Unseasonably warm weather is slowing the sugarbeet harvest in west-central Minnesota. Noah Hultgren of Raymond says the local beet cooperative typically starts full harvest by the beginning of October. “With the warm weather that we’re having right now, they don’t like to store beets with that warm of temps. So they’re looking to push back…… Continue Reading
CME cash dairy prices mostly higher
Cash dairy prices were mixed, mostly higher at midweek on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as a lower dollar incentivized buyers. Dry whey down $0.0075 at $0.64. Blocks up $0.0350 at $1.7550. Two sales were made at $1.75 and $1.7550. Barrels up $0.0350 at $1.7250. Butter up $0.0150 at $1.7250. Seven sales were made from $1.7250…… Continue Reading
Shutdown could deepen struggles for soybean farmers facing low demand and loan needs
The director of government relations with the Illinois Soybean Association says the organization is concerned that a prolonged government shutdown will make this year even more difficult for producers. Andrew Larson tells Brownfield, “Not having your local FSA office, or local NRCS folks, be able to go into work and do their jobs and help…… Continue Reading
Ethanol production falls, but solid demand and profitable margins offer optimism for farmers
Ethanol production drifted lower last week as producers continued seasonal maintenance. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 995,000 barrels per day, falling 29,000 on the week as plants prepare for more new crop corn deliveries and 20,000 on the year. That was the first daily average below a million barrels per day since…… Continue Reading
Brazil’s competitive advantage in soybean production is concerning
An assistant professor at Purdue University says Brazil’s competitive advantage in soybean production is concerning for U.S. farmers. Joana Colussi says the U.S. continues to lose market share at a rapid pace. “Around 75 percent of exports from Brazil went to China,” she says. “Just in August, 85 percent of their total soybeans sold went…… Continue Reading
Gov’t shutdown halts USDA loans, reports, and farm program payments
The USDA has temporarily furloughed nearly half of its employees as part of the government shutdown, and an ag lobbyist says that will impact some farm programs. Randy Russell with the Russell Group tells Brownfield… “As we understand it, ARC/PLC, mandatory conservation programs, any payment that’s scheduled to go out right now will be temporarily…… Continue Reading
Illinois agronomist warns of corn stalk deterioration amid heat and disease pressure
An Illinois-based agronomist with Wyffels Hybrids says there are concerns about stalk integrity in this year’s corn crop. Robby Meeker, who covers the central and east central parts of the state, tells Brownfield… “A lot of growers have focused on soybeans the last week to 10 days, and some of this stock quality is really…… Continue Reading
Shifting fertilizer applications to the spring could maximize return on investments
An extension educator says farmers may want to rethink their fertilizer application strategy during a time of record costs. Jenny Brhel with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says research has shown that targeted applications using satellite imagery can reduce fertilizer by 40 to 60 pounds per acre. “The more that we can move nitrogen applications…… Continue Reading
Southern rust and dry weather combine to heighten harvest fire threat
A dry harvest for many growers means fire danger is increasing. Iowa State University Extension agronomist Angie Rieck-Hinz says disease pressure resulted in a premature end to the corn crop in north Iowa. “We really need to be thinking about fire safety in fields. Things are exceptionally dry, this crop is really dusty (and) dirty…… Continue Reading
Short-term funding bill fails to keep government open, USDA now half staffed
A member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee says he’s optimistic lawmakers can come together to reopen the government. About 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed with the shutdown, and Michigan Republican John Molenaar tells Brownfield. “For what period of time we don’t yet know.” He says the shutdown could have been avoided if the…… Continue Reading
