An ag policy specialist says on-going legal battles over the Trump administration’s tariff policy could have long term impacts on commodity markets. Brad Lubben is with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “That hurts potential market opportunities regardless of what the price or economic impacts of tariff itself is.” On Thursday, a federal court of appeals…… Continue Reading
Farmers need crop protection tools
A western Illinois farmer says producers need access to crop protection tools to continue to feed growing populations. Brady Holst, who farms in Hancock County and serves on the Illinois Soybean Association board of directors, says the recent Make America Healthy Again Commission report is concerning. “The regulatory process, it seems like it’s difficult and…… Continue Reading
It’s not too early to scout for soybean aphids
A agronomist says it’s not too early to start scouting for soybean aphids. Nick Roysdon with BASF works with farmers in Illinois and Wisconsin. He tells Brownfield controlling aphids early can prevent considerable yield loss, and there’s data from Iowa State to back it up. “A really severe aphid infection can cause 40% yield loss.…… Continue Reading
Beef, soybean product sales up on week
It was a mixed week for U.S. export sales. The USDA says old crop sorghum, rice, soybean products, and beef during the week ending May 22nd all showed week-to-week improvements, including the first reported sale of U.S. beef to China since late March. China canceled on previously purchased U.S. soybeans, cotton, and pork due to…… Continue Reading
Missouri farmer looks forward to sunshine
Planting is wrapped up for north-central Missouri farmer Cody Brock. He tells Brownfield there have only been small setbacks. “We just kind of keep getting this little 10th or 2/10ths and 3/10ths inch of rain,” he says. “It’s way cooler than we usually have been for this time of year, we kind of need some…… Continue Reading
An increased risk for soybean seedling disease
An Ohio State Extension soybean pathologist says there is an increased risk for soybean seedling disease development across the Midwest this year. Horacio Lopez-Nicora says there are three contributing factors. “You need a susceptible host, in this case the soybean,” he says. “A pathogen that could actually infect this host and cause the disease, and then…… Continue Reading
Trade isn’t always the answer for increasing demand for ag products
A market analyst says expanding market access may not solve the long-term challenges facing American agriculture. Jim McCormick with AgMarket.Net says trade agreements in principle with the United Kingdom and Japan may not move needle much. “They’re small societies. They’re not going to have a big impact buying grain.” He tells Brownfield India and China…… Continue Reading
Southern Illinois wheat promising
A southern Illinois agronomist says the region’s wheat crop looks promising. John Pike, who’s based in Williamson County, says despite a dry fall and wet spring the crop is showing good potential. “I think yield wise; the crop has looked good all through the season.” He says, “It was a challenge to get a lot…… Continue Reading
Weather still cool, unsettled across parts of the Corn Belt; a warm-up on the northern Plains
Across the Corn Belt, cool and showery weather is renewing fieldwork delays in the Ohio River Valley, while mostly sunny skies are facilitating final corn and soybean planting elsewhere. Topsoil moisture as of May 25 was rated 50% or more adequate everywhere save for Nebraska, where topsoil moisture was rated 50% short to very short.…… Continue Reading
Early concerns about soybean, corn diseases
A plant disease expert says whether crops emerged weeks ago or this week, farmers should watch for signs of infection. Dr. Damen Smith with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield producers should scout for soybean plants that emerged and then died and wilted. “If you’re starting to see a number of those plants out there…… Continue Reading
