The USDA is forecasting record corn production and high soybean yields, but an ag economist with University of Missouri Extension says he’s not sure it’s going to happen. In Missouri, Ben Brown says the crops are variable. “I think the northern part of Missouri has very good corn and soybeans. There were pockets where it…… Continue Reading
Ethanol export opportunities promising
The president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board says they are seeking new markets to help increase demand for producers. Ralph Lents tells Brownfield farmers need trade certainty. “We’ve got a big corn crop we’ve got to get rid of this year,” he said. “Anytime we can find a new market, new ethanol market, or…… Continue Reading
Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine working to address growing needs
The dean of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine says building a strong pipeline of veterinarians is crucial to meeting the growing needs of farmers and ranchers. Dr. Bret Marsh says national shortages are making it harder for veterinarians to keep up with rising demand. “We have more animals in our state than any time…… Continue Reading
Red crown rot detections increasing
The agronomy education lead at Beck’s Hybrids says more cases of suspected red crown rot are popping up in Illinois this year. Matt Montgomery says more farmers are closely examining areas of soybean fields previously thought to have Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) symptoms. “SDS-like symptoms, but it kills the plant fast, leaves the leaves attached,…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mixed Tuesday
Cash dairy prices were mixed Tuesday in light trading at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.0150 at $0.59. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.02 at $1.85. No sales were recorded. Cheese barrels were unchanged at $1.81. No sales were recorded. Butter prices were down $0.0125 at $2.32. Two…… Continue Reading
Baldwin wants Dairy PRIDE attached to farm bill
A Wisconsin Senator who wants the Food and Drug Administration to enforce dairy standards of identity wants her legislation mandating enforcement to cross the finish line this time. Tammy Baldwin has authored the Dairy PRIDE Act to require imitation products that don’t have the required nutritional value to stop using terms like milk, butter, and…… Continue Reading
Iowa Farm Bureau applauds EPA for addressing DEF concerns
The president of Iowa Farm Bureau is encouraged by EPA action to address farmer concerns with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems. Brent Johnson, who farms in Calhoun County, says more details need to be known. “We’re still learning (about) what exactly they’re talking about. But the fact that the EPA is leaning into those opportunities…… Continue Reading
Superior Ag and Premier Companies explore merger
Two-Indiana based farmer-owned cooperatives have announced they are exploring a merger to strengthen their customer offerings. In a joint statement, Superior Ag and Premier Companies said they are looking to expand innovations and continue to serve their farmers as the marketplace changes. The board of directors for both companies said a unified cooperative could bring additional…… Continue Reading
Apple production outlook mixed
The U.S. Apple Association is calling for a slight bump in production this year, but heat stress in Michigan could put a drag on expectations. West Michigan grower Chris Kropf tells Brownfield a lack of moisture has reduced fruit size somewhat. “If we’ve got a slightly smaller crop or same size as last year, there…… Continue Reading
August heat impacting crops
An agronomist with Burrus Seed says the latest heat wave is impacting the Midwestern corn crop. Dana Harder, who covers Missouri and west central Illinois, tells Brownfield, “It seems we’re progressing anywhere from 10 to 14 days ahead of schedule.” He says, “The elevated nighttime temperature just caused the GDU’s to really accumulate. This hot…… Continue Reading
