Soybeans were mixed, adjusting spreads. U.S. planting conditions look good overall but continue to generally favor the Midwest over most southern growing areas. Still, that soil moisture will be welcome in the bulk of the U.S. soybean growing region, with many forecasts calling for a hot, dry summer. Commodities are also monitoring recent legal actions…… Continue Reading
Iowa’s first-ever B99 biodiesel pump open for business
Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield A fuel retailer in Iowa has opened the state’s first B99 biodiesel pump. Dave Walton with the Iowa Soybean Association says the arrival of a B99 pump at Pilot’s Des Moines Travel Center in Urbandale is a major milestone in clean fuels innovation. “It’s the lowest carbon fuel that’s out there…… Continue Reading
Final planting dates quickly approaching for Eastern Corn Belt states
With rain delays slowing planting progress in the Eastern Corn Belt, an insurance specialist says key crop insurance deadlines are approaching. Jason Williamson, with Ohio-based Williamson Crop Insurance, says the final planting date for most areas in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan is June 5th for corn and June 20th for soybeans. “The final plant date is just the…… Continue Reading
Michigan Sugar plants SEEDs of positivity
The Michigan Sugar Company is taking a new approach to planting seeds across local communities. Community Relations Manager Tyler Kring tells Brownfield, “Much like our growers plant seeds every spring to grow that crop, we’re planting seeds in our community to grow change and promote economic growth. “Supporting agriculture, empowering youth, eliminating hunger, developing workforce…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production rises as supply hits 2025 low
U.S. ethanol production moved to a two-month high last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.056 million barrels per day, up 20,000 on the week as more plants ended seasonal maintenance, but down 12,000 on the year. Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says operating margins for the average…… Continue Reading
SNAP cuts in budget reconciliation bill could hurt rural communities
The executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry says the House version of the budget reconciliation bill could reduce access to food in rural communities. Emily Bryant says proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program undermines the nation’s most effective hunger program. “It’s temporary and it’s targeted,” she says. “It supports the people through short term challenges,…… Continue Reading
Planting wet causes long-term issues
A southern Illinois agronomist says even though the calendar is turning to June, farmers struggling to finish planting should still prioritize proper soil conditions. John Pike, who operates Pike Ag LLC and farms in Williamson County, says long-term issues can arise for short-term gains. “It’s good to say that we have something done, but a…… Continue Reading
Could the southwest monsoon season deliver relief from high winds in the WCB?
A climatologist says there could be some relief from high winds in the Western Corn Belt this summer. Brian Fuchs says it’s been a common occurrence during the planting season, but that could change. “It looks like a pretty good summer high setting up over the desert southwest and so that would mean more northwest…… Continue Reading
Weed scouting before and after spraying
Farmers are encouraged to scout for weeds before and after spraying. Ron Geis with Corteva Agriscience says farmers need to be vigilant early in the growing season. “To make sure that you get the weed control that you expect, monitor any crop responses, and to scope out any problem areas.” He tells Brownfield active scouting…… Continue Reading
Indiana BOAH declares the state HPAI-free
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says the state has been cleared of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Denise Derrer Spears, BOAH’s public information director, says the designation from the World Organization for Animal Health means that export restrictions and trade barriers have been lifted. “We’ve eliminated the infection on all affected farms and there have been…… Continue Reading
