Several years of on-farm research with Michigan State University have shown that biologicals have little impact on yields, but researchers are beginning to observe long-term changes in soil biology. In this Pods for Profit, MSU’s cropping systems agronomist Manni Singh joins us to discuss possible reasons for the results. The post Honing in Biologicals Research…… Continue Reading
Cool weather covers much of the Heartland; welcome rains on the central, southern Plains
Across the Corn Belt, mostly sunny but cool weather prevails. Still, summer crops are maturing at normal pace, with August 24 national values of 44% of the corn dented and 4% of the soybeans dropping leaves matching the respective 5-year averages. Today’s Midwestern high temperatures will generally range from 70 to 80°F. On the Plains,…… Continue Reading
Kehoe: livestock producers have hay as dry conditions worsen
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe says he’s keeping an eye on the U.S. Drought Monitor as drought starts to creep back into southern Missouri. “Luckily for the people in the cattle production business and for that matter, livestock, we’ve had really good spring and summer where we could get a hay crop up.” He says the…… Continue Reading
Digital tools offering machinery repair flexibility
Farmers looking to take modern machinery repairs into their own hands now have more digital tools at their disposal. Denver Caldwell, vice president of aftermarket and customer support with John Deere, says the launch of Operations Center PRO Service gives farmers the ability to self-diagnose machinery issues and much more. “We’re delivering the ability to…… Continue Reading
Economy affecting equipment market
Tighter farmer margins are affecting the ag equipment market for 2025. Kurt Coffey, vice president of Case IH says as farmers continue to navigate a tough agricultural economy, purchasing habits have changed. He says, “If people are capable of generally of deferring the purchase in 2025, many are.” He tells Brownfield, “We’re seeing purchases where…… Continue Reading
Save money by saving soil & nutrients with cover crops
With high fertilizer costs and the desire to hold soil in place along with the valuable nutrients, cover crops can help. Dan Marzu with the University of Wisconsin Extension says a lot of research is underway, with the goal of giving farmers solid cover crop recommendations that can save money and soil. The post Save…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin educator, farm show manager dies
The former manager of Wisconsin’s Farm Progress Days and UW Extension Associate Dean has died. Glenn Thompson died on Thursday, Aug.21, 2025 at a Madison hospital. The former ag educator spent 31 years with the University of Wisconsin Extension, including assignments in Monroe and Sheboygan counties. After retirement, he served as General Manager of Wisconsin…… Continue Reading
A variable corn harvest in SEMO
A farmer in southeast Missouri says the corn crop that’s being harvested is variable. “In this area of the state, our yields are usually well above average, but I think the average will be lower.” Aaron Porter tells Brownfield he started harvest a week ago. The corn that was submerged in moisture earlier in the…… Continue Reading
Will soybeans get a much-needed rain?
Soybean farmers across Missouri are hoping for a rain to help the crop finish strong. “A good August rain can really make a soybean crop.” In Carroll County, Kyle Durham says the soybean plants are full of pods and taking a closer look “they’re largely three-bean pods and there are a few two-bean pods. The…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin crops are in good shape
A northeastern Wisconsin farm is having a very good crop year. Lee Kinnard with Kinnard Farms near Casco tells Brownfield they’ve been getting rain at the right times this summer. “We’ve been very fortunate. they haven’t been too heavy. They’ve been just about perfect. We’re sitting here after just completing a really beautiful fourth crop…… Continue Reading
