The National Milk Producers Federation is pleased with budget items passed by the House and sent to the Senate. Alan Bjerga tells Brownfield the U.S. House’s so-called big, beautiful bill for budget reconciliation has things dairy farmers need, especially when action on the next farm bill is “iffy” at best. “If you take a look…… Continue Reading
Kentucky corn and soybean planting continues to trail average pace
It was another solid week of planting progress for Kentucky farmers. According to the USDA’s Weekly Crop Progress report, 70 percent of the state’s corn crop has been planted, a 7 percent jump from last week, but still trailing last year and the 5-year average. Seventy-nine percent of the crop is rated good to excellent. …… Continue Reading
Tennessee fields remain waterlogged
Wet conditions limited field activities in Tennessee last week and crop quality is starting to decline. The USDA says 87 percent of corn is planted, 76 percent is emerged, and condition is rated 68 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are 59 percent planted and 44 percent emerged. Cotton is rated 64 percent good to excellent,…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farmer says corn has rebounded from wind damage
Minnesota’s corn crop is off to a good start. USDA’s latest weekly crop progress report shows 69 percent rated in good to excellent condition, with planting 97-percent complete. South-central Minnesota farmer Tim Waibel tells Brownfield recent strong winds impacted emerged corn. “Did get tore up a little bit in certain areas, not everywhere. But generally…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures lower to start the holiday-shortened week
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were lower, feeders were sharply lower on technical selling. The market battled rumors of a disease outbreak during part of the trading session, but once those rumors were dispelled, markets were able to move off the day’s lows. A spokesperson for the USDA says the report that New…… Continue Reading
Planting winding down in Iowa
Corn and soybean planting is winding down in Iowa. USDA’s latest weekly crop update shows corn at 95 percent planted and soybeans at 92 percent. Corn is 76 percent emerged, with 83 percent rated in good to excellent condition. Soybean emergence reached 60 percent, and 80 percent is considered good to excellent. The first cutting…… Continue Reading
Early indicators suggest farm labor cost increases ahead
The Great Lakes Ag Labor Services general manager says inconsistencies in the USDA’s latest farm labor survey continue to trouble farm employers. Sarah Black tells Brownfield, “You could be in a room with 100 farmers and ask them who got the farm labor survey, and you might be lucky if one raises their hand.” She…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin farmer says corn looking very good, soybeans okay
A southern Wisconsin farmer says his corn looks good, but the soybeans are struggling a little. Ryan Nell raises crops on 22-hundred acres near Juneau, Wisconsin. He tells Brownfield planting was delayed a few times by wet weather, and the nearby tornado from nearly two weeks ago brought minimal damage and rain. “We got an…… Continue Reading
Concerns remain about the future of conservation program funding
A program associate with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy says the future of conservation funding remains in limbo. Michael Happ says some farmers enrolled in conservation programs still haven’t received their payments. “A farmer might be going into their USDA office just for some help, but USDA has determined in the past that these…… Continue Reading
Not doom and gloom, but ag economy not inspiring risk
An ag lending specialist is somewhat pessimistic about the farm economy the remainder of this year. Ashley Arrington with Ag Resource Management says this is not the time to take chances. “I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom, but I would not be so optimistic to go out and make purchases that you wouldn’t…… Continue Reading
