A farmer in northeast Nebraska says 2025 has been the driest planting season in his carrer. Greg Anderson raises corn and soybeans near Newman Grove and says drought conditions have rapidly intensified. “Over the last 45 days, we’ve gotten 1.5 inches of moisture. That’s very, very unusual. That’s the driest I could ever remember.” He…… Continue Reading
Spring weather extremes continue to hit the Midwest
An atmospheric scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions says weather continues to create challenges for farmers across much of the Corn Belt. Eric Snodgrass says a cold front is expected to hit the northern part of the US early next week. “There’s another system that comes out the 18th, 19th and 20th that’s got some cold…… Continue Reading
Veterinary researcher concerned about APHIS cuts
A research veterinarian is concerned about the loss of federal animal health experts due to downsizing. Dr. Keith Poulsen with the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory tells Brownfield federal efforts to decrease spending have noticeable side effects. “USDA lost upwards of 23-25 percent of their total workforce, and when you think about that in a federal…… Continue Reading
A shifting cattle herd
A cow-calf producer in central Missouri says he’s expecting a shift in cattle herds across the state later this year. David Dick from Pettis County says herds will likely get younger heading into fall and winter. “The market is right and you’ll be able to market some of these older cows. In turn, I think…… Continue Reading
Managing 170+ bushel wheat that pays
A national wheat contest winner says every management decision needs to have a return on investment. Jeff Krohn tells Brownfield yielding more than 170 bushels per acre of soft white winter wheat starts with ideal fall conditions. “We treat our wheat very, very well,” he shares. “We start early in the fall with putting some…… Continue Reading
MO legislature approves Farm Bureau health plan bill
Missouri Farm Bureau is another step closer to offering a health plan to its members. On Thursday, state lawmakers approved Senate Bill 79, a bill sponsored by State Senator Kurtis Gregory, that allows the non-profit membership organization to offer a health plan. “It’s really been three years in the making,” says Garrett Hawkins, president, Missouri…… Continue Reading
Input costs continue to push crop farmers below breakeven
An ag economist says rising input costs are expected to pressure profitability for row crop producers. Purdue University’s Michael Langemeier tells Brownfield farmers did see some relief when it comes to the cost of fuel and fertilizer in 2024. But, “Even though prices have stopped increasing as much, they’re still high compared to what they were prior…… Continue Reading
Minnesota leaders set budget targets, including agriculture
Minnesota legislative leaders and Governor Walz have agreed on state budget targets, including for agriculture. Minnesota Farm Bureau director of public policy Loren Dauer says Republican and Democrat caucus leadership met with Walz this Thursday morning. “And we were very fortunate to see a $9 million budget target above base for this biennium, along with…… Continue Reading
Pennycress advancements bringing new potential
A professor of plant breeding with Western Illinois University says advancements in pennycress genetic research are leading it closer to becoming a commercial crop option for farmers. Dr. Win Phippen tells Brownfield, “Ever since 2009, we’ve had an active breeding program to start focusing on what agronomic traits were needed in pennycress to essentially domesticate…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures sharply lower on technical selling
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were sharply lower on technical selling, watching direct business develop. June live cattle closed $2.77 lower at $211.17 and August live cattle closed $3.52 lower at $205.85. August feeder cattle closed $6.15 lower at $295.82 and September feeder cattle closed $6.35 lower at $294.62. There was…… Continue Reading
