The president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association says cattle producers are keeping a close eye on what’s happening with New World screwworm in Mexico. “We’re a good ways from the border, but we still want to make sure producers are prepared to deal with it.” Jeff Reed says he got an update in a roundtable…… Continue Reading
Legislation would expand access to mental health care
New federal legislation would make it easier for farmers to access mental health care services. The Farmers First Act introduced by Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Iowa Republican Joni Ernst would increase support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program the two senators successfully included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The…… Continue Reading
Corn farmer wants U.S. on good terms with trade neighbors
The president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association says he’s optimistic the relationship between the United States, Canada and Mexico can stay on good terms while trade and tariffs are being discussed. “If we end up losing those markets, it will end up being deteremental to Missouri farms and farms in the U.S., in general.”…… Continue Reading
The push for year-round E-15 continues
The push for year-round E-15 continues. Chris Cherry, president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association, says a federal fix for nationwide E-15 remains a top priority. “We’re going to get it there,” he says. “We’ve been really close, and we thought we had it across the line two or three different times. That’s going to…… Continue Reading
Farm bill future unknown
The future remains unknown for a full, five-year farm bill. Alan Dunn, vice president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association, says provisions not included in the reconciliation package could be a part of a slimmed down version of the farm bill. “The skinny farm bill will contain the titles that were not the commodity title,” he…… Continue Reading
USTR launches investigation into Brazil ethanol tariffs
The U.S. Trade Representative has launched an investigation into Brazil’s tariff on U.S. ethanol imports. U.S. Grains Council president Ryan LeGrand says 18 to 20 percent duties have been in place since 2017. “And they have not received any, there’s no tariffs on Brazilian ethanol coming into the United States. So it’s really just been…… Continue Reading
North Iowa farmer cautiously optimistic about this year’s crop
North central Iowa farmer Casey Schlichthing says he’s cautiously optimistic about this year’s crop. “I think if the wet holes blend in this year I think we’ll be in good shape.” The Clear Lake corn and soybean grower tells Brownfield the first corn he planted is fully tasseled. “Has been for about a week. And…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mixed Wednesday
Cash dairy prices were mixed Wednesday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was unchanged at $0.5725. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were unchanged at $1.6250. Six sales were recorded at that price. Cheese barrels were unchanged at $1.65. No sales were recorded. Butter prices were down $0.01 at $2.53. Five sales were…… Continue Reading
Southwestern Illinois wheat harvest exceptional
A southwestern Illinois farmer says the wheat harvest was exceptional. Garrett Hawkins, who farms in Monroe County and serves as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, tells Brownfield, “I was kind of surprised because we were so wet in May.” He says, “I was worried about test weight, and maybe some disease issues or…… Continue Reading
Rise of AI could lead to additional cyber security risk for ag sector
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says a new security threat is emerging in the agriculture industry. Special Agent in Charge Gene Kowel with the Omaha FBI Field Office says the emergence of artificial intelligence has created additional risk. “People using AI to enhance operations is a different risk than people using AI to target farmers…… Continue Reading
