An eastern Nebraska producer says uncertainty in the agriculture industry is putting serious pressure on farmers’ mental health. Lukas Fricke operates a small, diversified row-crop and hog operation near Ulysses and tells Brownfield having a support network makes a significant difference. “Being honest and finding good friends to talk about things and lament about…… Continue Reading
Soybean Oil Master’s Program gets firsthand look at U.S. soybean innovation and production
Foreign soybean buyers are getting a firsthand look at how genetic research helps shape effective soybean production. Jason Adams hosted the group at Purdue University’s Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center. “The research that’s done here will trickle down to better yields for the farmers, better quality seeds when it comes to the proteins and the…… Continue Reading
Mass federal worker terminations deemed illegal
A federal judge says the President needs Congressional approval to downsize or restructure the government. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston has issued a preliminary injunction that halts the Trump administration’s executive order to reduce the federal workforce. She says dramatic staff reductions at the agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, prevent them from carrying…… Continue Reading
An active weather pattern for parts of the Heartland; flooding & severe southward
Across the Corn Belt, scattered frost was noted again Friday morning in northern sections of Minnesota and Wisconsin. In fact, cool weather throughout the Midwest is slowing evaporation rates in the wake of recent rainfall, limiting opportunities for large-scale fieldwork. Corn and soybean planting activities are nearing completion, however, in some drought-affected areas of the…… Continue Reading
USDA approves Iowa’s SNAP healthy foods waiver
The state of Iowa’s waiver to limit purchases made with SNAP benefits to healthy foods has been approved by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. In a statement, Governor Kim Reynolds said the waiver promotes healthy eating and should help address soaring obesity rates. According to USDA, the waiver allows the state to align SNAP…… Continue Reading
Temps to vary greatly in the coming days; a trend towards drier weather across the Corn Belt
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for near- or below-normal temperatures across much of the southeastern half of the U.S., while warmer-than-normal weather will prevail across northern Maine, peninsular Florida, and northwest of a line from Arizona to Wisconsin. Meanwhile, near- or above-normal rainfall across the western, southern, and eastern U.S. should contrast…… Continue Reading
Chalmers to again lead Wisconsin FSA
A familiar face is returning to lead Wisconsin’s Farm Service Agency. President Donald Trump has re-appointed Sandy Chalmers as Wisconsin’s Executive Director for FSA. Chalmers previously served as the FSA State Executive Director for Wisconsin during President Trump’s first term. Chalmers previously served in executive positions at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin CREP signup window running out soon
Time is running out for Wisconsin farmers to enroll in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Brian Loeffelholz with Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection tells Brownfield this year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency is watching enrollments closely to prevent going over the 28-million acre national cap in the twice-extended 2018 Farm Bill. “This year…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures up ahead of USDA’s On Feed report
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were up, supported by higher boxed beef, ahead of this week’s Cattle on Feed report from the USDA. June live cattle closed $1.47 higher at $215.62 and August live cattle closed $1.85 higher at $210.50. August feeder cattle closed $3.35 higher at $299.77 and September feeder…… Continue Reading
Iowans warned of unintended consequences of carbon pipeline bill
Representatives of the Iowa Renewable Fuels and Iowa Corn Growers Associations are warning Iowans of unintended consequences if a bill limiting eminent domain for carbon pipelines is signed into law. Iowa Corn member Vic Miller, who farms in Fayette County, says it’s unfortunate the focus of the bill has largely been on private property rights.…… Continue Reading
