The prospect of negative returns this year and next has some farmers asking if Congress is working on financial assistance. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says if an aid package comes together yet this year, it would most likely be through appropriations. “I don’t know for sure. Remember when it was directly related to tariffs on…… Continue Reading
Late-season corn disease brings concerns
Industry professionals expect farmers to face challenges caused by late-season corn diseases. Ian Matzenbacher, an agronomist covering Illinois with Stine Seed, tells Brownfield, “The southern rust really moved in pretty far, even up into northern Illinois.” He says, “Some of the guys that didn’t spray fungicide, they’re probably gonna be hurting a little bit. Tar…… Continue Reading
Long-term ag research requires support from Congress
A research director says Congress making USDA’s Ag Research Service a priority is critical for the future of agricultural production. Phil Robertson is the director of Michigan State University’s Long-Term Agroecosystem Project. “The president’s budget cut the LTAR program and ARS pretty substantially,” he says. “That has not translated into actual cuts, though both the House and…… Continue Reading
Delta farmers face economic crossroads amid growing uncertainty
A northeast Arkansas farmer says there continues to be widespread concern about the farm economy. Scott Matthews, who raises rice, corn, and soybeans in western Poinsett County in Northeast Arkansas, says, “Everybody is underwater.” He tells Brownfield there’s a crisis looming in farm country. “Last year, we were the victim of two hurricanes, and it…… Continue Reading
Protecting Ohio farmland
An Ohio State University professor says the steady loss of farmland across the state is creating challenges for farmers trying to navigate the down ag economy. Ani Katchova says recent studies show Ohio has lost about two percent of its agricultural land since 2001. She tells Brownfield fewer available acres can cause land values to increase.…… Continue Reading
Avian Influnza confirmed in South Dakota
The USDA says Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was confirmed in a commercial turkey meat flock in South Dakota at the end of August. The flock was in Faulk County affecting 55,400 birds. USDA says it’s been four months since HPAI had been confirmed in South Dakota. The post Avian Influnza confirmed in South Dakota appeared…… Continue Reading
Everything is on the table to help farmers
The chairman of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee says there are options to help farmers as they navigate tough economic times. “As far as I’m concerned, everything is on the table. It’s something we have to deal with.” John Boozman says this includes providing more resources for farmers. “In the past, President Trump was very…… Continue Reading
Weathering the storm of a down ag economy
A southwest Iowa farmer says profitability is one of his biggest concerns heading into fall. Ray Gaesser of Corning tells Brownfield… “It’s just not going to be very profitable this year,” he said. “Our local price of corn is about $3.70. That doesn’t make ends meet.” He says this isn’t the first time he’s dealt…… Continue Reading
Ethanol exports decline, stocks nudge higher
U.S. ethanol exports hit a 14-week low last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says exports were estimated at 89,000 barrels per day, down 26.4% or 3.7 million gallons per day. Ethanol production averaged 1.08 million barrels per day, up half a percentage point on the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate fell 0.2%…… Continue Reading
Farmers expect operating loan size to increase in 2026
An ag economist says tighter margins are pressuring cash reserves. Jim Mintert says the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows farmers expect the size of their operating loans to increase in 2026. “More people expect to see weaker financial performance for their farm in the year ahead than expect to see stronger performance,”…… Continue Reading
