An ag economist says soybean growers need more uses for their commodity. Jim McCormick with AgMarket.Net says that’s due to decreasing demand for U.S. soybeans, which has been led by China seeking its supply from Brazil. “Remember, (China) spent a billion dollars plus building a port in Chile,” he said. “The goal of that port…… Continue Reading
Ohio corn farmers remain concerned about the ag economy
A pair of Ohio farmers remain concerned about the current state of the ag economy. North central Ohio farmer John Schroeder says depressed commodity prices and trade uncertainty are pressuring the farm economy. “We’re waiting for exports,” he says. “It’s kind of discouraging that we can’t get our exports back to where they should be. We’re hoping…… Continue Reading
Farm finances still a struggle amid record farm income
The director of the University of Missouri’s Food and Ag Policy Research Institute says the farm financial situation remains concerning despite USDA’s forecast of increased net farm income. Pat Westhoff says the debt-to-asset ratio is moving higher, indicating higher financial risk. “We have more debt out there. Once you get down to the particular types…… Continue Reading
New U of I Extension leader appointed
The new associate dean and director of the University of Illinois Extension says he knows firsthand the positive impact the agency can have on rural communities. Matthew Vann, who currently serves as interim associate director and state program leader for Agriculture & Natural Resources and Community & Rural Development at North Carolina State University, says…… Continue Reading
Southern rust prevalent in southwest Iowa
A southwest Iowa farmer says he’s expecting a decent crop despite a rise in disease pressure. Ray Gaesser tells Brownfield southern rust has been prevalent on his farm. “I think there’s been some yield damage from that,” he said. “Some varieties are very resistant and are doing well. If you put fungicide on it helped…… Continue Reading
No-till conserving just enough moisture at Bakerlad’s
A no-till farmer says conservation efforts are helping his crops manage through drought conditions. Blaine Baker tells Brownfield he hasn’t used tillage in nearly two decades. “The no-till does retain moisture,” he says. “The old thumb rule, every time you make a trip across the field, you lose an inch of moisture, an inch of…… Continue Reading
Tariff-related barriers could impact ethanol market expansion
The executive director for Renewable Fuels Nebraska says expanding market access for ethanol products is a work in progress. Dawn Caldwell says trade agreement frameworks announced this summer from the Trump administration has been a good start. “It’s one thing to use tariffs as a as a tool. It’s another thing to have non-tariff trade…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin officials stay prepared for H5N1
Wisconsin’s state veterinarian says teams remain ready in case avian influenza comes back to her state. Dr. Darlene Konkle tells Brownfield there are no recent poultry flock infections, and USDA’s required milk testing has not found any bovine H5N1 cases in her state. “The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has been conducting testing and it has…… Continue Reading
Your Farm Your Footprint gives dairy producers carbon data tools
Dairy farmers are working to lower their farm’s carbon footprint with help from Dairy’s Foundation. Shelly Meyer with the Professional Dairy Producers tells Brownfield Your Farm, Your Footprint is a program that allows dairy farmers to get a handle on what their carbon footprint is and make it better. She says farmers are always looking…… Continue Reading
Low Mississippi River levels could affect harvest price
Low Mississippi River levels could restrict barge movement and affect local prices for farmers that rely on that market at harvest. Anna Wolverton with the Army Corps of Engineers says river levels are declining with the lowest levels being reported near Cairo, Illinois, at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. “The Ohio River…… Continue Reading
