A farm management specialist with the University of Illinois says most farm managers expect cash rents to decline in 2026. Gary Schnitkey says depressed commodity prices continue to weigh on land values and cash rents. “We’re seeing slight declines in farmland prices from the beginning of the year, and that’s somewhere in the 2 to…… Continue Reading
MSU encourages reporting southern rust
Michigan State University’s plant pathologist says southern rust disease pressure is spreading across the state. Marty Chilvers tells Brownfield he’s tracking its movement in corn. “We’re trying to map the location of southern rust across Michigan to the county level, just to be aware of how far north it can move, so that in breeding…… Continue Reading
BASF Rep Highlights Importance of Fungicides, Offers Growers Chance to Win Truck Lease
BASF Rep Highlights Importance of Fungicides, Offers Growers Chance to Win Truck Lease Kurt Maertens, BASF Technical Representative for Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, said growers have faced numerous environmental stressors and widespread fungal disease pressure in both corn and soybeans during the 2025 growing season. “This year brought nearly every fungal disease you can…… Continue Reading
Diversification helps Minnesota farm navigate ag economy slump
A central Minnesota crop and livestock producer says diversification is helping her farm weather the current downturn in the ag economy. Judy Barka and her family grow corn, soybeans, and raise beef cattle near Litchfield. “We’re diversified, so that helps considerably. We also have off-farm income that has helped to sustain us through those kind…… Continue Reading
Will the Fed cut rates in September?
An ag economist says rural bankers are monitoring the possibility of an interest rate cut in September. Ernie Goss with Creighton University says six out of 10 bank CEOs in the latest Rural Mainstreet Index supported a Federal Reserve rate cut at its September meeting. “That would help out on the short end, but that’s…… Continue Reading
Low Mississippi River and reduced demand affecting basis
The Mississippi River has the potential to drop to severe lows at harvest for the fourth year in a row and an ag economist with University of Arkansas Extension says basis will be affected. Hunter Biram says it gets expensive to ship lighter loads of soybeans via barge down the river and that cost is…… Continue Reading
Dairy leaders closely watching EU trading details
U.S. dairy leaders say the recently announced trade framework with the European Union has some gaps. Shawna Morris with the U.S. Dairy Export Council points to geographical indications. “The EU’s approach of saying we’re the only ones that can use these super special words that have already been produced quite a long time by us and other…… Continue Reading
American Coalition for Ethanol optimistic E15 legislation catches ride to finish line
The American Coalition for Ethanol is hopeful Congress will pass legislation allowing nationwide sales of E15 year-round before the end of 2025. ACE CEO Brian Jennings says while there is strong bipartisan support. “We haven’t found the right sort of procedure or pathway through Congress, and that’s because some of these bills have certain rules,…… Continue Reading
Delta cotton farmers say they’re trying to survive
Two cotton farmers in the Delta say multiple years of high input costs and low commodity prices have caused a dire economic situation. Barry Bean is a farmer based in Pemiscot, Dunklin and New Madrid Counties in Missouri. “We’re producing a crop that’s worth about 62 cents (per pound) today, net in your pocket. It…… Continue Reading
Nebraska State Fair’s Beef Pit helps educate consumers about ag
A favorite food spot at the Nebraska State Fair is helping promote the agriculture industry to fairgoers. Matthew Melchor, with the Nebraska Cattleman, says the Beef Pit serves an average of 16,000 sandwiches each year. “We are here to promote beef products and get people out to try some different things, so all of our funds…… Continue Reading
