Alison Robertson says the detection in Poweshiek County is not surprising because the crop disease has been observed in June the past three years. North central Iowa farmer April Hemmes tells Brownfield tar spot is a problem…… Continue Reading
Farmers should monitor for a variety of diseases, pests
A crop specialist says there are several diseases that farmers should be monitoring. Jared Miller with FMC Corporation says rapid growth syndrome has been spotted in different parts of the Corn Belt. “We’re seeing that a lot in corn right now. Some guys think that’s a chemical issue, but that corn has been kind of…… Continue Reading
U.S. Custom Harvesters facing harvest challenges
The president of U.S. Custom Harvesters says weather has created harvest challenges. Paul Paplow’s custom harvesting operation spans nine states. “We started out early with a lot of our work getting zeroed out down in Texas with the early drought,” he says. “After the stuff was zeroed out, it started raining and it’s been raining…… Continue Reading
House and Senate reconciliation bills differ on 199A deduction
The House and Senate Reconciliation packages differ on a tax deduction important to farmers. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says while the House proposal raises the Section 199A deduction for qualified business income to 23 percent, the Senate would make the deduction permanent but remain at 20 percent. “Well remember, the 23 percent was sunsetting. And…… Continue Reading
Don’t panic about early tar spot detections
An extension plant pathologist is encouraging growers to scout their fields for early tar spot development. Tamra Jackson-Ziems with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says farmers shouldn’t panic if they identify the disease. “Once this fungus becomes a permanent resident. It’s over wintering. This is what they typically see in the Eastern Corn Belt. It’s not…… Continue Reading
