A central Kansas farmer says his winter wheat crop will need timely rains to help get it across the finish line. Rick Schlender says the crop got off to a good start but has missed out on several storms recently. “We’re seeing loss of some tillers and we’re not as aggressive on tillers as…… Continue Reading
Wisconsin corn planting heads into final stretch
Dry weather helped spur planting and emergence across Wisconsin last week. USDA says 73 percent of the state’s corn is now planted, with 23 percent emerged. Soybeans are 66 percent planted and 19 percent emerged. Oats are 83 percent planted and 48 percent emerged, with condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. Potatoes are 84…… Continue Reading
Iowa corn planting reaches 91%
Corn planting is nearly complete in Iowa. USDA’s latest weekly crop progress report shows 91 percent of intended acres are planted, 12 days faster than last year and four days ahead of the five-year average. Corn emergence, at 58 percent, is three days ahead of normal. Soybean planting reached 84 percent, compared to 58 percent…… Continue Reading
Milk futures and cash dairy lower to start the week
June Class III milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange down 15 at $19.23. July 21 lower at $19.15. August down 16 cents at $19.17. September through November contracts 13 to 20 lower. Dry whey down $0.01 at $0.54 Blocks down $0.0325 at $1.8975 Barrels down $0.0250 at $1.8550 Butter unchanged at $2.3425 Nonfat dry…… Continue Reading
Milk sampling to begin in Wisconsin
Milk from Wisconsin dairy farms will be tested for the avian influenza virus soon as part of the national milk testing plan. Ag Secretary Randy Romanski says as part of the national milk testing strategy, mandatory milk samples will be collected. “We’re going to be working with partners where we’re going to get one sample…… Continue Reading
Economist says import ban will impact cattle industry
Cattle supplies are expected to get even tighter following the USDA’s suspension of live cattle imports from Mexico due to the threat of New World screwworm. Charley Martinez, an ag economist at the University of Tennessee, says the overall impact will depend on the length of the ban. “As we think about Quarter 2 of…… Continue Reading
Indiana specialty crop growers eligible for USDA funds
The USDA has awarded more than $416,000 to Indiana growers through its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s economic development program director Emily Conwell says funds will be used to help growers with their business development. “Topics like enhanced food safety, investment, and especially crop research,” she says. “It’s also used to…… Continue Reading
Ohio House budget threatens H2Ohio efforts
A state legislator says the budget recently passed by the Ohio House of Representatives would cut more than $120 million to the H2Ohio program if adopted. David Thomas is from Ashtabula County and represents the state’s 65th district. “We didn’t have a lot of that extra money that we have had over the last five years to…… Continue Reading
Aquaculture Production Could Boost Missouri Soybean Meal Demand
Missouri’s soybean crush industry and livestock enterprises are mutually dependent. Missouri’s four crush plants produce nearly 4 million metric tons of meal annually, about half of which is exported. The remainder is primarily used for poultry, swine, cattle, and dairy in the state. Market development director Matt Amick says Missouri should produce more sought-after seafood,…… Continue Reading
Cattle market rewarding producers in many ways
A central Illinois cattle producer says virtually all aspects of the cattle industry are doing well. David Mool, who operates a cow/calf herd and grows row crops in McLean County, tells Brownfield, “Obviously the cattle market has kind of got us excited there.” He says, “Things are just clicking right along. It doesn’t really matter…… Continue Reading
