A pair of agronomists with Beck’s Hybrids say the jury is still out on the new “Green Lightning” technology. Chad Kalaher, who covers northeastern Illinois, says all the company’s Practical Farm Research sites are testing the system for the first time in 2025. “It takes water that the farmer supplies, puts it through an aggressive…… Continue Reading
Program to highlight lives of migrant workers
A Wisconsin group that helps migrant workers and American farmers will show the public what it’s like working far from your home and family. Puentes-Bridges President Mercedes Falk tells Brownfield their organization is planning for an October event at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Mcintyre Library to tell the stories of women back in Mexico…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: August 22, 2025
Sep. corn closed at $3.88 and 1/4, up 1 centSep. soybeans closed at $10.36 and 1/2, up 2 centsSep. soybean meal closed at $296.70, down 10 centsSep. soybean oil closed at 54.84, up 120 pointsSep. wheat closed at $5.04 and 3/4, down 2 and 1/4 centsOct. live cattle closed at $237.87, up $3.15Sep. feeder cattle…… Continue Reading
Ethanol groups react to EPA SRE decision
There are mixed reviews from ethanol groups over EPA’s decision to grant small refinery exemptions. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the agency’s action is mostly good news for the ag industry since many petitions were before 2023. “We don’t really expect these exemptions that EPA is granting retroactively will have any…… Continue Reading
Egg production down, but hatching numbers imply rise
Egg production numbers declined again in July, but there are signs of a bounce back. The USDA says 8.791 billion eggs were produced in July 2025, 3% less than July 2024, with the number of laying hens 3% smaller at 358.543 million head, but the average production per 100 layers rising slightly to 2,452 eggs.…… Continue Reading
Cattle placements at high end of estimates
The USDA says 1.598 million cattle were placed into U.S. feedlots during July 2025. That was 6% below July 2024, reflecting tighter available supplies, partially because the U.S. border with Mexico remains closed to feeder cattle imports due to New World screwworm concerns. That was towards the high end of pre-report estimates and included a…… Continue Reading
Red Crown Rot confirmed in Ohio for the first time
Red Crown Rot has been confirmed for the first time in Ohio. OSU Extension soybean pathologist Horacio Lopez-Nicora says it has similar foliar symptoms to Sudden Death Syndrome. “The leaves retain that green color in the veins, but in between those veins, the tissue starts getting yellow and will eventually die,” he says. “The stem itself…… Continue Reading
IFAA continues mission to provide funds for ag youth
The president of the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement says their organization is committed raising funds for ag youth. Matt Heiller tells Brownfield IFAA rewards the hard work of grand champion and reserve grand champion livestock projects at the Iowa State Fair. “Every day they are spending in the barn – as a family, down…… Continue Reading
Consider narrow rows when planting wheat
A cropping systems agronomist encourages farmers to plant winter wheat in narrow rows to gain yield. Michigan State University’s Manni Singh tells Brownfield, “We have a lot of data showing that going to rows narrower than 7.5 inches in winter wheat, (to) 5-inch row spacings, does pay off.” “It can give you five to 10…… Continue Reading
Soil testing helps growers make timely, informed decisions
The laboratory director for Farmers Edge says soil testing can help farmers manage their fertilizer expenses. Patrick Visser tells Brownfield soil tests can provide a detailed analysis of nutrient levels in crop fields. “Combining soil testing with a great agronomy program can certainly improve your yields, maximize yields where you’ve lost potential, address issues of…… Continue Reading
