A unique state education program helps high school aged students learn more about possible dairy careers. Debbie Grusenmeyer is a faculty member at Cornell University. She developed the New York State Junior Dairy Leader program twenty-seven years ago. “It’s for juniors and seniors in high school and it’s about career awareness, looking at opportunities that…… Continue Reading
Nationwide: Stronger storms leading to more costly farm insurance claims
The vice president of agribusiness claims for Nationwide Insurance says the frequency and severity of storms are increasing. Nick Anderson says claims data shows wind and hail account for nearly 35% of all farm-related damage annually. “For vehicle insurance, in 2020, the average hail repair from a farm owner perspective averaged about $3400 to $3500.” …… Continue Reading
Farmers say government shutdown impacting harvest resources
A pair of farmers say the recent government shutdown has disrupted critical resources they need during harvest. Ohio farmer Bill Patterson says the sudden closure has some day-to-day operations facing unnecessary uncertainty. “Changes are happening in days, weeks, hours,” he says. “It’s a challenging time for farmers right now.” Patterson says he’s concerned it could impact…… Continue Reading
West Bend, Wisconsin farmers’ market voted one of nation’s best
A Wisconsin farmers’ market is ranked tenth-best in the nation. The West Bend farmers’ market was recognized by the American Farmland Trust, which has held the contest for seventeen years. The top farmers’ markets get a share of $15,000 for use in marketing and promotion efforts, and the winners are determined by national public voting.…… Continue Reading
Mulhern: Dairy industry needed federal order reform to stay effective
The former President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation says overall, the long process of reopening the federal milk marketing orders just over a year ago was the right thing to do. The federal order program hadn’t been adjusted since 2000, and Jim Mulhern tells Brownfield neither producers or processors got everything they…… Continue Reading
Port of Houston expansion could enhance market access for U.S. soybeans
The chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition says new investments into the Port of Houston could help expand market access for soybean farmers. Indiana farmer Mike Koehne says the facility improvements will increase its export capacity for soybean meal. “Instead of going down the Mississippi or going to the East Coast or the West Coast,…… Continue Reading
Optimism grows among ethanol producers as exports drive 2026 outlook
Exports are expected to play a crucial role as U.S. ethanol producers look to remain profitable in 2026. Renewable Fuels Association chief economist Scott Richman says the outlook for next year is positive. “Producers remain optimistic, right now the export market is very good. And as long as we can sustain that, things will be…… Continue Reading
Cash dairy prices mostly higher Friday
Cash dairy prices were mostly higher Friday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was down $0.01 at $0.63. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.0150 at $1.79. Six sales were recorded, ranging from $1.7750 to $1.79. Cheese barrels were up $0.05 at $1.77. One sale was recorded at that price. …… Continue Reading
New NPB CEO looking to strengthen exports, grow domestic demand
The new CEO of the National Pork Board says expanding market access for U.S. pork is key to driving long-term growth in the industry. David Newman tells Brownfield, “While we’re still pushing on our export demand, which has been a very strong for this business over the last 30 years, we now have a new…… Continue Reading
After years of mandated labor cost increases, ag groups optimistic for new H-2A rule
The U.S. Department of Labor’s interim final rule marks the first major change to how H-2A guest worker rates are determined since the program was established more than 30 years ago. National Council of Agricultural Employers President and CEO Michael Marsh tells Brownfield the organization has been advocating for reforms for more than a decade…… Continue Reading
