A policy advisor with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says farmland values surprisingly rose 3% in the second quarter of 2025 from a year earlier. David Oppedahl tells Brownfield, “With the financial conditions looking a little weaker for agriculture, you would maybe anticipate some more weakening of farmland values as well.” He says, “But…… Continue Reading
Indiana farmer says agriculture provides benefits to veterans
The owner of At East Orchard in central Indiana says the ag industry provides opportunities for veterans to thrive in life after service. Joe Ricker tells Brownfield, “We’re an educational farm that helps veterans learn what they can do and what opportunities are out there for them. We have a little bit of everything from…… Continue Reading
New H-2A processing could lead to delays
An ag attorney says farmers utilizing the H-2A guest worker program could see significant delays with new immigration requirements at U.S. Consulates. Arkansas-based William L. Mencer says every worker now has to do an in-person interview. “The Trump administration folks at the consulates and at the State Department are really cracking down on the interview…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices end week mostly lower
Cash dairy prices were mostly lower Friday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.0150 at $0.5550. Three sales were recorded, ranging from $0.5550 to $0.56. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.03 at $1.75. Six sales were recorded, ranging from $1.75 to $1.7650. Cheese barrels were down $0.05 at $1.76. No sales were…… Continue Reading
Farmer says H-2A program has uncertain future for her operation
A farmer in eastern Kansas says rising labor costs tied to a federal visa program may not be financially sustainable for her operation. Lavell Winsor says wages for H-2A guest workers continue to climb at an unmanageable rate. “I know that in a year or two, we’re going to have to reevaluate whether or not…… Continue Reading
Dry conditions expand in parts of central U.S.
A climatologist says some areas of the Corn Belt saw some expansion of dry conditions over the last week. Lindsay Johnson with the National Drought Mitigation Center says most of the abnormally dry conditions are occurring in parts of the Eastern Corn Belt. “Once you get to southern Illinois and go east, a lot of…… Continue Reading
Current ag climate calls for farm bill
A northern Illinois farmer says he has numerous concerns about the state of the ag industry. Scott Brenner, who raises 1100 dairy cows and row crops in Carroll and Stephenson County, tells Brownfield, “Labor is always a concern.” He says, “Input costs are always a concern. Regulations. I would stress that I think there needs…… Continue Reading
Federal crop insurance coverage gets an update for 2026
A crop insurance specialist says federal crop insurance will expand coverage and subsidy levels for crop farmers starting in 2026. Rob Fronning with AgCountry Farm Credit Services says subsidy levels for the Enhanced Coverage Option, Supplemental Coverage Option and Margin Coverage Option have increased to 80 percent. “The subsidies would be happening on those products…… Continue Reading
Farmers take a closer look at ag tech
Farmers from across Missouri are learning more about tech and ways to improve profitability at the Ag Innovation Showcase. “If you’re not keeping up, you’re losing out.” Missouri Soybean Association President Renee Fordyce from Harrison County says there’s always new innovation happening in agriculture. “Our role at the Farm for Soy Innovation is to make…… Continue Reading
Crop insurance payments to impact net farm income
An ag economist says he’s expecting larger crop insurance payments in 2026. Greg Ibendahl with Kansas State University says lower commodity prices are likely to continue. “But, I think we’re going to see a nice kick in of government payments from the One Big Beautiful Bill. There were some changes to that, and government payments…… Continue Reading
