The dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois says it’s a record-breaking fall. German Bollero tells Brownfield, “For the first time in 60 years, we’re over 3,000 undergraduate students in the college.” He says, “About 670 freshmen, plus almost 200 transfer students, so very excited about…… Continue Reading
Addressing trade barriers critical for future of U.S. ag exports
A professor at Colorado State University says USMCA renegotiations could be an opportunity to ease trade tensions and expand market access for farmers. Amanda Countryman says Mexico and Canada remain two of the largest U.S. agricultural trading partners. But, “There has been a lack of progress towards improved U.S. market access in general around the…… Continue Reading
Iowa corn farmer says fungicide helped offset southern rust pressure
A southwest Iowa farmer says he’s cautiously optimistic about his corn crop despite some disease pressure that developed throughout the growing season. Lee Brooke tells Brownfield southern rust was prevalent heading into fall. “We had a lot of southern rust move in this summer like a lot of the area and Midwest did,” he said.…… Continue Reading
Low feed costs, strong prices drive profits for Iowa cattle producer
A southwest Iowa cattle producer says 2025 has been a profitable year. Lee Brooke from Clarinda says he’s hopeful market prices will remain favorable through winter. “Feeder calf market is staying real hot,” he said. “Personally, we weaned our about three weeks ago, we’re getting them going good now, all worked, in the building, and…… Continue Reading
Unseasonably warm weather expected to continue across Eastern Corn Belt
A meteorologist with the National Weather Service says unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of rainfall are expected to continue across the Eastern Corn Belt into October. Logan Clark tells Brownfield, “That pattern has manifested itself for a good chunk of August and has continued into September. We will probably see that continue through at…… Continue Reading
USDA projects slight wheat crop rise in 2025 on higher yields, despite smaller acreage
The USDA says farmers will produce a little more wheat in 2025 than 2024. Production for all types of wheat is seen 1.984 billion billion bushels, less than 1% larger than last year, with an improved national yield, now at 53.3 bushels per acre, expected to cancel out declines in planted and harvested area to…… Continue Reading
Illinois pork leaders advocate for federal visa reform to address workforce gaps
The executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Association says the industry’s labor challenges remain top of mind. Jennifer Tirey says utilization of federal work visa programs remains high. “We’ve seen an uptick in the approval rates for our TN visa program, especially with the Animal Breeder title.” She says, “That’s something that’s really prevalent…… Continue Reading
Minnesota farmers see bushels disappear as soybeans dry in the field
Two Minnesota farmers fear yield is being lost as soybeans dry rapidly in the field. Harmon Wilts farms in the west-central part of the state and says warm and windy conditions have dropped moisture levels into the single digits. “These beans are dry, they’re ready to come out of the field. And we’re losing a…… Continue Reading
USDA reports lower corn and soybean stocks despite slight 2024 crop increases
The USDA says corn and soybean ending stocks at the end of the last marketing year were below a year ago. Corn was reported at 1.532 billion bushels, above pre-report expectations after a modest upward revision to the 2024 crop and with slower fourth quarter usage, but still 13% under this time last year. On…… Continue Reading
Southern rust plagues Iowa crops, harvest will reveal full impact
Iowa was one of several states hit hard by crop diseases during a wet growing season. Ag Secretary Mike Naig tells Brownfield southern rust was widespread. “Is it unprecedented? I would say it was a significant (year), I think it’s going to register as one of the historic ones in terms of disease impact. But…… Continue Reading
