An economist says the government shutdown impacts farmers in different ways. Leonard Polzin with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield that as the shutdown continues, reports will not be coming out on time, affecting marketing and management decisions. His other concern is when enrollment periods for USDA programs will open through NRCS and FSA. “Think…… Continue Reading
Illinois farmers say bailout won’t fix long-term market and trade issues
Several farmers say a one-time government bailout isn’t a long-term solution to the sluggish farm economy. Southeastern Illinois farmer Don Guinnip, who raises row crops and cattle in Clark County, says tight margins are on everyone’s mind. “I think the thing that weighs on every farmer in the Midwest is the price squeeze we’re in.” …… Continue Reading
4-H leaders highlight youth leadership and career development during National 4-H Week
Two state 4-H leaders say National 4-H Week has been an opportunity to highlight how hands-on learning can help prepare students for their next steps. Jeff McCutcheon, Ohio’s state 4-H director, says programming has expanded to include new leadership and career development activities for students of all ages. “4Hers learn by doing,” he says. “Our roots are in…… Continue Reading
Maritime industry shift to biofuels could open $10 billion revenue door
A renewable energy company says the expanded use of biodiesel and biomethane in the maritime industry could be a game changer for the ag industry. Ben Kruger, senior vice president with Roeslein Renewables says the market could grow to 25 million metric tons by 2030. “It’s possible it could create demand that is as much…… Continue Reading
Asian long horned tick confirmed in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Department of Agriculture has confirmed the state’s first occurrence of the Asian long longhorned tick. The agencies say it was found in a dog in Franklin County, south of Olathe and can pose a threat to the livestock industry. Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith says the…… Continue Reading
Rising input costs push U.S. farmers toward financial crisis, ag leaders warn
The Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director says input costs have been one of the major challenges preventing farmers from breaking even this year. Brian Kuehl says his group is halfway through a 14-state Midwest tour with farmers. “I think it’s really important that everyone hear very clearly that America is already in a farm crisis,” he emphasizes. “We’ve…… Continue Reading
Boozman: details still being finalized before Trump administration moves forward on aid
The chairman of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee says there are still logistics to be finalized before the Trump administration moves forward with farmer assistance. John Boozman from Arkansas tells Brownfield “we need to decide how much money is involved and what the need is. People are working really hard now to ascretain that and…… Continue Reading
Cheese down, butter up as cash dairy prices end week mixed
Cash dairy prices were mixed Friday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.0050 at $0.6350. Two sales were recorded at $0.62 and $0.6350. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.06 at $1.70. One sale was recorded at that price. Cheese barrels were down $0.03 at $1.71. No sales were recorded. Butter prices were…… Continue Reading
Corn rootworm marching on in southwest Minnesota
Corn rootworm continues to be a problem for southwest Minnesota farmer Joel Schreurs. “We rotate (crops), and that’s what we’ve been doing rotating every other year and then adding more SmartStax corn to that farm. But this coming year we’re going to have to with full-traited corn because it just keeps moving across the farm.”…… Continue Reading
Cargill and Tyson settle price-fixing lawsuit, deny wrongdoing
Cargill and Tyson Foods have agreed to a settlement in a federal lawsuit that alleges the two companies inflated U.S. beef prices. Court records show Cargill and Tyson will pay a combined $87.5 million. The lawsuit was initially filed by beef consumers who claimed the two giant meatpackers colluded to inflate prices by limiting U.S.…… Continue Reading
