An Extension Educator is encouraging farmers to participate in a farmland access survey to help develop better resources for new and beginning farmers. Michigan State University’s Jon LaPorte says the effort with MIFarmLink will study farmland rental and ownership challenges. “To help producers, to help land seekers better navigate the land buying or the land leasing process, we’re…… Continue Reading
Pork Board names Newman as CEO
The National Pork Board has named David Newman as its new CEO. Newman most recently served as the organization’s vice president of market growth. Gordon Spronk, a Minnesota pig farmer, swine veterinarian, and president of NPB says Newman is leadership-oriented, producer-focused, and outcomes-driven when it comes to the pork industry. Newman, along with his family,…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 28, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.85 and 1/2, up 3 centsSep. soybeans closed at $10.28 and 1/4, up 1 centSep. soybean meal closed at $286.30, down $6.80Sep. soybean oil closed at 51.75, down 72 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.10 and 1/4, up 8 centsOct. live cattle closed at $236.92, down $2.60Sep. feeder cattle closed at $361.80,…… Continue Reading
Corn, wheat find some support, soybeans mostly firm
Soybeans were mixed, mostly firm, on spread trade and technical buying. New crop export sales were solid at 50.4 million bushels, but China remains absent due to tariff tensions. Unknown destinations and Mexico were the big weekly buyers. China has normally purchased new crop U.S. soybeans by now and the prospects of an immediate deal…… Continue Reading
Treat seed to avoid bunts and smuts
A plant pathologist is encouraging farmers to get their wheat seed treated before planting this fall. Michigan State University’s Marty Chilvers tells Brownfield professionally treating seed is worth the investment. “You want to save some money, I get that, but by saving seed and not having it professionally treated, you do potentially run the risk…… Continue Reading
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program still accepting applications
Producers have about a month left to enroll in the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program before a second wave of assistance is released. Deputy Under Secretary Brooke Appleton tells Brownfield $16 billion is available for losses that occurred in 2023 and 2024 from natural disasters through the American Relief Act. “There is support waiting for you…… Continue Reading
Ethanol group says a summer of policy changes points towards more markets for farmers
The executive director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska says recent policy decisions impacting biofuels from the Trump administration could expand markets for farmers. Dawn Caldwell says increasing blending requirements for ethanol under the Renewable Fuels Standard was a good start. “We’re on a positive trajectory and that couldn’t be better for our corn farmers, and I’ll…… Continue Reading
Debt load growing for farm operations at unsustainable rate
An ag economist says the debt load for farm operations is growing at an alarming rate. Greg Ibendahl with Kansas State University says the trend has been happening for nearly three decades. “It’s kind of being hidden by the fact that land values have kind of outpaced that. So, you don’t really see it so…… Continue Reading
Renewable energy challenges
An ag attorney says land use continues to be a challenge for producers wanting to implement renewable energy projects. Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law says wind and solar growth has outpaced state laws in many rural communities. “There are county zoning ordinances that were passed before a lot of these renewable energy technologies were mainstream,” he…… Continue Reading
Farmers are preparing for another year of tight margins
Widespread concern about the farm economy continues. Kentucky farmer and American Soybean Association president Caleb Ragland says the commodity price picture isn’t great for farmers. “As a whole, producers are going to have to really tighten their belts and analyze every item in their budget.” He says that also includes the cost of inputs. “There…… Continue Reading
